Top 10 Universities In The US Without the GRE

The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized examination for postgraduate and doctoral degree programs in Canada and the United States. The United States is an abode to top-ranking universities that offer specialization in Master’s programs without GRE scores. This is a computer-based multiple-choice examination that covers the important topics of quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning & analytical writing skills of the students. The examination is conducted to evaluate candidates based on their analytical writing skills, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning skills. 

Many universities in the USA offer brilliant academic programs to students without the GRE requirement. GRE is a standardized test designed by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to provide technical master’s degrees in countries such as the USA. This blog on Top 10 Universities In The US Without GRE helps you to choose the best universities in the United States that accept admission without the GRE. You can select the best program that helps you secure optional practical training and valuable job opportunities after your graduation.

Top 10 Universities in the US without the GRE

The GRE examination, however, has become less important in terms of university admissions. According to The Journal of Higher Education, the importance of the GRE examination significantly decreases during the three intakes: Summer (May to August), Spring (January to April), and Fall (September to December). These are the top 10 universities in the US without the GRE for international students to pursue their advanced studies in US universities without appearing in the GRE examination. 

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The university accepts admission without GRE scores, which is a necessary criterion for admission in graduate programs. Massachusetts Institute of Technology was founded in the year 1861, and it is renowned globally for engineering and computer science programs. The submission of GRE scores is not mandatory for graduate programs. 

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2. Harvard University

Being a private Ivy League research institution, Harvard University is the oldest higher education institution based in the USA. The university operates across three different campuses, comprising the best academic faculties and a USD 53 billion endowment. GRE scores are not required to get admission to Harvard University. The university grants admission to international students without requiring them to clear the GRE examination. 

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3. Stanford University

Stanford University is a private research institution based in California. Students & Alumni from this university have earned more than 302 Olympic medals and 74 living billionaires. If you want to pursue your MS in the USA without the GRE, these are the options the university offers to international students.

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4. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

The California State University is a private research university in California established in the year 1891. The university provides necessary breakthroughs in seismology, space research, and quantum physics. 

Caltech comprises six academic divisions, including applied science and engineering. The university is among the top Universities In USA without GRE for MS for those who want to pursue an MS in the USA without the GRE examination. 

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5. University of California, Berkeley

California University in Berkeley is a prestigious public research institution located in Berkeley, California. The university is recognized for its high research activities and for managing Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

The university offers you numerous opportunities to enroll in its various courses without GRE scores. Check below the course description along with the university particulars. 

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6. University of Chicago

Chicago University is a private research institution in Illinois, which is the largest university press in the USA. A GRE score is necessary to get admission to Chicago University. It is among the list of top Universities In USA without GRE for PhD aspirants as well. This university attracts curious and bright students in a unique academic environment that focuses on research, internships, and extracurricular activities. 

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7. Princeton University

This university is a private Ivy League research university in New Jersey. Princeton University is the fourth oldest institution in the United States, offering undergraduate education. postgraduate & doctoral degree programs. This is the fourth-largest university in the United States, with reputed alumni. Notedly, Woodrow Wilson & James Madison, who are the presidents of the United States, are two notable alumni of the USA. 

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8. Yale University

This is a prestigious private institution in Connecticut whose alumni include ten great founding fathers of the USA. There are fourteen best academic schools in the United States, including Yale Law School & Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. 

Yale is the best university for international students who are looking to get admission in the United States without a GRE score.

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9. Columbia University

Columbia is the oldest higher education institution in New York institution founded in the year 1754. Columbia focuses on providing students with the necessary education on the development of brain-computer interfaces, nuclear magnetic resonance contributions, the first atomic reactor, and masers/lasers. 

The scholars in Columbia greatly contributed to the discovery of continental drift and plate tectonics. The university offers various MS options for international students without requiring the GRE scores. 

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10. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

California University is a public research institution located in California in Los Angeles. It is among the top universities in the USA where there is no requirement for a GRE score. 

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Cheapest Universities in the USA Without the GRE

Many prestigious and popular institutions in the USA offer graduate programs without GRE score requirements at affordable and low tuition fees. The institutions offer education at lower tuition fees than other elite schools, where you receive education with great research opportunities and high-quality faculty with wide access to valuable academic resources. Here is a list of some of the cheapest universities in the USA accepting admissions without the GRE. 

