Quick Read
- Many US master’s programs now make the GRE optional.
- UIC CS requires a GRE from international MS applicants.
- American University’s SIS makes GRE optional for master’s programs.
- GRE scores stay valid for five years after testing.
- Booking the GRE costs Indian test-takers about Rs.24,038 ($249).
- BTech students finishing in mid-2027 usually apply for Fall 2027.
GRE Accepted Universities in USA: Fees, GRE Policy and Scholarships Compared
GRE accepted universities in USA don’t all treat your score the same way, so the label on the department page matters more than the university’s name. Many GRE-accepting colleges in USA fall under optional or not required.
| University | Tuition fee | GRE accepted | GRE score | Scholarships |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carnegie Mellon, MSCS | Rs.58,31,016 ($60,400) | Strongly recommended | No minimum published | None from the MSCS program. CMU’s Information Networking Institute funds its own students: Director’s Fellowship, Presidential Fellowship worth Rs.48,27,000 ($50,000), Rales Fellows Program. |
| UC San Diego, ECE MS | Rs.27,82,669 ($28,824) a year | Not required for Fall 2027 | Not applicable | No named MS scholarships. |
| Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Civil and Environmental Engineering MS | Rs.39,04,464 ($40,444) a year | Optional | Admitted averages: Verbal 155, Quant 165, Writing 4.0 | Peter K. Dai Graduate Fellowship and Geoffrey Yeh Graduate Research Fellowship. Funding is limited. |
| Boston University, Computer Science MS | Rs.70,49,737 ($73,024) | Optional | No minimum. Admitted students average about the 60th percentile Verbal, 80th Quant. | Merit scholarships of Rs.4,82,700 to Rs.28,96,200 ($5,000 to $30,000) per full-time semester |
| UIC, Computer Science MS | Rs.31,92,964 ($33,074) a year (Fall 2026 and Spring 2027, 12+ credit hours: non-resident tuition plus the Engineering and Computer Science differential, before fees) | Required for international applicants | 300 combined Verbal and Quant, 140+ in Verbal | University Fellowships by faculty nomination, plus TA, RA and tuition-and-fee waivers |
| Stony Brook, Computer Science MS | Rs.13,41,906 ($13,900) a semester (Fall 2026 non-NYS resident rate, 12 credits) | Required for international applicants | No minimum published | MS students generally get no aid at admission. Some find TA or RA roles later. |
| American University, SIS | Rs.2,00,803 ($2,080) | Optional for master’s | No minimum published | Leadership Engagement Award of up to Rs.19,30,800 ($20,000) |
Sources: ETS-approved GRE score recipients, BU cost of attendance, AU SIS graduate admissions, official university pages.
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ETS keeps a searchable list of institutions approved to receive GRE scores. It shows where a score can go, not whether a program wants one.
If you're still building a shortlist, our top universities in USA list covers rankings and fees, and the GRE exam page covers the test itself.
GRE Accepted Universities in USA for MS: Program-by-Program Policy Table
Here are GRE-accepted universities in USA for MS programs, checked against each department's own page on 7 October 2026.
| Program | GRE status | Fall 2027 dates |
|---|---|---|
| UIC, Computer Science MS | Required for international applicants. UIC graduates exempt. | Jan 15 (recommended), Feb 15 (final) |
| Stony Brook, Computer Science MS | Required for international applicants without a US or Canadian degree. The page's GRE text names the 2026 cycle. | Mar 15, 2027 |
| Carnegie Mellon, MSCS | Strongly recommended. If you cannot send one, please explain this in your SOP. | Nov 18 (early), Dec 9, 2026 (final) |
| Boston University, Computer Science MS | Optional | Mar 15 |
| UC San Diego, Electrical and Computer Engineering MS | Not required | Jan 6, 2027 |
| Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Civil and Environmental Engineering MS | Optional, recommended for international and funding-seeking applicants | Check the department page |
| American University, School of International Service (SIS) master's | Optional. Scores must be valid when you apply. | Oct 15, Jan 15, Mar 15 (rounds) |
Universities Where the GRE Is Required (No Substitute)
Among GRE accepted universities in USA, no official list of "only GRE" universities exists. UIC and Stony Brook computer science are two: both ask for a GRE score unless you hold a US degree (Stony Brook also exempts Canadian degrees), and neither lists an exception for an Indian degree. UT Dallas computer science and Texas A&M industrial engineering also list a GRE requirement on their department pages.
My insight: 'Optional' rarely means 'irrelevant'. Illinois' civil engineering department says it recommends a score for MS applicants who want funding or apply from international universities. If funding matters to you, read "optional" as "helpful".
Want more programs that skip the test? See our guide to master's programs in USA without GRE.
