Schools that Always Waive the GRE
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test that is used to assess whether a student is ready for graduate-level college coursework. The GRE General Test has three parts that include a verbal reasoning, a quantitative reasoning, and an analytical writing section. Typically, GRE scores are just one part of the application process, and admission committees also take into consideration undergraduate academic experience, professional experience, letters of recommendation, and other achievements.
However, there has recently been a movement to eliminate the GRE requirement from the graduate admissions process for both on-campus and online degree programs due to the fact that standardized tests disadvantage minority students and aren't always a good indicator of future academic success.
If you are unable to take the GRE or are just researching schools that have no GRE requirements, we're here to help. Study.com's rankings are unique in that they emphasize accessibility, affordability, and quality of education, which we considered the most important attributes in our ranking lists.
1. Johnson & Wales University - Providence
| Location | Graduate Tuition & Fees (in-state) | Policy in Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Providence, Rhode Island | $12,636 | Always Waived |
Since 1914, Johnson & Wales University-Providence has been preparing students for careers in fields of business, hospitality, health, culinary arts, and many more. Students at this university benefit from experiential learning experiences within their fields with over 1000 internship sites throughout 42 states and 26 countries. This university offers a number of notable graduate programs that include online, on-campus, and hybrid options, and students can earn a master's degree in criminal justice, counseling, business, or teacher education among others. Most of the graduate programs at Johnson & Wales University - Providence do not require the submission of GRE scores. However, applicants to the business or hospitality management programs who do not meet the minimum GPA requirement can submit GRE scores and still be considered for admission.
2. Trine University
| Location | Graduate Tuition & Fees (in-state) | Policy in Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Angola, Indiana | $9,900 | Waived for Select Programs |
The students at Trine University benefit from a small 15:1 student faculty ratio, opportunities for hands-on learning, and a cozy 450-acre campus with state-of-the-art facilities. This university offers several career-enhancing graduate degrees, some of which feature an online format, and student can study fields of business, engineering, information science, and more. There are two graduate programs at Trine University that require GRE scores and do not offer waivers, which are the Doctor of Physical Therapy program and the Master of Physician Assistant Studies programs. Other online programs, such as the MBA, criminal justice, and organizational leadership programs, waive the GRE for students who have graduated from a regionally accredited university.
3. Missouri Western State University
| Location | Graduate Tuition & Fees (in-state) | Policy in Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Saint Joseph, Missouri | $7,370 | Always Waived |
Missouri Western State University has a long tradition of offering student-centered education programs, and it has a diverse student body with students from all over the U.S. and from over 30 countries. Missouri Western State University has a handful of phenomenal master's degrees, including options in business, cybersecurity, forensic investigation, nursing, and differentiated instruction. These wonderful programs have no GRE requirements. However, MBA program applicants must either have completed certain AACSB-accredited courses or have completed a Missouri Western State University online bridge module. If not, they must submit GRE or GMAT scores.
4. Park University
| Location | Graduate Tuition & Fees (in-state) | Policy in Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Parkville, Missouri | $5,917 | Always Waived |
Park University boasts a 700-acre wooded campus in the heart of the historic city of Parkville, which is just mere minutes away from Kansas City. This university also has 41 campuses throughout the country and offers a number of remarkable online program options as well. At the graduate level, Park University offers several graduate certificates in everything from business analytics to public accounting as well as impressive master's degrees in social work, national security studies, music performance and more. Remarkably, these graduate programs have no GRE requirements.
5. Marymount California University
| Location | Graduate Tuition & Fees (in-state) | Policy in Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Rancho Palos Verdes, California | $14,325 | Always Waived |
Marymount California University is a university that is proud of its smallness, as it allows them to give students a truly personalized education where they can connect with faculty, enjoy classes that average 17 students, and can also take the exact classes they need to graduate. Marymount California University also offers students the opportunity to gain real-world experience through internships at such organizations as Disney, DreamWorks, and the US Marshals Service. This university offers a flexible MBA program that can be completed in only one year through a hybrid format that includes online and in-person classes, and no GRE scores are needed in order to apply.
| Rank | School Name | Location | Graduate Tuition & Fees (in-state) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Rivier University | Nashua, NH | $10,925 |
| 7 | Concordia University Texas | Austin, TX | $10,455 |
| 8 | Notre Dame de Namur University | Belmont, CA | $16,696 |
| 9 | National University | La Jolla, CA | $15,480 |
| 10 | Point Park University | Pittsburgh, PA | $17,280 |
| 11 | University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | Pittsburgh, PA | $23,696 |
| 12 | City University of Seattle | Seattle, WA | $15,450 |
| 13 | National Louis University | Chicago, IL | $12,096 |
| 14 | Adler University | Chicago, IL | $33,252 |
| 15 | Fisher College | Boston, MA | $25,678 |
Schools that Conditionally Waive the GRE
There are number of schools that have select graduate programs with no GRE requirements or offer GRE waivers if applicant meets certain criteria, such as having a specific undergraduate GPA or work experience.
