In recent years, computer science programs have perhaps become some of the most competitive programs in the US and globally for graduate and postgraduate studies. Hence, the GRE scores for CS programs have become increasingly important and competitive. So, what is a good GRE score for Computer Science programs?
According to historical data and the official ETS website, the average GRE score for computer science programs is between 320 and 330.
Table of Contents
- GRE Quantitative Reasoning Score for CS MS Programs
- GRE Verbal Reasoning Score for CS MS Programs
- GRE Analytical Writing Score for CS MS Programs:
- What is a good GRE score for CS?
- How do I prepare for the GRE for the CS program?
- What GRE score is required for MS CS?
- Top 100 Computer Science Programs GRE Scores
- Preparing for the GRE for Computer Science
First, the GRE is needed for almost every graduate and postgraduate program in the US and elsewhere, and Computer Science programs are no exception. However, within CS programs, the GRE scores can be divided as such.
Since the GRE has three sections—Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing–let’s assess how much you need to qualify for a CS program.
As mentioned, due to the significant number of applications for Master’s and Ph.D. programs in Computer Science, GRE scores have become very important and often determine who gets accepted into a particular university.
GRE Quantitative Reasoning Score for CS MS Programs
Quantitative Reasoning is the most crucial section in the GRE for CS program applicants. On average, applicants accepted into CS programs in the USA have a Quantitative Reasoning score of 160. Thus, to increase your chances of being accepted and standing out amongst the pool of applicants, you need to aim for a Quantitative Reasoning score of at least 165.
Moreover, this competition is even higher for top-tier universities in the US. Their selected applicants showcase an average GRE score of more than 330, with a perfect score of 170 in the Quantitative Reasoning section of the GRE.
Thus, if your dream university is one of the Ivy League or a top-tier CS program university, you should aim for a perfect score in GRE Math!
GRE Verbal Reasoning Score for CS MS Programs
The average GRE Verbal Reasoning score of CS applicants is 150. Although Verbal Reasoning scores are not prioritized within CS and Engineering streams, they can play a vital role in differentiating and complementing an applicant’s overall profile and help them get an edge over other applicants.
Consider a situation where two applicants have perfect Quantitative Reasoning scores and largely similar overall profiles, but one has a Verbal Reasoning score of 150 while the other has received 155. Of course, preference will be given to the one with higher scores.
Furthermore, it can help programs gauge your reading and comprehension skills, which is really important when pursuing a Master’s or a PhD degree. However, do not worry too much about the Verbal Reasoning section, especially if you struggle with grammar and language. Aim to get at least 155 in the Verbal Reasoning section while preparing for a perfect Quantitative score!
GRE Analytical Writing Score for CS MS Programs:
This section may be the lowest-scoring section for an average Computer Science program applicant. The average Analytical Writing score for the CS program is 3.5 out of 6.
You do not need to worry about this section as a CS program applicant. Just familiarize yourself with the essay format and review the prompts on the official ETS website. That should suffice to get an over 3.5 in your GRE Analytical Writing section.
What is a good GRE score for CS?
A good GRE score for a Computer Science (CS) program generally depends on the competitiveness of the program and the specific university. Here are some general guidelines:
Quantitative Reasoning
- Top Programs: Aim for a score of 165-170.
- Mid-Tier Programs: A score between 160-165 is competitive.
- Lower-Tier Programs: Scores around 155-160 may be acceptable.
Verbal Reasoning
- Top Programs: Aim for a score of 155-160 or higher.
- Mid-Tier Programs: Scores between 150-155 are generally acceptable.
- Lower-Tier Programs: Scores around 145-150 may be sufficient.
Analytical Writing
- Top Programs: Aim for a score of 4.5-5.0.
- Mid-Tier Programs: A score of 4.0-4.5 is typically adequate.
- Lower-Tier Programs: Scores around 3.5-4.0 may be acceptable.
Other Considerations
- Program-Specific Requirements: Some programs may place more emphasis on the Quantitative section, while others might have balanced expectations across all sections.
- Holistic Admissions: GRE scores are just one part of the application. Other factors such as undergraduate GPA, letters of recommendation, research experience, and statement of purpose also play crucial roles.
- International Students: Verbal and Analytical Writing scores might be more scrutinized for non-native English speakers to ensure proficiency in English.
While a high GRE score can strengthen an application, it is essential to meet or exceed the average scores of the target programs. Applicants should research specific program requirements and consider all application elements to maximize their admission chances.
How do I prepare for the GRE for the CS program?
Study Material: www.scholarden.com
Go to scholarden.com and use the authentic GRE study material. The GRE exam changed in 2023, becoming shorter, trickier, and longer. So, it is crucial to use the official and up-to-date resources.
