There is no universal minimum GRE score for US universities, as requirements vary widely by institution, program, and field of study. However, many graduate programs that still require the GRE often set unofficial or published thresholds between 300 and 310 as a baseline for consideration.
For example, some public universities and less competitive master’s programs may accept a minimum GRE score for US universities of 295–305, especially if other application components are strong. In contrast, top-tier research universities—such as those in the Ivy League or top engineering schools—typically expect scores of 320 or higher, particularly in Quantitative Reasoning for STEM fields.
It is critical to note that an increasing number of US graduate programs have adopted GRE-optional or GRE-waived policies. In these cases, there is no minimum GRE score for US universities because the test is not required at all. Always verify the current policy on the official department website—not the general graduate school page.
How Minimum Scores Are Applied
When a program does state a minimum GRE score for US universities, it is often a hard cutoff used during initial screening. Falling below this mark may result in automatic rejection, regardless of other strengths. Common minimums include:
- 300 for general master’s programs
- 150 per section (Verbal and Quant) for balanced assessment
- 160+ in Quant for engineering or computer science
Some universities list different minimums for international versus domestic applicants, though this is becoming less common.
Even if a program does not publish a minimum, reviewing the average GRE score of admitted students offers a realistic benchmark. Aiming within or above that range significantly improves your chances.
Applicants with scores near the lower end should strengthen other areas—such as GPA, research experience, or statements of purpose.
The key is program-specific research. A “minimum” at one school may be the average at another.
Your best strategy is to align your score with each program’s demonstrated expectations—not generic advice.