In our research of schools that conditionally waive the GRE, we examined data from the U.S. Department of Education about student retention, cost of tuition, and other statistics as well as information about the diversity of the graduate programs offered and individual GRE admission policies. Below, you can explore the top schools that conditionally waive the GRE.
1. Butler University
| Location | Graduate Tuition & Fees (in-state) | Policy in Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis, Indiana | $11,298 | No GRE or Waivers for Select Programs |
Founded by abolitionists in 1885, Butler University has always been ahead of the times, admitting African-American students and women students before most other institutions. With a dedication to experiential learning through internships and community service, Butler University offers a number of outstanding graduate degrees in the fields of education, counseling, creative writing, and accounting. A limited number of programs at Butler University offer GRE waivers, including the Master of Risk and Insurance program for applicants with work experience and the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program for applicants with work experience, a 3.2 GPA, and professional certifications. In addition, due to COVID-19, those with at least a 3.0 GPA do not need to submit scores for the Fall 2020 term. Other programs, such as the Master's in Management (MiM) degree, don't require scores for students who have a 3.0 GPA or higher.
2. Kansas State University
| Location | Graduate Tuition & Fees (in-state) | Policy in Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Manhattan, Kansas | $11,069 | Waived/Waiver for Select Program |
Founded in 1863, Kansas State University has evolved into a world-class institution that offers over 165 graduate degree and certificate programs, with 97% of master's degree graduates finding a job within six months of graduation. The outstanding graduate programs at Kansas State University have unique GRE requirements, with some programs only recommending GRE scores but not requiring them and other programs offering GRE waivers or waiving them if applicants meet certain criteria. For example, the electrical and computer engineering program waives GRE scores for students with an ABET-accredited degree, and the Master of Public Health offers a waiver to applicants who have a graduate/professional degree or are earning a Graduate Certificate for Public Health Core Concepts.
3. University of Mississippi
| Location | Graduate Tuition & Fees (in-state) | Policy in Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Oxford, Mississippi | $8,660 | Limited Waivers |
With a history dating back to 1848, the University of Mississippi, or Ole Miss, has evolved into a research-driven institution that now has an enrollment of 24,000+ students. Ole Miss offers graduate programs in everything from taxation to journalism. Typically, a limited number of programs offer GRE waivers, including the MBA programs, which offer waivers to applicants with a master's degree or higher or applicants with at least five years of work experience. However, due to COVID-19, a number of other graduate programs are waiving GRE testing requirements for the Fall 2020 term, including the anthropology, civil engineering, sociology, and music programs.
4. University of Nebraska - Lincoln
| Location | Graduate Tuition & Fees (in-state) | Policy in Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln, Nebraska | $7,588 | Waived/Waiver for Select Programs |
The University of Nebraska - Lincoln is a Carnegie R1 university and a member of both the Big Ten Conference and the Big Ten Academic Alliance. Programs offered at this world-class university include countless graduate degrees in such fields as accounting, educational psychology, English, theatre arts, and much more. The University of Nebraska - Lincoln's graduate programs have varying GRE requirements: some programs, such as the creative writing program, do not require test scores, and other programs, such as the chemical & biomolecular programs, do not require scores from University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduates. Other programs make submitting GRE scores optional or offer a waiver to applicants with a graduate/terminal degree or professional experience.
5. University of Dayton
| Location | Graduate Tuition & Fees (in-state) | Policy in Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Dayton, Ohio | $16,700 | Waived/Waiver for Select Programs |
With truly small beginnings in 1850 that included 14 students, one building, and one farm, the University of Dayton has since grown into an internationally-acclaimed Catholic institution that serves over 11,000+ students each year. This university has a robust offering of distinguished graduate programs in such areas as school counseling, pastoral ministry, finance, and mathematics. A number of University of Dayton graduate programs have no GRE requirements, including the electrical engineering, theological studies, and mechanical engineering programs, however, applicants are still welcome to submit scores if they wish. The MBA program also offers a GRE waiver to applicants with a 3.0 GPA or three years of work experience.