Scholarden Math questions are considered one of the best by CS graduates, and their average scores are 168-170.
What GRE score is required for MS CS?
The GRE scores required for a Master of Science in Computer Science (MS CS) vary depending on the university and its level of competitiveness.
Top 100 Computer Science Programs GRE Scores
Here’s a list of the average GRE scores for Computer Science programs at the top 100 universities in the U.S. It includes scores across the three sections of the GRE: Quantitative, Verbal, and Analytical Writing.
- MIT
- GRE Waived for Fall 2025
- Stanford University
- GRE scores are not required from MS applicants.
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 159
- Analytical Writing: 4.0
- UC Berkeley
- Quantitative: 164
- Verbal: 160
- Analytical Writing: 4.5
- Caltech
- Quantitative: 167
- Verbal: 158
- Analytical Writing: 4.5
- Harvard University
- Quantitative: 161-170
- Verbal: 155-166
- Analytical Writing: 4.5
- Princeton University
- Quantitative: 167
- Verbal: 157-161
- Analytical Writing: 4.5
- University of Washington
- Quantitative: 154-168
- Verbal: 153-161
- Analytical Writing: 4.0
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)
- Quantitative: 159
- Verbal: 155
- Analytical Writing: 4.0
- University of Texas at Austin
- Quantitative: 162-165
- Verbal: 158-161
- Analytical Writing: 4.0
- University of Southern California (USC)
- Quantitative: 155-167
- Verbal: 151-162
- Analytical Writing: 3.5-4.0
- University of Pennsylvania
- Quantitative: 168
- Verbal: 160
- Analytical Writing: 4.2
- Columbia University
- Quantitative: 166
- Verbal: 158
- Analytical Writing: 4.0
- New York University (NYU)
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: 3.5-4.0
- University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
- Quantitative: 165
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: 4.0
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- Quantitative: 165
- Verbal: 154
- Analytical Writing: 4.0
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Quantitative: 164
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: 4.0
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Quantitative: 164
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: 3.0-4.0
- University of Maryland, College Park
- Quantitative: 163
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: 4.0
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 155
- Analytical Writing: Not specified
- Rice University
- Quantitative: 164
- Verbal: 157
- Analytical Writing: Not specified
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: Not specified
- University of California, Irvine
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 155
- Analytical Writing: Not specified
- Pennsylvania State University
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: Not specified
- University of Florida
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: Not specified
- University of Virginia
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 155
- Analytical Writing: Not specified
- University of Colorado, Boulder
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: Not specified
- University of Chicago
- Quantitative: 164
- Verbal: 158
- Analytical Writing: Not specified
- Brown University
- Quantitative: 164
- Verbal: 158
- Analytical Writing: Not specified
- Ohio State University
- Quantitative: 164
- Verbal: Not specified
- Analytical Writing: Not specified
- University of California, Santa Barbara
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 155
- Analytical Writing: Not specified
- University of Utah
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: Not specified
- Purdue University
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: Not specified
- University of Arizona
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: Not specified
- Northwestern University
- Quantitative: 169
- Verbal: 156
- Analytical Writing: 3.5
- University of Massachusetts, Amherst
- Quantitative: 164
- Verbal: 158
- Analytical Writing: 3.5
- University of Illinois, Chicago
- Quantitative: Minimum 300 total
- Verbal: Not specified
- Analytical Writing: Not specified
- University of Rochester
- Quantitative: 165
- Verbal: 158
- Analytical Writing: Not specified
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 155
- Analytical Writing: Not specified
- University of Pittsburgh
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: Not specified
- Michigan State University
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: Not specified
- University of Connecticut
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: Not specified
- University of Notre Dame
- Quantitative: 164
- Verbal: 158
- Analytical Writing: Not specified
- Iowa State University
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: Not specified
- Indiana University Bloomington
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: Not specified
- University of Delaware
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: Not specified
- University of Missouri
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: Not specified
- University of California, Riverside
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: Not specified
- University of Kentucky
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: Not specified
- University of Kansas
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: Not specified
- University of South Carolina
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: Not specified
- University of Oklahoma
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: Not specified
- University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: Not specified
- University of Alabama
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: Not specified
- University of Nebraska, Lincoln
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: Not specified
- University of Cincinnati
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: Not specified
- University of Iowa
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: Not specified
- University of Houston
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: Not specified
- University of Central Florida
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: Not specified
- University of New Mexico
- Quantitative: 152
- Verbal: Not specified
- Analytical Writing: Not specified
- University of Houston
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: 3.5
- University of Central Florida
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: 3.5
- University of New Mexico
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: 3.5
- University of Rhode Island
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: 3.5
- University of Massachusetts, Lowell
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: 3.5
- University of Arkansas
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: 3.5
- University of Idaho
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: 3.5
- University of Louisville
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: 3.5
- University of Maine
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: 3.5