GRE and Duolingo Accepted Universities in USA: Matching Your English Test to Your Score
Among GRE accepted universities in USA, a Duolingo score only helps if the department takes it, and one department on our list has stopped.
| Program | GRE status | English tests accepted |
|---|---|---|
| American University, SIS | Optional (master's) | IELTS 7.0, TOEFL 100, PTE 68, Duolingo 120 |
| UC San Diego, ECE | Not required | TOEFL 4.5 (85 on the old scale), IELTS 7, Duolingo 120, PTE 65 |
| Carnegie Mellon, MSCS | Strongly recommended | TOEFL (preferred), IELTS, Duolingo |
| UIC, Computer Science MS | Required (international) | TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 6.5, PTE 54. Duolingo isn't listed. |
| Stony Brook, Computer Science MS | Required (international) | TOEFL or IELTS. Duolingo is no longer accepted. |
| USC Viterbi, MS and PhD | Not required for 2027 MS | TOEFL or IELTS. Duolingo isn't listed. |
| Northeastern, College of Engineering | Test-optional | TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo. Exemptions apply. |
Planning on Duolingo? Our Duolingo English Test guide explains the format.
GRE Accepted Universities in USA for PhD: Required, Waived or Optional
GRE required for PhD in USA is a department-level call, and the answer can differ inside one university.
| Program | GRE status | PhD deadline |
|---|---|---|
| American University SIS, PhD in International Relations | Required. The official score must arrive by the deadline. | Dec 15 |
| UC San Diego, ECE PhD | Not required | Dec 16, 2026 |
| UC San Diego, Mathematics PhD | General and subject tests are not required. Subject test highly recommended. | Dec 2, 2026 |
| Stony Brook, Computer Science PhD | Not required. The page's GRE text names the 2026 cycle. | Dec 15, 2026 |
| Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Civil and Environmental Engineering PhD | Optional, strongly recommended | Check the department page |
| USC Viterbi PhD programs | Not required for 2027, except Astronautical Engineering and Industrial & Systems Engineering, which require it | Dec 15, 2026 |
| ASU, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, PhD | Required for all PhD programs in the school. The page carries no cycle date. | Check the department page |
Searching for a GRE-waived university in USA for a PhD? UCSD's electrical and computer engineering and mathematics programs are two Fall 2027 examples. Without a score, your statement of purpose carries more weight, so see our SOP for PhD guide.
My insight: "Highly recommended" is a signal, not a footnote. UCSD Mathematics doesn't require the Mathematics Subject Test but says it gives the committee extra context on preparedness. If your maths record is thin, consider taking the test.
Which GRE Accepted Universities in USA Fit Your Profile?
Pick GRE accepted universities in USA from your own situation, not from a ranking list.
- If you are a final-year BTech student graduating mid-2027 with a strong CGPA, build your list around optional and not-required programs such as BU Computer Science and UCSD ECE. Convert your CGPA to GPA using our CGPA to GPA calculator, as BU recommends a minimum of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- If you are switching from mechanical, civil or another non-CS branch into computer science, take the test. CMU says the GRE is strongly recommended, especially without clear documentation of strong mathematical proficiency.
- If you have two years of work experience and a CGPA below the usual admitted range, a score can offset it. Illinois civil engineering recommends one when an MS applicant's GPA falls below the admitted average.
GRE Fees, Validity and Score Sending for GRE Accepted Universities in USA
Budget for the test before finalising your list of GRE-accepted universities in the USA. The GRE costs $249 worldwide as of 1 August 2026, and the fee covers four score reports.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| GRE test fee (includes four score recipients) | Rs.24,038 ($249) |
| Each additional score report | Rs.3,862 ($40) |
| Rescheduling or changing test center | Rs.5,310 ($55) |
Sources: ETS GRE fees, ETS India GRE page, Illinois CEE and AU SIS pages.
- Validity: ETS scores stay valid for five years. Some departments add rules: Illinois counts five years before your entry term, and American University wants a score valid at application.
- Retakes: you can test once every 21 days, up to five times in 12 months, and ScoreSelect lets you send only your best result.
- Format: the test runs year-round, at test centers and at home.
Documents and Fall 2027 Timeline for GRE Accepted Universities in USA
Most GRE accepted universities in USA want the same core documents, with small twists.
| Document | What the universities say |
|---|---|
| Official GRE score | Sent by ETS to the institution code: American University 5007, Illinois 1836, Stony Brook 2548, UCSD 4836. Stony Brook wants the official score by the deadline even if you self-report. |
| Transcripts and degree certificate | Stony Brook asks for transcripts plus provisional and final degree certificates. |
| Letters of recommendation | Stony Brook asks for three. CMU's MSCS asks for three, at least two from faculty or recent employers. AU SIS master's applicants submit one. |
My insight: Plenty of final-year students apply before their degree certificate exists. Stony Brook says provisional certificates aren't valid beyond one year from conferral, so ask your college when the final one will be issued.
Need the full MS checklist? Our MS eligibility in USA guide covers it.