6. Oklahoma City University
| Location | Graduate Tuition & Fees (in-state) | Policy in Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | $12,870 | Limited Waivers |
Oklahoma City University, a private, urban college sitting on a beautiful 104-acre campus, is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and offers a personalized education where students enjoy a 11:1 student to faculty ratio. This university offers several graduate programs in areas like nursing, law, education, and music. Some of Oklahoma City University's graduate programs offer waivers based on academic experience or professional achievement. The Master of Science in Energy Management waives test scores requirements for some applicants with specific work experience and academic history, while some PhD programs may accept a scholar paper or published article in lieu of GRE scores.
7. Wichita State University
| Location | Graduate Tuition & Fees (in-state) | Policy in Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Wichita, Kansas | $6,904 | Waivers for Select Programs |
Wichita State University is a fast-growing institution that has doubled the size of its Wichita-based campus in the last four years. Currently, this school offers more than 40 notable master's degrees in subjects ranging from public health/aging studies to music composition as well as 12 career-enhancing doctoral programs. Several of these programs have no GRE requirements, such as the sports management and aging studies programs. There are also a few graduate programs that may waive the GRE testing requirement for specific students, including the MBA program and the Master of Health Administration (MHA) program. For the MHA program, students must have three years of managerial-level work experience or must be a Wichita State University graduate with a 3.5 GPA.
8. University of New Haven
| Location | Graduate Tuition & Fees (in-state) | Policy in Effect |
|---|---|---|
| West Haven, Connecticut | $16,690 | Waived/Waiver for Select Programs |
For over 100 years, the University of New Haven has been providing students a personal educational experience that includes a small campus, an interdisciplinary curriculum, and plenty of co-curricular activities that take students out of the classroom. While the online graduate programs at the University of New Haven do not require GRE scores, certain on-campus programs do. For example, the accounting, finance, MBA, and sports management programs require GRE scores but also offer GRE waivers for applicants with an advanced degree, professional license, a 3.3 GPA or higher, or five years of work experience. Additionally, the GRE is optional for applicants to the computer science, data science, and several other programs if they have graduated from a regionally accredited US college.
9. University of Oklahoma
| Location | Graduate Tuition & Fees (in-state) | Policy in Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Norman, Oklahoma | $8,577 | Waivers for Select Programs |
The University of Oklahoma is a Carnegie R1 research university that is home to the National Weather Center. Graduate program offerings include degrees in business, civil engineering, history, and political science. The University of Oklahoma has a number of graduate programs that offer GRE waivers to students. These programs include the anthropology program (which invites applicants to ask about a waiver if the GRE is a burden), the Master in Environmental Science program (which waives the GRE for work experience), and the Master of Science in Finance (which offers waivers for applicants with an accredited undergraduate or graduate degree or a terminal degree).
10. California State University - Channel Islands
| Location | Graduate Tuition & Fees (in-state) | Policy in Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Camarillo, California | $8,251 | Waivers for Select Programs |
California State University - Channel Islands is the youngest university in the California State University (CSU) system (founded in 2002), and it is dedicated to providing an international, multicultural, and integrative approach to education. At this university, students are able to earn graduate degrees in educational leadership, computer science, mathematics, and other fields. Select graduate programs at California State University - Channel Islands will waive the GRE testing requirement if applicants meet specific criteria. For example, the biotechnology master's program offers a waiver for applicants with at least a 3.5 GPA, a graduate degree, and/or professional experience. The MBA programs may offer GRE/GMAT waivers to applicants with a 3.0 GPA, five years of work experience, or with a previous graduate degree.
11. The University of Tennessee - Knoxville
| Location | Graduate Tuition & Fees (in-state) | Policy in Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Knoxville, Tennessee | $13,120 | Waivers for Select Programs |
Founded back in 1794, the University of Tennessee - Knoxville is now the flagship institution of the UT System, a Carnegie R1 university, and is home to the UT Space Institute. Graduate students are able to choose from a number of incredible degree programs in animal science, business, computer science, English, and many more. Certain programs at the University of Tennessee - Knoxville will waive GRE requirements for select students. For instance, the Master of Public Health program offers a waiver for applicants who have a terminal or doctoral degree, the Full-Time MBA offers a waiver for active duty military or veterans, and the Aerospace & Defense MBA offers a waiver to those with a 3.0 GPA and 10 years of work experience.
