Shahid Mustaq Murshed Study Abroad Content Specialist
Study Abroad Content Specialist | Updated On - Dec 29, 2025
Several US universities have recently waived the GRE requirement for PhDs, prioritizing applicants' academic achievements, research experience, and professional background over standardized test scores. This shift is particularly advantageous for Indian students, saving them time and expenses associated with GRE preparation and test-taking, which can cost over 19,000 INR, excluding coaching fees.
MIT, Northwestern University, Purdue University, and others are among the top US Universities that don’t require the GRE for PhD. All they need is an excellent master's degree with a high GPA (preferably over 3.0 on a 4.0 scale) and a unique research proposal. Additionally, they need excellent English proficiency in TOEFL or IELTS, along with 2–3 years of related professional experience.
Explore: PhD in USA- A Detailed Guide
Top Universities in USA Without GRE for PhD
Several top-ranked US universities now offer PhD programs without requiring GRE scores. These institutions provide exceptional academic experiences and have become popular among students seeking alternatives to standardized testing. Some of the top-ranked US Universities without GRE for PhD are tabulated below.
| QS Ranking 2025 | Universities | PhD Programs | Application Deadline | Annual Tuition Fees in USD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | PhD in Biology | PhD in Mathematics | Biology: Dec 1, 2025 | Mathematics: Dec 15, 2025 | 83,405 |
| #50 | Northwestern University | PhD in Computer Science | December 1,2 2025 | 56,067 |
| #89 | Purdue University | PhD in Computer Science | Spring: Oct 1, 2025 | Fall: Dec 20, 2025 | 30,228 |
| #116 | University of Wisconsin Madison | PhD Biomedical Data Science | December 15, 2025 | 25,625 |
| #301 | Georgetown University | PhD in Applied Mathematics | PhD in Chemistry | Dec 15, 2025 (priority) | Jan 15, 2026 (final) | 49,103 |
| #466 | Washington State University | PhD in Chemical Engineering | Dec 1, 2025 | 64,500 |
| #641-650 | Oregon State University | PhD in Artificial Intelligence | PhD in Bioengineering | AI: Dec 10, 2025 | Bioengineering: Dec 15, 2025 | 27,378 |
| #801-850 | University of Oregon | PhD in Bioengineering | Dec 1, 2025 | 26,804 |
| #1001-1200 | University of Idaho | PhD in Biology | Dec 1, 2025 | 30,052 |
| #1401 | Nova Southeastern University | PhD in Computer Science | June 19, 2025 | 51,048 |
Some other universities offering PhD programs without GRE in USA are:
- Walden University
- California Southern University
- Smith College
- Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Andrews University
- Sacred Heart University
Fully Funded PhD in USA without GRE
A fully funded PhD in the USA without GRE is increasingly common. A fully funded PhD usually includes full tuition waiver, a monthly stipend, and health insurance, provided through teaching assistantships (TA), research assistantships (RA), or fellowships. In most US universities, PhD students do not pay tuition if admitted with funding.
Over the last few years, many US universities have waived or made the GRE optional, especially because it is not a strong predictor of research success. Instead, admissions committees focus on research experience, statement of purpose (SOP), letters of recommendation, academic background, and faculty fit.
Several universities offer GRE-free, fully funded PhD programs, including public universities like Oregon State University, Washington State University, University of Oregon, University of Wisconsin, and University at Buffalo (SUNY). Many top private universities such as MIT, Stanford, Brown, UC Berkeley, and Georgetown have also removed the GRE requirement for selected PhD programs.
Fields where GRE waivers are most common include computer science, engineering, humanities, education, social sciences, and some business PhDs. Applicants are encouraged to contact potential supervisors, highlight research work, and apply early (usually December–January deadlines). Funding is typically guaranteed for 4–6 years once admitted.
Eligibility Criteria for PhD in USA Without GRE
PhD admission requirements in the USA can differ between universities. While many universities require GRE scores, some have removed this requirement or offer waivers under specific conditions. To apply for a PhD in the USA without GRE, here are the general eligibility criteria and required documents:
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree
- An overall GPA of 3.0/4.0 (85%) or above in Bachelor's
- English language proficiency
- TOEFL iBT - 80-90
- IELTS - 6.5–7.0
- An essay in at least 2000 or more words mentioning the research work done
- 2-3 letters of recommendation for USA
- SOP for USA
- Work experience
How to Apply to Universities in USA for PhD Without GRE?
Follow the steps below to apply to universities in USA for PhD without GRE.
Find Universities
- Look for universities that don’t need GRE for PhD programs.
- Check their requirements carefully.
Meet Eligibility Criteria
Ensure you have the necessary qualifications, like a master’s degree or work experience.
Write a Strong SOP
- Explain your research interests, achievements, and goals clearly.
- Customize it for each university.
Highlight Research Experience
- Add details about your research, projects, or publications in your CV.
- Get recommendation letters from professors or mentors.
Connect with Professors
- Email professors whose work matches your interests.
- Discuss how you can contribute to their research.
Prepare Documents and Submit the Application
Gather transcripts, TOEFL/IELTS scores, and any required writing samples. Fill out university-specific application forms, upload documents, and submit them before the deadline.
Key Statistics on PhD in USA
The cost of earning a doctorate varies based on factors like field of study, type of degree, and program length. Here’s a summary:
Loan Debt Statistics
- The average research doctorate debt is 84,540 USD
- The average Ph.D. debt is 80,210 USD
- The average Doctorate of Education debt is 79,790 USD
- Average professional doctorate debt is 208,310
Financial Assistance
- 51%–85% of doctoral students graduate debt-free.
- 85% receive financial aid through fellowships, scholarships, grants, or assistantships.
- The average annual grant aid for a research doctorate is 17,187 USD
Program Duration
Doctoral programs typically take 5–11 years to complete.
Pursuing a PhD in the USA without GRE is a game-changer for Indian students, with top universities like MIT and Purdue prioritizing academic achievements and research over test scores. In 2025, 85% of doctoral students received financial aid, significantly reducing costs, which range from $25,000 to $83,000 annually. With many graduates completing their programs debt-free, this pathway offers a practical and accessible route to world-class education and research opportunities.
FAQs
Ques: Can I get a PhD in the USA without GRE?
Ans: Yes, many US universities now offer PhD programs without GRE requirements. Institutions like MIT, Purdue, and Northwestern focus on academic achievements, research experience, and SOPs instead of standardized test scores.
Ques: Is GRE important for PhD in the USA?
Ans: Not always! While some universities still require GRE scores, many top-ranked institutions have waived it, emphasizing other factors like your GPA, research, and recommendations.
Ques: Is GRE required for PhD in USA in 2025?
Ans: No, GRE is not mandatory for many PhD programs in 2025. Universities have increasingly shifted towards a holistic evaluation process, giving students more flexible application options.
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Comments
Found 3 Comments
Hi Raktim,
GRE score is not required for most PhD programs. However, GRE scores can be required for PhD in Economics or PhD in Statistics degree. GRE requirements are dependent on chosen university and course.
If the university provides scholarships to PhD students then you can apply for financial aid. In the USA during your PhD, you will get a stipend for your research work.
Many ranked universities in the USA require prospective students to take the GRE exam for admission in master’s programs. Some prestigious universities such as the University of Florida and the University of Boston offer certain MS programs that do not mandate GRE scores.