• University of the Cumberlands (Kentucky)
• Valdosta State University (Georgia)
• University of Texas at El Paso (Texas)
• University of Wyoming (Wyoming)
• Wayne State University (Michigan)

The List Of Universities That Waived Off GRE for Fall 2025 also includes prominent institutions like MIT, Harvard, Stanford, and Caltech.

Alternatives to the GRE for Admission to USA Universities

There are many other alternative options & other admission examinations that you can appear for without taking the GRE to get an easy admission in the universities of the USA. 

Some of these important alternative examinations are: 

1. LSAT (Law School Admission Test): LSAT is the primary examination you need to pass for law-related graduate programs, such as dual degree in JD/MBA and LLM. 
2. GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test): GMAT is another alternative for the GRE examination to apply for business graduate programs such as MS in Finance, MIM, or MBA.
3. MCAT (Medical College Admission Test): This is an important examination that you need to pass while applying to medical & healthcare-related programs such as healthcare administration, public health, MD, and biomedical sciences.
4. Subject-Specific Tests: The students can specialize in various graduate programs in the field of arts and humanities. MAT (Miller Analogies Test) is an alternative exam you may use to apply for humanities courses in the universities of the United States. 
5. GRE Waivers or No Eligibility Exam: The students can waive the GRE examination if they have a high GPA, relevant professional experience, and a solid academic record that acts as an equivalent eligibility for admissions.

How to Apply to Universities in the USA Without the GRE?

Most of the universities in the USA allow students to apply for admission without a GRE. The requirement for the GRE program is waived for various programs in the universities of the United States. These are the essential steps that you need to follow to apply to universities in the USA without the GRE scores. 

• Academic Research Initiatives - Identify universities and programs that waive the GRE requirement. Verify their admission criteria by consulting their official websites.
• Submission Document Requirements - Assemble all essential application components, including official transcripts, letters of recommendation, a well-crafted statement of purpose, an updated resume, and any supplementary materials specified by the program.
• Verify GRE Waiver Policy - Thoroughly review the program’s admission policy to ensure it either formally exempts GRE requirements or designates them as non-mandatory. Institution-specific policies may permit GRE requirement exemptions for candidates demonstrating exceptional academic performance or substantial professional expertise.
• Application Form Submission- You must complete the university’s application form in full, with no errors in personal, academic, or professional information.
• Submit Supporting Documentation- You must submit official academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and all other specified documents without exception.
• Application Fee Payment- The application fee must be paid unless a waiver is granted. Fee waivers are only available for verified financial need. You can confirm exact fees on the official website. 
• Monitor Your Application Status- Regularly check your application status via the university’s online portal and promptly address any follow-up requests for interviews or supplementary documentation.

Scholarships for Universities in the USA Without the GRE

As an international student, you can also be among those who receive substantial financial assistance to help cover your education expenses. More than 20% of students in the USA in the year 2023 stated that their university was their main source of funding. This is a quick overview of the scholarships offered by US universities without requiring the GRE examination. 

• AAUW International Fellowships
• Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
• Fulbright Foreign Student Program

Why Study in Universities in the USA Without the GRE?

Studying at top universities in the USA without the GRE is a popular option for international students willing to pursue a master’s degree. These are the top reasons why students choose to study in the US universities without appearing for the GRE examination. 

1. Comprehensive Admission Criteria

Many institutions offer more flexible admissions standards, making it easier for you to apply, regardless of your background, and helping create a more diverse and varied student body. 

2. Emphasis on Practical Skills

The students are more focused on evaluating their intellectual curiosity, leadership skills, & practical skills to make a successful career in their desired stream. 

3. Personalised Evaluation

The evaluation of your application will emphasize a comprehensive assessment of your academic trajectory and demonstrated potential, rather than prioritizing standardized test results.

4. Reduced Test Pressure 

Preparation for the GRE examination can be difficult for students. Admission without the GRE reduces the pressure of examinations on international students. The low stress enables them to give better productivity in their work.

Conclusion 

The United States is an abode to top-ranking universities that offer specialization in Master’s programs without GRE scores. The GRE is just one of many hurdles that international students encounter. From writing strong Statements of Purpose (SOPs) and creating standout CVs to choosing the right program and handling financial limitations, the entire process can be overwhelming. Consult the experts of Jagvimal Consultants to select the best university from the list of top 10 Universities In the US without the GRE. From understanding university requirements to securing financial aid, we offer personalized support to help make your dream of studying in the USA a reality.​​​​