12. University of Idaho
| Location | Graduate Tuition & Fees (in-state) | Policy in Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Moscow, Idaho | $9,352 | Waived for Select Programs |
The University of Idaho has been providing student-centered education since 1889, and it now serves 11,000+ students through its main campus in Moscow and several educational centers throughout the state. This university offers 62 graduate programs in such fields as biology, studio art and design, and anthropology - just to name a few. Many of the graduate programs at the University of Idaho do not require GRE scores at all, but some (like the biology program) do. There are also some programs that offer waivers for select students. For example, the electrical engineering program waives GRE scores for those with an ABET-accredited bachelor's degree, and the animal science program waives GRE scores for those with a master's degree.
13. University of Central Missouri
| Location | Graduate Tuition & Fees (in-state) | Policy in Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Warrensburg, Missouri | $8,067 | Waivers for Select Programs |
With beginnings as a teacher training college (founded in 1871), the University of Central Missouri is now a large, modern university with a 1,561-acre campus that is only 50 miles southeast of Kansas City. The 37 graduate programs feature on-campus and online classes and span fields like aviation safety, communications, special education, and technology. Some of these programs offer GRE waivers to applicants, including the Master of Science in Computer Science program for those with a master's or advanced degree or an accredited computer science-related bachelor's degree with a 3.5 GPA. The MBA program also offers waivers to applicants who are a Beta Gamma Sigma member or have an accredited master's degree, an accredited undergraduate degree with a 3.5 GPA, or an undergraduate degree with a 3.1 GPA and three years of work experience.
14. George Mason University
| Location | Graduate Tuition & Fees (in-state) | Policy in Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Fairfax, Virginia | $15,138 | Waivers for Select Programs |
George Mason University is the largest public research university in Virginia, and it has 37,000+ students that come from over 130 countries. This university offers a diverse and extensive group of 127 graduate degrees, including programs in bioscience, economics, English, history, political science, and much more. Some programs, such as the art history and global affairs programs, have no GRE requirements. There are also several graduate programs that offer GRE waivers. For example, the Master of Science in Management program, the Master of Science in Accounting, and the MBA program offer waivers to applicants with a quantitative background, work experience, and superior academic performance.
15. Southeast Missouri State University
| Location | Graduate Tuition & Fees (in-state) | Policy in Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Girardeau, Missouri | $5,680 | Waived for Select Programs |
Southeast Missouri State University offers students a rich campus life where they are able to participate in music and theatre events, join one or more of the 238 student organizations, or join Greek life. The incredible academic offerings here include over 75 graduate programs. Several of these graduate programs have no GRE requirements, including the criminal justice, history, school counseling, and other programs; however, other programs, like the industrial/organizational psychology and communication disorders programs, will require GRE scores. Further, the MBA program requires either GRE or GMAT scores and only offers a GMAT waiver for applicants who meet certain criteria.
16. Texas A & M University - Kingsville
| Location | Graduate Tuition & Fees (in-state) | Policy in Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Kingsville, Texas | $5,369 | Limited Waivers |
Texas A & M University - Kingsville has the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating university in South Texas and now serves a diverse student body, 62% of which are of Hispanic heritage. At the graduate level, this university offers a number of degrees in such fields as natural gas engineering, human services, adult education, and wildlife science. A very limited number of programs at Texas A & M University - Kingsville offer GRE waivers. One example is the MBA program, which offers a waiver to those with a Texas A & M University - Kingsville bachelor's degree with a 3.5 GPA or higher as well as to those with a master's degree or higher. Currently, due to COVID-19, the MBA program has waived GRE/GMAT requirements for the Summer/Fall 2020 terms for applicants with a 3.0 GPA. Programs housed in the College of Education and Human Performance and the College of Engineering have also waived GRE requirements due to COVID-19.
17. University of Michigan - Dearborn
| Location | Graduate Tuition & Fees (in-state) | Policy in Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Dearborn, Michigan | $12,920 | Waivers for Select Programs |
University of Michigan - Dearborn traces its history back to a 200-acre gift from the Ford Motor Company in 1959, and now it is home to an inclusive student body represented by over 50 countries. This university has more than 50 graduate programs in everything from education to marketing. Several of these University of Michigan - Dearborn graduate programs don't require GRE scores for admissions, including the environmental science, bioengineering, criminology and criminal justice, and applied and computational mathematics programs. Certain programs, such as the psychology program, offers waivers on a case-by-case basis, and the MBA program offers a waiver to applicants based on a number of factors that include holding a graduate degree, having professional certification, having three year of work experience and a 3.2 GPA, or meeting other standards.
