GradsMatch

    Guide

    Master's Programs Without the GRE

    A continuously updated list of master's programs that don't require the GRE. Filter by field, modality, and tuition. Data sourced from official university pages.

    Last updated: April 17, 2026

    Until ~2018, virtually every US master's program required the GRE. The pandemic accelerated a quiet shift: programs paused testing requirements in 2020, found their admit cohorts performed just as well, and made the change permanent. By 2026, hundreds of programs across STEM, business, and social science have dropped the GRE entirely or made it optional.

    We're currently auditing test requirements across our 6,774 programs. The list below will populate as we verify each program's official policy. Bookmark this page and check back - we update it weekly.

    Frequently asked questions

    How many master's programs in the US don't require the GRE?
    A growing number - particularly in computer science, data science, and online programs. The shift accelerated after 2020 when many programs dropped GRE requirements during the pandemic and never reinstated them. The list above shows current programs in our database that have explicitly waived or made the GRE optional.
    Will applying without a GRE score hurt my chances?
    If a program lists the GRE as 'not required' or 'optional,' adcoms are increasingly evaluating applications without test scores rather than penalizing applicants who don't submit. That said, a strong GRE score can still strengthen a borderline application - especially for funded programs or competitive PhD tracks. Submit if you scored well; skip if you didn't.
    Are no-GRE programs less competitive?
    Not necessarily. Many top-ranked programs (including several Ivy League CS and engineering programs) have made the GRE optional or dropped it entirely. The change reflects research showing GRE scores are weak predictors of grad school success, not lower standards.
    Do international students still need the GRE for these programs?
    Most programs apply the same GRE policy to domestic and international applicants. International students will still typically need TOEFL or IELTS for English proficiency, plus credential evaluations (WES is most common). Check each program page for specifics.