A score between 290 and 300 is incredibly common. It is not an automatic rejection letter. Many respected state and private colleges actively recruit students in this exact bracket. Here is your complete guide to us universities that accept gre score of 290-300.
Short Answer
Kent State, the University of Louisville, and the California State University system are among the schools that regularly take applicants in this range.
You just need to line up your quant and verbal sub-scores with the right academic department.
Top Universities Accepting 290-300 Scores
- University of Houston
- Kent State University
- Loyola University Chicago
- California State University, Chico
- North Dakota State University (NDSU)
- Howard University
- University of Louisville
- Texas A & M University, Commerce
- State University of New York (SUNY), Albany
- Illinois State University, Normal
- California State University, Northridge
- Temple University, PA
- Lamar University
- Jackson State University
- California State University, Fresno
- Long Island University (LIU)
- Cleveland State University
- New York Institute of Technology
- University of Denver
- University of Hawaii
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What a 290 to 300 GRE Score Really Means
Somewhere between the 25th and 50th percentile globally, roughly, would be this bracket. That’s considered lower average by admissions committees, no way around it.
But the thing is, US colleges look at the whole applicant, not just this one number.
Your undergrad GPA, your tech projects, your work experience, all of that really matters a lot.
A good transcript can help swing the pendulum in your favor if your test scores aren’t quite up to par. A 3.8 GPA with a 295 looks completely different to a review board than that same 295 with a 2.5 GPA.
List of Universities that Accept GRE Score Ranging from 290-300
Departmental Realities Versus Central Admissions Policies
University central admissions pages often lie by omission.
A central page might state that exams are completely optional. Then you apply. Two weeks later, you get an automatic rejection. Why? Because individual departments write their own rules.
Look at San Jose State University. The university itself is flexible. But the Davidson College of Engineering requires a minimum combined score of 305 for non-ABET degree holders. If you apply for Software Engineering with a 302, they reject you instantly.
The University of Colorado Denver works similarly. They waive testing entirely if your GPA is over 3.0. But if your GPA is 2.9, you suddenly need a score above 300.
Checking every single department manually drains your energy. You can use the Positions service on ApplyKite to fix this. You just filter academic positions worldwide by Level, Field, and Location to instantly see the actual requirements for your specific degree.
Should You Submit or Suppress Your Test Scores?
You have a 296. The application says "Test Optional." What do you actually do?
It depends entirely on your undergraduate grades and your specific sub-scores.
| Your GPA | Your GRE Breakdown | Your Action | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| High (3.5+) | Balanced Low (146 V / 146 Q) | Suppress Score | Your grades prove your ability. A low exam result only introduces doubt. |
| Low (< 3.0) | High Quant (141 V / 156 Q) | Submit Score | A 155+ in Quant proves to STEM departments that you can handle the math. |
| Moderate (3.1) | Average (148 V / 149 Q) | Check Median | If your score matches the program average, submit it. Otherwise, suppress it. |
If you apply to a technical field like Computer Science or Data Science, committees care almost exclusively about your Quantitative sub-score.
A 295 overall score with a 156 in Quant is highly competitive. A 295 overall score with a 145 in Quant is a fast track to rejection.
If you go the route of suppressing your score, your resume and Statement of Purpose need to be flawless, no room for weak spots. You can use kiteAI to quickly structure and refine your CV and SOP around the specific program you're targeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 290 a good GRE score?
It's on the lower-average side. Not exactly competitive for top-tier research universities, but perfectly fine for plenty of respected state schools and mid-tier programs across the US.
Is 300 a good score in GRE for MA admission in Europe?
Yes. European universities tend to lean far less on standardized testing than US schools do. A 300 generally reads as a solid, passing metric for European master's programs.
What is an Ivy League GRE score?
Ivy League schools typically expect scores above 320. Quant often needs to clear 165 for STEM programs, and humanities applicants need strong verbal scores to match.
Can I get into PA school with a 295 GRE?
Sure. Many Physician Assistant programs will accept scores in the 295 range if you are bringing good clinical experience, good patient care hours and a good undergrad science GPA to the table.
Is 300 good GRE score for MS in USA?
It is considered average but it works for many Tier-2 and Tier-3 universities. Schools such as CSU Long Beach, Cleveland State and Illinois Tech take scores of 295 to 305. Aiming for a top 50 school though? You will need 315+.
What universities accept a GRE score of 290 to 300?
Among the more reputable public universities in this range are Kent State University, Cleveland State University, Wichita State University, and a few of the California State University (CSU) campuses.
Can I get a scholarship with a GRE score of 310?
Yes. Usually, 320+ gets you top merit scholarships. Schools like University of New Haven and University of Dayton will give partial funding at around 310, if your GPA and SOP hold up their end.
Do all Ivy League colleges require GRE?
Not anymore. Harvard and Yale have brought standardized testing back for undergraduates, but a lot of their graduate programs (certain Master's in Public Health or Education tracks, for instance) are still test-optional. Always double-check the specific department's page.
What is the difference between GRE Waived and GRE Optional?
"GRE Waived," or "Test Blind," means the university won't look at your score even if you send it. "GRE Optional" means you don't have to send it, but if you do, the admissions committee will factor it into your application.