18. Middle Tennessee State University
| Location | Graduate Tuition & Fees (in-state) | Policy in Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Murfreesboro, Tennessee | $9,864 | Waivers for Select Programs |
Middle Tennessee State University strives to give students an affordable, high-quality education, and, as such, has one of the lowest tuition rates in the state. With a beginning as a teacher training college in 1909, this university now offers 300+ undergraduate and graduate programs with master's degrees in English, business, criminal justice, sociology, and more. Certain programs, such as the clinical mental health counseling and school counseling programs, waive GRE requirements with applicants with a 3.5 GPA, and the MBA program offers GRE/GMAT waivers for those with an undergraduate 3.0 GPA, an undergraduate 2.75 GPA plus five years of work experience, or a graduate or professional degree. Due to COVID-19, a number of other programs, including the English, public health, and social work programs, are offering GRE waivers for the Summer/Fall 2020 terms.
19. West Virginia University
| Location | Graduate Tuition & Fees (in-state) | Policy in Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Morgantown, West Virginia | $9,990 | Waivers for Select Programs |
West Virginia University has a diverse student body made up of 29,900+ students from all 50 states and 118 nations. This Carnegie R1 university offers a ton of outstanding graduate degrees in the fields such as acting, epidemiology, finance, nursing, and painting. Many of these top-notch graduate programs offer GRE waivers if applicants meet certain criteria. For example, the Master of Public Administration program offers waivers to applicants with a 3.4 undergraduate GPA, a graduate degree, or five years of managerial experience, while the Master of Science in Economics offers waivers to West Virginia University students with a 3.5 GPA or applicants with five years of work experience. The business data analytics, business cybersecurity management, chemistry, and political science programs also offer GRE waivers.
20. Kent State University
| Location | Graduate Tuition & Fees (in-state) | Policy in Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Kent, Ohio | $11,536 | Waivers for Select Programs |
At Kent State University at Kent, students benefit from learning from a diverse faculty that includes 16+ Pulitzer Prize Winners - and 70% of them have the highest degree in their field. At the graduate level, Kent State University at Kent offers on-campus and online degrees in everything from architecture and environmental design to theatre studies. A limited number of this university's graduate programs offer GRE waivers, including the online Master of Public Health degree (for applicants with a 3.5 GPA, work experience, or a master's in a health field or doctoral degree) and the Full-Time MBA program (for those with a 3.2 GPA and who have completed quantitative courses). However, due to COVID-19, many other graduate programs are temporarily waiving GRE requirements, including the history, physics, sociology, English, and computer science programs.
21. Oklahoma State University - Main Campus
| Location | Graduate Tuition & Fees (in-state) | Policy in Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Stillwater, Oklahoma | $8,460 | Waivers for Select Programs |
With 24,600+ students from all 50 states and 100+ countries, Oklahoma State University - Main Campus is a big-time university nestled in one of the friendliest towns, Stillwater. This university has an extensive offering of 79 master's degrees and 45 doctoral degrees in the fields of counseling, engineering, teaching, and much more. A number of these wonderful graduate programs do not require GRE scores for applicants, including the philosophy, chemistry, and English programs. GRE waivers are not widely offered; however, the online Master of Science in Business Analytics and Data Science waives the GRE requirement for applicants with five years of work experience, and the MBA program accepts the GMAT in place of the GRE.
22. Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
| Location | Graduate Tuition & Fees (in-state) | Policy in Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge, Louisiana | $13,023 | Waivers for Select Programs |
With a history dating back to the early 1800s, Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College has been offering students world-class educations for decades, and alumni of this institution include astronauts and NBA all-stars. Offered here are distinguished doctoral degrees in more than 50 fields and preeminent master's degrees in 72 fields. Several of these graduate programs offer GRE waivers based on certain criteria, including the Master of Library and Information Science, the Executive Flores MBA, and the Professional Flores MBA. Additionally, because of COVID-19, several other programs are waiving GRE requirements for Fall 2020, and these include the Master of Public Administration program and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program.
23. Santa Clara University
| Location | Graduate Tuition & Fees (in-state) | Policy in Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Clara, California | $24,144 | Waivers for Select Programs |
Founded in 1851, Santa Clara University has the distinction of being the oldest operating higher learning institution in the state of California. Educating students in the Jesuit tradition, this university is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of technology and engaging with the community. The impressive graduate offerings include degrees in engineering, business, law, and theology. There are numerous graduate programs at Santa Clara University that offer GRE waivers. For example, the Online Master of Legal Studies offers waivers to qualified applicants and the Online Master of Science in Marketing offers one to applicants with a master's/doctorate degree, a quantitative-focused undergraduate degree with a 3.0 GPA, or management experience. Certain business programs and engineering programs offer conditional waivers as well.