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: 3.5
- University of Massachusetts, Boston
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: 3.5
- University of Miami
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: 3.5
- University of Mississippi
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: 3.5
- University of Montana
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: 3.5
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: 3.5
- University of Nevada, Reno
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: 3.5
- University of New Hampshire
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: 3.5
- University of North Dakota
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: 3.5
- University of Oregon
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: 3.5
- University of South Dakota
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: 3.5
- University of Tennessee, Chattanooga
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: 3.5
- University of Texas at Arlington
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: 3.5
- University of Texas at Dallas
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: 3.5
- University of Texas at El Paso
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: 3.5
- University of Texas at San Antonio
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: 3.5
- University of Toledo
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: 3.5
- University of Tulsa
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: 3.5
- University of Vermont
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: 3.5
- University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: 3.5
- University of Wyoming
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: 3.5
- Utah State University
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: 3.5
- Vanderbilt University
- Quantitative: 165
- Verbal: 160
- Analytical Writing: 4.0
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: 3.5
- Virginia Tech
- Quantitative: 165
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: 4.0
- Washington State University
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: 3.5
- Wayne State University
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: 3.5
- West Virginia University
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: 3.5
- Western Michigan University
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: 3.5
- Wichita State University
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: 3.5
- Wright State University
- Quantitative: 160
- Verbal: 153
- Analytical Writing: 3.5
The ideal GRE score for an average Computer Science program is 320, while for top-tier CS programs, the perfect score is 330, with a 165+ Quantitative Reasoning score.
Your GRE study plan should be such that you focus and spend more energy and effort in preparing for the Quant section of the GRE while continuing to practice for the Verbal Reasoning section to achieve a score of at least 150.
Preparing for the GRE for Computer Science
The GRE exam is a standardized test crucial for admission into many graduate programs, including those in computer science. It consists of three main sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. For computer science applicants, achieving a solid score on the GRE is essential, as it can significantly impact their chances of admission into top programs. The Analytical Writing section, in particular, is necessary as it assesses critical thinking and analytical writing skills, which are highly valued in computer science. Prospective students should aim for a high score in this section to enhance their admission opportunities.
Understanding the average GRE score required can significantly impact your application strategy when applying to graduate schools, particularly for computer science programs. The average GRE score for these programs often sets a benchmark for applicants.
A good GRE score for competitive computer science programs typically falls within a specific range, which varies by institution. Achieving a score above this range can enhance your chances of acceptance into top-tier programs.
Top Computer Science Programs and Their GRE Requirements
Understanding the average GRE scores is crucial when applying for master’s degree programs in computer science. The average GRE scores for these programs can vary significantly depending on the institution. For instance, top-ranked schools often require higher scores, with an average GRE score of at least 165 in the quantitative reasoning section being particularly important. This section assesses a candidate’s ability to understand, interpret, and analyze quantitative information, which is essential for success in computer science.
GRE scores play a vital role in the admissions process, determining eligibility and competitiveness. A strong GRE score can significantly influence your chances of gaining admission to your desired program.
Strategies to Improve Your GRE Quantitative Reasoning Score
The GRE is a crucial test for applicants aiming to enter graduate programs. While the quantitative section often receives significant attention, the GRE verbal section is equally important. Scoring well in the GRE verbal section can be essential depending on the applicant’s chosen field of study, with scoring ranges varying for different programs. For instance, psychology programs may prioritize verbal scores more than engineering programs.
Verbal reasoning, a key component of the GRE verbal section, plays a significant role in differentiating candidates. This is particularly true for computer science applicants, where a strong score in verbal reasoning can enhance the overall competitiveness of an application, even though quantitative reasoning may hold more weight.
GRE Requirements for International Masters Applicants
Achieving a high quantitative score is crucial for applicants aiming for MS programs in Computer Science. A strong quantitative score can significantly enhance your chances of admission into top programs, as these disciplines prioritize quantitative skills. Additionally, your overall GRE score is vital in the admissions process, with top universities often requiring competitive scores to secure a spot.
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test that is an admissions requirement for many graduate schools in the United States and other countries. It measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. A good GRE score can significantly enhance your application, especially if you are aiming to enter a top graduate program. The required scores can vary by school and discipline, so it’s essential to research the specific requirements of the programs you are interested in.
In addition to GRE scores, international applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through tests like the TOEFL or IELTS. This is a crucial part of the requirements for successful graduate school admission. Understanding the average GRE scores required for various disciplines can help you set realistic goals and better prepare for the test.
Read on: Good, Average, and Bad GRE Scores for CS Graduates
