Purdue's GRE policy varies by department within its large College of Engineering, several departments have gone optional, while some retain a requirement, particularly for PhD and funded research positions.
Does Purdue Require the GRE?
| Programme | GRE Status |
|---|---|
| College of Engineering (MS, most departments) | Optional |
| College of Engineering (PhD, several departments) | Sometimes required, confirm per department |
| Krannert School of Management (MBA) | GMAT or GRE accepted |
| Computer Science (MS) | Optional |
Competitive GRE Scores at Purdue
| Programme | Competitive Quant | Competitive Verbal |
|---|---|---|
| MS Electrical and Computer Engineering | 160 - 167 | 150 - 158 |
| MS Computer Science | 163 - 168 | 152 - 160 |
| MS Industrial Engineering | 158 - 165 | 148 - 155 |
| Krannert MBA (GRE track) | 155 - 162 | 150 - 158 |
Purdue's engineering departments admit a large volume of international graduate students each year, for departments where GRE remains required (particularly for TA/RA-funded PhD positions), always confirm the current departmental policy directly, as it can change between admissions cycles.
GRE Is Separate From English Proficiency
A GRE score does not satisfy Purdue's English language requirement. International applicants still need TOEFL or IELTS:
| Requirement | Purdue Policy |
|---|---|
| GRE | Varies by department, see table above |
| TOEFL | Required, see our Purdue guide |
| IELTS | Required, see our Purdue guide |
Prepare for TOEFL with Gabble: Purdue requires IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 77-88 depending on programme, regardless of GRE. AI-powered speaking and writing feedback. Or prepare for IELTS.