24. The University of Texas at Dallas
| Location | Graduate Tuition & Fees (in-state) | Policy in Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Richardson, Texas | $13,458 | Waivers for Select Programs |
The University of Texas at Dallas is a top research university with 20,900+ students who are all earning phenomenal degrees in such fields as accounting, political science, performing arts, and engineering. The impressive graduate programs housed within the School of Arts & Humanities and the School of Arts, Technology, and Emerging Communication do not require GRE scores. Additionally, select program may offer GRE waivers to qualified applicants, including the Full-Time MBA program for applicants with a doctoral degree. The Professional MBA also considers waivers for those with specific undergraduate degrees and GPAs, and the business-focused Master of Science programs also allow conditional GRE waivers.
25. Washington State University
| Location | Graduate Tuition & Fees (in-state) | Policy in Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Pullman, Washington | $12,802 | Waivers for Select Programs |
Washington State University is a research-driven institution that has made important advances in the fields of clean energy, security, and food production. This university also has an extensive graduate degree offering with 78 master's programs and 65 esteemed doctoral programs. Several of these graduate programs do not require GRE scores, including programs housed within the Department of Mathematics and some engineering programs. The MBA program at Washington State University offers a GRE waiver to applicants who have a graduate degree, five years of work experience plus a 3.0 GPA, a STEM degree with a 3.0 GPA, 10 years of work experience, or an accredited business degree with a 3.0 GPA.
| Rank | School Name | Location | Graduate Tuition & Fees (in-state) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | Montclair State University | Montclair, NJ | $12,837 |
| 27 | Rowan University | Glassboro, NJ | $16,360 |
| 28 | St. Mary's University | San Antonio, TX | $17,890 |
| 29 | Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus | Teaneck, NJ | $23,802 |
| 30 | Texas A & M University-College Station | College Station, TX | $9,812 |
| 31 | Clarkson University | Potsdam, NY | $34,212 |
| 32 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | Madison, WI | $12,010 |
| 33 | University of North Florida | Jacksonville, FL | $10,367 |
| 34 | University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | Cincinnati, OH | $14,468 |
| 35 | Lewis University | Romeoville, IL | $14,550 |
| 36 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Charlotte, NC | $7,378 |
| 37 | New England College | Henniker, NH | $13,560 |
| 38 | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, IL | $18,126 |
| 39 | Drexel University | Philadelphia, PA | $34,995 |
| 40 | Lamar University | Beaumont, TX | $8,174 |
| 41 | Pfeiffer University | Misenheimer, NC | $12,024 |
| 42 | University of North Texas | Denton, TX | $7,338 |
| 43 | Villanova University | Villanova, PA | $19,005 |
| 44 | West Texas A & M University | Canyon, TX | $6,733 |
| 45 | University of California-Davis | Davis, CA | $13,570 |
| 46 | New Mexico State University-Main Campus | Las Cruces, NM | $5,427 |
| 47 | California State University-San Bernardino | San Bernardino, CA | $8,356 |
| 48 | San Jose State University | San Jose, CA | $9,230 |
| 49 | California State University-Sacramento | Sacramento, CA | $8,744 |
| 50 | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | Milwaukee, WI | $11,884 |
| 51 | Stony Brook University | Stony Brook, NY | $13,007 |
| 52 | Pace University | New York, NY | $31,462 |
| 53 | University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | $12,737 |
| 54 | University of Virginia-Main Campus | Charlottesville, VA | $18,848 |
| 55 | CUNY City College | New York, NY | $11,082 |
| 56 | The University of Texas at Austin | Austin, TX | $11,742 |
| 57 | Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | $10,080 |
| 58 | Stevens Institute of Technology | Hoboken, | $37,250 |
| 59 | Florida International University | Miami, FL | $11,097 |
| 60 | Boston College | Chestnut Hill, MA | $29,512 |
| 61 | Pepperdine University | Malibu, CA | $33,820 |
| 62 | Lehigh University | Bethlehem, PA | $27,130 |
| 63 | University of the Pacific | Stockton, CA | $47,952 |
| 64 | Texas State University | San Marcos, TX | $8,449 |
| 65 | University of Bridgeport | Bridgeport, CT | $20,900 |
| 66 | University of Denver | Denver, CO | $9,311 |
| 67 | American University | Washington, DC | $31,446 |
| 68 | Northeastern University | Boston, MA | $24,309 |
| 69 | Southern Methodist University | Dallas, TX | $47,024 |
| 70 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor, MI | $23,456 |
| 71 | Northeastern Illinois University | Chicago, IL | $8,557 |
| 72 | University of Rochester | Rochester, NY | $40,328 |
| 73 | Rice University | Houston, TX | $38,438 |
| 74 | Vanderbilt University | Nashville, TN | $47,686 |
| 75 | Duke University | Durham, NC | $54,712 |
| 76 | Columbia University in the City of New York | New York, NY | $48,390 |
| 77 | Boston University | Boston, MA | $53,572 |
| 78 | Northwestern University | Evanston, IL | $54,620 |
| 79 | Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, MD | $55,816 |
| 80 | Harrisburg University of Science and Technology | Harrisburg, PA | $7,200 |
Schools Waiving the GRE for COVID-19
Because with all the other uncertainty and closures that came with the initial outbreak of COVID-19 and the continuing effects many are still experiencing, several universities altered their graduate admission policy in order to accommodate students who were or are currently unable to take the GRE. Some schools have waived their GRE requirements altogether, while others are offering temporary GRE waivers.
