10 Great Universities That Don’t Require GRE

The Graduate Record Examination is arguably one of the toughest exams to pass. Since many universities require it as part of their graduate program admission criteria, some students who fail the exam miss out on getting a place in a choice college. As a result, many students focus on colleges that don’t require GRE.

The good news is that many universities no longer require the GRE in their application processes. Students can now find a variety of in-person and online colleges that don’t require the GRE. This article will explore 10 great universities that don’t require GRE for admission.

What Is GRE and Why Is It Normally Required?

The GRE is a way to determine whether or not students possess the prerequisite knowledge and skills to participate in graduate programs. It’s a reliable way to prove that your knowledge, experience, and prior education are suitable for your desired program and field.

Many schools require GRE because it helps them sift through a sea of applicants. Students who pass their GREs are considered to have the knowledge level required to enroll in a graduate program. The exam provides colleges indices to compare applicants’ readiness to take on the graduate program. Each program has its required GRE score range that applicants should consider. These variables are required in the application process.

Is It Easy to Find Universities That Don’t Require GRE?

Yes, it’s easy to find universities that don’t require GRE. Many universities list their admissions requirements for MBA programs. With this in mind, you can easily tell if they require the GRE or not. In addition to going through your dream school’s website, there are several online resources you can use for reference, such as the list included in this article.

How to Get Into a College That Doesn’t Require GRE

Many graduate degree options that don’t require GRE have regular criteria for their admission policy. Prospective graduate students need to be up to date with their preferred school’s admission process. Graduate degree candidates have to meet the following requirements to get into graduate schools.

• A bachelor’s degree or an undergraduate degree
• A minimum 3.0 GPA 
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal Statement

Which Schools Don’t Require GRE for College Admissions?

School	US News National Rankings 2022	Other Admissions Requirements
Simmons University	136	Transcripts, completed application
Ohio University	179	Undergraduate degree, English proficiency
University of Massachusetts Lowell	179	Application fee, official transcripts, personal statement, letters of recommendation, resume
Capella University	Unranked	Application fee, official transcripts, minimum GPA
Purdue University Global	Unranked	Payment of tuition costs, official undergraduate degree transcripts
Southern New Hampshire University	Unranked	Transcript, Letters of recommendation, 3.0 cumulative GPA
Strayer University	Unranked	Completed application, official transcript, enrollment agreement, valid government-issued ID
University of Scranton	Unranked	Three letters of recommendation, official academic transcripts
Western Governors University	Unranked	Academic transcripts
West Texas A&M University	Unranked	Personal statement, official transcripts, undergraduate 3.0 cumulative GPA

Best Colleges That Don’t Require GRE

Whether you’re looking for graduate schools or business schools that don’t require GRE, there are many options available. We’ve highlighted the best schools that don’t require the GRE to improve your chance of admission into a graduate program without worrying about average score requirements.

Ohio University

Ohio University offers hundreds of graduate programs and doesn’t require GRE scores for admission. The only exception is students with undergraduate degrees from schools that are not regionally accredited. In that case, the admissions committee may require a GRE or GMAT score. The university ranks in 179th place in the National Universities ranking, making it one of the top choices in the country.

University of Massachusetts Lowell

The admissions process for getting an advanced degree at the University of Massachusetts Lowell doesn’t include a GRE test. However, this holds for specific colleges, including fine arts, humanities, and social sciences. Because of the pandemic, prospective graduate students can also get a GRE waiver for other colleges. 

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University offers campus-based and online graduate programs that don’t require GRE for admissions. The university ranks first for Most Innovative Schools in the United States. Students can find social sciences, business, health, technology, and psychology programs. 

Strayer University

Strayer University offers admission to students without requiring a GRE score for admission consideration. However, the admission policy requires students to present a valid academic transcript and have a 2.50 GPA. The school offers a high chance of admission to international students with a completed application. 

West Texas A&M University

The West Texas A&M University admissions office doesn’t require GRE scores or similar admissions tests for several programs. Prospective students have to provide transcripts of educational qualifications and a personal statement that details relevant work experience and career goals. There are various graduate-level programs to choose from, including accounting, environmental science, history, and mathematics. 

Online Colleges That Don’t Require GRE

The following schools have strong online programs that you can apply to without GRE. Some require you possess a professional work experience in addition to strong undergraduate studies. 

Simmons University

Simmons University is an online school that offers solid online graduate degree programs with no GRE score as part of the application requirements. You can find its college programs in the fields of education, nursing, and psychology. Simmons University ranks 136th in the National Universities rankings, making it one of the most reputable universities to get a graduate degree.

Capella University

Capella University has online programs for students who want to earn a graduate degree with a flexible schedule. Students don’t have to present GRE scores to be considered for admission to the graduate programs.

Purdue University Global

Purdue University Global is a public university that offers several online degree programs. Its admissions process doesn’t require GRE. You can get a master’s degree in education, health sciences, communication, criminal justice, or business. The university ranks in 5th place for top public schools in the United States. 

University of Scranton

The University of Scranton offers online graduate degrees in accounting, finance, health administration, human resources, finance, and more. Prospective students don’t need GRE to gain admission into any of the school’s online programs. Still, University of Scranton ranked fifth in Regional Universities North.

Western Governors University

Western Governors University offers several graduate business programs. The university boasts strong online MBA programs that students can apply to without standardized test scores like GRE. The online Master of Business Administration graduate degree programs has admission requirements similar to other programs.

Should You Still Submit GRE Scores Even if It Is Not Required?

Yes, you can still submit GRE scores even if it’s not required. Doing so will help convince the admissions team that you’re a great fit for the graduate degree program. In addition to completing undergraduate programs, taking the GRE test enhances your chances of landing a place in a grad school.

Submit GRE Scores if

• Your undergraduate school is not regionally recognized
• You need to improve your chances 
• You need to demonstrate relevant experience

Don’t Submit GRE Scores if

• The university does not explicitly require it
• Your undergraduate institution is regionally accredited

Should I Attend a College That Doesn’t Require GRE?

Yes, you should attend a college that doesn’t require the GRE if you feel that taking the GRE would hurt your chances of admission. While many schools require GRE as part of their admissions policy, colleges that don’t require one are no less reputable. What’s important is that the graduate degree options include your intended program of study. 

Colleges That Don’t Require GRE FAQs