Planning Calendar for Fall Intake 2027
| Month | What to do | Deadlines on official pages |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 2026 | Book the GRE. Request letters. | AU SIS round 1: Oct 15 |
| Nov 2026 | Test and send scores. | CMU MSCS early: Nov 18 |
| Dec 2026 | Semester 7 exams wrap up. Finish PhD applications. | UCSD Math PhD Dec 2, CMU MSCS Dec 9, Stony Brook PhD and AU SIS PhD Dec 15, UCSD ECE PhD Dec 16 |
| Jan 2027 | Semester 8 starts. | UCSD ECE MS Jan 6, UIC (recommended) and AU SIS round 2 Jan 15 |
| Feb 2027 | Check portals. | UIC final: Feb 15 |
| Mar 2027 | Last MS deadlines. | Stony Brook MS, BU CS and AU SIS round 3: Mar 15 |
| Apr to Jun 2027 | Decisions arrive. Collect your degree certificate. | |
| Aug 2027 | Fall term begins. |
Many Indian universities run semester 7 from July to December and semester 8 from January to May. Check your own calendar.
What to Do When Your Plan for GRE Accepted Universities in USA Goes Wrong
Your score is below a required program's minimum: UIC lists 300 combined with 140+ in Verbal. Retake after the 21-day gap, or lean on optional programs like BU and UCSD ECE.
You can't get a slot: Book a test center if CMU is on your list. Its MSCS page accepts at-home scores only from two past windows (Jan 1, 2020 to May 31, 2021, and Aug 1 to Dec 31, 2022).
Your score hasn't reached the university: Stony Brook wants the official ETS score by the deadline even when you've reported one in the form.
The policy changed after you applied: Save a dated screenshot and email the department.
You missed a fall-only deadline: AU SIS lists a November 1 deadline for spring master's entry, and the GRE isn't required there.
Conclusion: Choosing GRE Accepted Universities in USA for 2027
- Check each department's page for its Fall 2027 status before you shortlist GRE accepted universities in USA, because the university name tells you little.
- Send an optional score only when it supports your profile, and treat the test as a must for required programs like UIC.
- Book your slot soon. CMU's MSCS closes on December 9, 2026, and ETS allows a retake only after 21 days.
Verified by: LeapScholar's USA counseling team, with experience guiding Indian students through MS and PhD applications to universities in the United States.
Have questions about GRE accepted universities in USA? Book a free session with a LeapScholar counselor
Frequently Asked Questions About GRE Accepted Universities in USA
-
Does American University require GRE?
It depends on the school. American University's School of International Service doesn't require the GRE for master's programs and treats a score as supplemental. Its PhD in International Relations requires one by December 15. Other AU schools publish their own pages, so check yours.
-
Is GRE required for PhD in USA?
Not everywhere. The GRE is still required for PhD programs in the USA at some departments, such as American University's International Relations PhD. Others have dropped it: UCSD's electrical and computer engineering PhD doesn't require it for Fall 2027. Check your exact department, since two departments in one university can differ.
-
Which GRE and Duolingo-accepted universities in USA are there for MS?
At UCSD's electrical and computer engineering department, a Duolingo score of 120 works, and you can skip the GRE for Fall 2027. American University's SIS also accepts a 120 and treats the GRE as optional. Stony Brook computer science requires the GRE from international MS applicants but no longer accepts Duolingo.
-
Which are the only GRE-accepting universities in USA for MS?
No official list exists, but some departments leave Indian applicants with no substitute. UIC and Stony Brook computer science both require a GRE score from international MS applicants unless they hold a US degree. UIC exempts its graduates, and Stony Brook also exempts Canadian degrees.
-
Is there a GRE-waived university in USA for PhDs?
For Fall 2027, UCSD's electrical and computer engineering PhD and its mathematics PhD both list the GRE as not required. Stony Brook's page says no PhD applicant needs the GRE, though its policy text names the 2026 cycle, so confirm with the department.
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Should I submit my GRE score if the university says it's optional?
Submit it when it strengthens your profile, and skip it when it does not. BU's computer science department reports that admitted students average about the 60th percentile in Verbal and the 80th in Quant. Illinois civil engineering recommends scores for MS applicants seeking funding.
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How long is a GRE score valid for US universities?
ETS says scores are valid for five years. Some universities add their own check: American University wants a score that's valid when you apply, and Illinois civil engineering counts five years before your entry term. If you tested early, confirm it will still be valid at that time.
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How many universities can I send my GRE score to for free?
Your GRE fee includes reports for up to four programs. Each extra report costs Rs.3,862 ($40) at the Rs.96.54 per USD rate used here. Spend the free four on GRE-accepted universities in USA that require a score, and use the institution code from each department page.
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What if I miss the GRE slot before the Fall 2027 deadline?
You can retake only once every 21 days. Optional or non-required programs such as BU computer science and UCSD ECE don't need a score. Skip at-home testing if CMU's MSCS is on your list, since it accepts at-home scores only from past windows.
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