Below, we've put together a list of the top schools that are adjusting their GRE policy due to COVID-19, basing our decision on data taken from the US Department of Education as well as information about tuition cost, student graduation rates, and student retention numbers.
1. University of South Dakota
| Location | Graduate Tuition & Fees (in-state) | Policy in Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Vermillion, South Dakota | $6,835 | Waived for Summer/Fall 2020 |
The University of South Dakota is the state's oldest university (founded in 1862), and it now enrolls 10,000+ students each year. This university offers over 78 notable graduate programs, including options in the fields of business, criminal justice studies, art, education, and law. Typically, select programs may have GRE requirements; however, due to COIVD-19 and testing closure, the University of South Dakota has announced that GRE requirements will be waived for the Summer/Fall 2020 terms.
2. University of Southern Mississippi
| Location | Graduate Tuition & Fees (in-state) | Policy in Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Hattiesburg, Mississippi | $8,624 | Waived for Summer/Fall 2020, Spring 2021 |
As a Carnegie R1 research institution, the University of Southern Mississippi is dedicated to cutting-edge research projects centering on everything from sports venue safety to ocean science. Graduate students are able to earn first-rate degrees in audiology, creative writing, geology, marine science, and many more fields. Normally, some graduate programs require GRE scores as part of the admissions process, but the University of Southern Mississippi's Graduate School will be offering standardized test waivers, including for the GRE, for Summer/Fall 2020 and Spring 2021.
3. University of New Hampshire - Main Campus
| Location | Graduate Tuition & Fees (in-state) | Policy in Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Durham, New Hampshire | $15,935 | Temporary Waivers |
The University of New Hampshire - Main Campus is the flagship university of the state of New Hampshire and a Carnegie R1 research institution that has been serving its students for over 150 years. The diverse and extensive graduate offerings at this university include degree programs in accounting, elementary education, hydrology, and social work - just to name a few. If applicants are unable to take the GRE due to COVID-19 issues, the University of New Hampshire - Main Campus is offering a test score waiver, which will need to be approved by the department the applicant is applying to, and scores may be required if the applicant is admitted.
4. Auburn University
| Location | Graduate Tuition & Fees (in-state) | Policy in Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Auburn, Alabama | $11,282 | Waived for Summer/Fall 2020, Spring 2021 |
With roots dating back to 1865, Auburn University has evolved into a powerhouse institution that offers over 150 majors and enrolls 30,000+ students annually. With a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students at this Carnegie R1 research institution can enjoy earning world-class master's and doctoral degrees in aerospace engineering, counseling, economic, sociology, and much more. Currently, Auburn University is temporarily waiving the GRE for most programs for the Summer/Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 admissions cycle. Instead, the university will take a holistic approach to reviewing applications, basing their decisions on applicants' academic and professional accomplishments.
5. University of Colorado - Colorado Springs
| Location | Graduate Tuition & Fees (in-state) | Policy in Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs, Colorado | $13,206 | Temporary Waivers for Select Programs |
The University of Colorado - Colorado Springs welcomes students from all 50 states and over 82 other countries where they are earning noteworthy degrees in chemistry, health promotion, criminal justice, accounting, and in a range of other fields. This university's student body is also diverse with 20% affiliated with the military and 34% identifying as belonging to a marginal population. Certain graduate programs at the University of Colorado - Colorado Springs are temporarily waiving GRE requirements for the Summer/Fall 2020 admission cycles due to COVID-19. These programs include the accounting, MBA, and computer science programs; however, students may have to submit GRE scores by the end of the Fall 2020 semester, if accepted.
