GRE Accepting Universities in USA: GRE Score Required for US Universities 2026 (Complete Guide)
- Rajesh Kulkarni
- Jan 12
- 4 min read
Planning to study in the United States in 2026? One of the most common questions among international students is which GRE accepting universities in USA require what scores. Although many institutions have adopted GRE-optional policies, top-ranked US universities still value strong GRE scores, especially for competitive MS, PhD, and MBA programs.
This detailed guide explains GRE accepting universities in USA, updated GRE score requirements for US universities in 2026, program-wise cut-offs, why GRE still matters, and how to set a safe target score for admission.
Why GRE Is Still Important for US Universities in 2026
Even in 2026, the GRE General Test remains a globally trusted measure of:
Analytical reasoning
Quantitative aptitude
Academic readiness for graduate-level education
While some universities allow applications without GRE scores, submitting a competitive GRE score can significantly strengthen your profile, especially for:
STEM programs
Engineering and Computer Science
Research-based MS and PhD programs
Scholarship and funding consideration
Overview: GRE Score Required for US Universities (2026)
The minimum GRE score required for admission in USA depends on:
University ranking
Program (MS, PhD, MBA)
Department-specific policies
General GRE Score Range (2026)
Verbal Reasoning: 155–167
Quantitative Reasoning: 158–167
Analytical Writing (AWA): 4.0–5.0
For top universities, a total GRE score of 320+ with AWA 4.5+ is considered competitive.
Top GRE Accepting Universities in USA (2026)
Below is an updated list of top GRE accepting universities in USA along with their typical GRE score expectations.
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Location: Cambridge, USA
QS World Ranking 2025: #1
GRE Score Required
Verbal: 155–162
Quantitative: 158–162
AWA: 4.5–5.3
Average Tuition Fee: USD 57,986/year
MIT strongly emphasizes quantitative performance, especially for engineering and science programs.
2. Stanford University
Location: Stanford, California
QS World Ranking 2025: #3
GRE Score Required
Verbal: 164
Quantitative: 165
AWA: 4.5
Average Tuition Fee: USD 56,169/year
Stanford expects excellent overall GRE scores, particularly for CS, AI, and business-related fields.
3. University of Pennsylvania
Location: Philadelphia, USA
QS World Ranking 2025: #13
GRE Score Required
Verbal: 162
Quantitative: 162
AWA: 4.6
Average Tuition Fee: USD 63,452/year
An Ivy League institution where balanced GRE performance is crucial.
4. University of Virginia
Location: Charlottesville, Virginia
QS World Ranking 2025: #253
GRE Score Required
Verbal: 159–164
Quantitative: 160–166
AWA: 4.0–5.0
Average Tuition Fee: USD 56,837/year
Strong preference for applicants with 75th percentile GRE scores.
5. Duke University
Location: Durham, USA
QS World Ranking 2025: #50
GRE Score Required
Verbal: 155–162
Quantitative: 158–162
AWA: 4.0–4.5
Average Tuition Fee: USD 63,054/year
Duke values holistic profiles, but GRE remains an important academic indicator.
6. University of North Carolina
Location: Chapel Hill, USA
QS World Ranking 2025: #102
GRE Score Required
Verbal: 155–160
Quantitative: 158–162
AWA: 4.0–4.5
Average Tuition Fee: USD 37,558/year
A great option among public GRE accepting universities in USA.
7. Georgia Institute of Technology
Location: Atlanta, USA
QS World Ranking 2025: #88
GRE Score Required
Verbal: 155–160
Quantitative: 160–167
AWA: 4.0–4.3
Average Tuition Fee: USD 32,876/year
Extremely competitive for engineering and technology programs.
8. Columbia University
Location: New York, USA
GRE Score Required
Verbal: 161
Quantitative: 167
AWA: 4.0
Average Tuition Fee: USD 65,524/year
One of the most selective GRE accepting universities in USA.
9. Yale University
Location: New Haven, USA
GRE Score Required
Verbal: 160
Quantitative: 165
AWA: 4.5
Average Tuition Fee: USD 66,900/year
High GRE scores significantly improve scholarship chances.
10. Johns Hopkins University
Location: Baltimore, USA
GRE Score Required
Verbal: 158
Quantitative: 165
AWA: 4.0
Average Tuition Fee: USD 62,840/year
Well-known for health sciences and research-based programs.
GRE Score Requirements by Program (2026)
Engineering & Computer Science: Quant 162–167
Business & MBA: Total 315–325
MS & PhD Programs: Overall 320+ preferred
STEM Programs: High quant scores prioritized
A 90th percentile GRE score is considered excellent across programs.
Is GRE Mandatory for Studying in USA in 2026?
Not always. However:
Top-ranked universities still recommend or require GRE
GRE strengthens weak academic profiles
Required for scholarships and assistantships
FAQs: GRE Accepting Universities in USA (2026)
What is the minimum GRE score required for US universities in 2026?
For most GRE accepting universities in USA, a total score of 310–320 is acceptable, while top universities expect 320+ with AWA 4.5.
Can I apply to US universities without GRE?
Yes, some universities allow GRE-optional applications, but submitting a strong GRE score improves admission and funding chances.
How many times can I take the GRE?
You can take the GRE up to 5 times in a 365-day period, with a minimum gap of 21 days.
Does GRE help with scholarships in the USA?
Yes, high GRE scores significantly increase eligibility for merit-based scholarships and assistantships.
Final Thoughts
Understanding GRE accepting universities in USA and their score expectations helps you set a realistic and competitive target. In 2026, while policies are flexible, a strong GRE score remains a powerful advantage—especially for top-tier universities and funding opportunities.
Call to Action (CTA)
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👉 Official GRE Website: https://www.ets.org/gre
👉 GRE Preparation Resources: https://www.ets.org/gre/test-takers/general-test/prepare
📌 Next Steps
Set your GRE target score (318+ recommended)
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Shortlist GRE accepting universities in USA for 2026
🚀 Plan smart, score high, and secure your place at a top US university!
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