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
California State University, Northridge
State University of New York (SUNY), Albany
Howard University
California State University, Fresno
California State University, Chico
Cleveland State University
Kent State University
North Dakota State University (NDSU)
New York Institute of Technology
Texas A & M University, Commerce
Lamar University
University of Louisville
University of Hawaii
University of Denver
Loyola University Chicago
Illinois State University, Normal
Temple University, PA
Jackson State University
Long Island University (LIU)
University of Houston
Looking for fully funded?
Discover PhD, Master's, and Postdoc positions tailored to your goals with ApplyKite's smart AI tools.
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
The institutions listed below maintain accessible admission pathways. They prioritize your practical experience over a single standardized exam.
California State University, Northridge
CSUN provides excellent pathways for international students.
Tuition runs about $15,000 to $18,000 annually.
The MS in Computer Science program is open to you even with an undergraduate degree in a different area. You just need to take some prerequisite courses.
Scores at the 50th percentile on either the verbal or quantitative sections are okay.
State University of New York (SUNY), Albany
SUNY Albany is a good public option in New York
Tuition is approximately $17,000 per year.
The application fee is $75.
They accept students with average test results for programs like Information Science, Computer Science, and Public Health.
Howard University
Located in Washington, D.C.، Howard is a prestigious private research institution.
Tuition sits between $22,000 and $28,000.
They have an acceptance rate of about 38.6%.
Popular programs include Social Sciences, Business, and Communications.
California State University, Fresno
Fresno State provides highly affordable programs. Like other CSU campuses, they focus heavily on your academic transcript rather than just your test performance.
California State University, Chico
Chico State is another excellent regional hub. Their graduate programs offer strong connections to local California industries and tech sectors.
Cleveland State University
Cleveland State maintains flexible general admissions. But pay attention to specific degrees.
For the Master of Computer and Information Science (MCIS) program, you need a quantitative score in the 60th percentile and an AWA of 3.5 if your GPA falls below 3.0.
Kent State University
Kent State is very welcoming to international applicants.
Acceptance rates hover around 86%.
Tuition is roughly $18,000.
The application fee is $70.
Popular programs include Computer Science, Data Science, and Engineering.
North Dakota State University (NDSU)
NDSU is a strong research institution in the Midwest. They offer affordable tuition and routinely review applications with scores in the upper 290s.
New York Institute of Technology
NYIT gives you direct access to the New York job market.
They have an acceptance rate near 77%.
The target test range for their graduate programs is precisely 290 to 295.
Tuition is roughly $15,525.
Texas A & M University, Commerce
This campus participates in massive global research projects.
They look for scores of 295 or higher.
Tuition is about $18,000.
The application fee is $70.
Lamar University
Lamar sits in Texas and offers cost-effective engineering degrees. They'll often accept scores around 290 for applicants with a strong academic background behind them.
University of Louisville
This Kentucky-based research institution accepts a large number of graduate students.
Their acceptance rate is 66%.
A score of 295 is standard here.
Tuition ranges from $18,000 to $24,000.
University of Hawaii
The Manoa campus pulls in a genuinely diverse student body from over 140 countries. On top of that, you get unique research programs and admission thresholds that leave some real flexibility.
University of Denver
This is a private institution with a strong business and engineering presence.
They target a score of 298 or higher.
Tuition sits around $19,000.
The application fee is $80.
Loyola University Chicago
Loyola offers excellent networking opportunities in Chicago. Their admissions committee favors strong essays and recommendations over perfect exam results.
Illinois State University, Normal
Illinois State is a well-established school.
Great programs in Information Systems and Business Administration.
Tuition is about $19,000.
The application fee is $80.
Temple University, PA
Temple is a massive research hub in Philadelphia. While some specialized programs are highly competitive, many departments consider applicants in the upper 290s.
Jackson State University
Jackson State provides extensive support for international students. Their graduate programs focus heavily on academic growth and research potential.
Long Island University (LIU)
LIU frequently evaluates the whole profile of the applicant. This makes them a great target for lower test results.
University of Houston
The main campus is highly competitive with tuition around $28,000. But if you look at their Clear Lake campus (UHCL), the MS in Computer Science requires a combined 294 if your undergraduate GPA is below 3.0.
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.