6. Austin Peay State University
| Location | Graduate Tuition & Fees (in-state) | Policy in Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Clarksville, Tennessee | $9,345 | Test Optional for Summer/Fall 2020 |
With an enrollment of 11,000+ students, Austin Peay State University is a fast-growing institution that offers 49 eminent bachelor's program and 25 notable graduate programs. With busy, working students in mind, 75% of the graduate programs are offered in an online format and are completely flexible, including the history, computer science, and healthcare administration master's degrees. Austin Peay State University is adopting a test-optional policy for the Summer/Fall 2020 terms and will waive the GRE requirement while still allowing students to submit scores, if they so wish.
7. Reinhardt University
| Location | Graduate Tuition & Fees (in-state) | Policy in Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Waleska, Georgia | $8,932 | Waived for Summer/Fall 2020 |
Founded in 1883, Reinhardt University has constantly provided its students with personalized educations and challenging degree programs that fully prepare them for their future careers. This university offers over 40 illustrious undergraduate degree programs as well as outstanding master's degrees in teaching, business, elementary education, creative writing, public administration, and sport administration/leadership. Due to the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, Reinhardt University will temporarily alter their admissions policies for Summer/Fall 2020, and applicants with a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited school and who meet a GPA requirement can have the GRE test score requirement waived.
8. William Carey University
| Location | Graduate Tuition & Fees (in-state) | Policy in Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Hattiesburg, Mississippi | $9,180 | Waived |
With a history dating back to 1892, William Carey University has existed as a boarding school and a women's college before become a coeducational institution in 1954. Now, this modern university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degrees in on-campus and online formats. Student will be able to enhance their careers with master's degrees in dyslexia therapy, nursing, music education, and much more. While certain graduate programs usually require GRE scores, due to COVID-19 and until further notice, William Carey University has paused their GRE requirement.
9. Bowling Green State University - Main Campus
| Location | Graduate Tuition & Fees (in-state) | Policy in Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green, Ohio | $9,831 | Waived for Summer/Fall 2020 |
Bowling Green State University - Main Campus sits on a 1,338-acre residential campus that is just 30 minutes south of Toledo and enrolls over 19,000+ students who benefit from an 18:1 student to faculty ratio. This university offers a diverse variety of graduate degrees in the fields of psychology, educational leadership, music theory, social work, and theatre - just to name a few - and many programs are 100% online as well. Bowling Green State University - Main Campus has adjusted the graduate admission policy and will temporarily waive GRE requirements for students applying to both graduate master's and certificates programs for Summer/Fall 2020 terms.
10. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
| Location | Graduate Tuition & Fees (in-state) | Policy in Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Edinburg, Texas | $6,889 | Waived for Summer/Fall 2020 |
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is a relatively new institution that was created in 2013 to serve students in the Rio Grande Valley and beyond. This university has an advanced School of Medicine that trains over 200 medical students and 200 residents annually as well as administers 13 hospital-based training programs throughout the region. Other first-rate graduate offerings at this school include programs in bilingual education, creative writing, experimental psychology, and music. As a response to COVID-19, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley has made changes to its graduate program admission policy and is temporarily suspending GRE and GMAT requirements for online and on-campus programs for the Summer/Fall 2020 terms.
| Rank | School Name | Location | Graduate Tuition & Fees (in-state) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Texas Tech University | Lubbock, TX | $8,015 |
| 12 | Louisiana Tech University | Ruston, LA | $9,603 |
| 13 | The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | $10,780 |
| 14 | The University of Texas at San Antonio | San Antonio, TX | $7,564 |
| 15 | Mississippi State University | Starkville, MS | $8,650 |
| 16 | Illinois Institute of Technology | Chicago, IL | $30,752 |
| 17 | University of Houston | Houston, TX | $9,216 |
| 18 | Florida State University | Tallahassee, FL | $11,553 |
| 19 | Mississippi College | Clinton, MS | $11,630 |
| 20 | California State University-Long Beach | Long Beach, CA | $8,232 |
| 21 | Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester, NY | $45,808 |
| 22 | Baylor University | Waco, TX | $34,146 |
| 23 | Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | $29,584 |
| 24 | University of Notre Dame | Notre Dame, IN | $53,218 |
