If you want to pursue an MS in data science, you need to meet certain requirements such as scores of GRE (Graduate Record Examinations), language proficiency test scores, academic transcripts, and others. While you will need to present proof of fulfilling the criteria during admission, you can still bypass a few requirements in some universities. 

Let’s explore all the essential information everyone needs to know about MS in data science in the USA without GRE. 

MS in data science is an 18 or 24-month course offered by numerous universities in the USA. It is one of the most cutting-edge programs in the USA, offering knowledge of aspects like data mining, statistics, software development, machine learning, data optimization, business intelligence, and big data analytics. Students learn how to analyze data and use insights for decision-making and problem-solving as a part of the course.

MS in Data Science in USA Without GRE: Key Details

Before getting comprehensive information about the MS in data science, you have to go through the key highlights. These are some of the most significant pieces of information for all aspiring students who want to pursue a study abroad course in the USA. These high highlights include:

Eligibility	Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 3.0 GPA on a scale of 4.0 GPA.
Duration	1-2 years. This duration goes up and down with the relevant courses and universities, too.
Course Fee	$25,000 and $74,500 (INR 20.67 to 62 lakhs).
Entrance Exam	Without GRE, typically, the entrance exams required to qualify are TOEFL or IELTS
Average Salary	Average remuneration is USD 83,000 (INR 69.04 lakhs) per year.
Jobs Available	Data scientist, data analyst, machine learning engineer, and machine learning scientist.

Benefits of Pursuing Data Science in USA

• The country is one of the world’s biggest technology hubs, home to the biggest IT giants and recruiters in data science.
• Studying at the leading global universities for data science while enjoying cutting-edge research infrastructure and equipment and a widespread and intensive curriculum.
• As per reports, thousands of new data science jobs are expected to be created over the next decade, with growing demand for skilled professionals in the field.
• Data scientists and others in this sector are some of the highest-paid professionals in the USA.

Universities for Doing MS in Data Science in USA Without GRE

The table below consists of some of the renowned universities that are offering MS in data science without the GRE (Graduate Record Examination):

University Name	Course name	Average Fee/Annum	QS WUR 2025	Exams required other than GRE
Stanford University	MS in Statistics—Data Science	USD 74,450	#6	TOEFL
Yale University	MA in Statistics and Data Science	USD 49,500	#23	IELTS or TOEFL
Harvard University	MS Data Science	USD 61,768	#4	TOFEL or IELTS
University of Pennsylvania	MS in Engineering in Data Science	USD 31,460	#11	TOEFL/IELTS
Duke University	MS in Data Science	USD 62,620	#61	TOEFL, IELTS
Columbia University	MS in Data Science	USD 30,432	#82	IELTS or TOEFL
New York University	MS in Data Science	USD 52,480	#43	TOEFL (preferred) or IELTS
University Of Washington	MS in Data Science	USD 51,300	#76	TOEFL, IELTS

Eligibility Criteria for Data Science in USA without GRE:

However, while the GRE is an optional criterion for admission to MS in DS in the USA, there are some essential requirements. All the students who are dreaming of opting for a masters in data science in the USA without a GRE should take a look at the below criteria:

• Academic Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, statistics, economics, and engineering is a must, with a minimum GPA score (around 3.0 on a 4.0 scale).
• Standardized Language Proficiency Test: International students must have English proficiency scores in examinations like TOEFL and IELTS. 
• Work Experience: Relevant work experience in data analysis, machine learning, or a related field for 2-3 years.
• Letters of Recommendation: Most universities seek letters of recommendation from academic or professional references. The recommendation has to be well drafted. This adds an extra merit point to your application. This is another requirement for MS in DS in the USA.
• Statement of Purpose: A compelling SOP that includes your academic details, professional contributions, excellence, goals, career path, interests, and motivations for pursuing data science is needed.

How Can You Apply to US Universities Without GRE

There is a myth that universities in the US do not allow students without the GRE. It’s optional to have a GRE at many universities. Instead, the requirement is a good score in TOEFL/IELTS. Students who want to pursue an MS in data science in the USA without a GRE should do research at those universities. Curriculum, faculty expertise, industry connections, and the available resources of the respective universities are necessary. 

Reviewing the other application materials, such as the personal statement, LOR, SOP and transcripts, is essential. Some universities may ask you for a personal interview, coding challenge, or portfolio as an additional document. 

You can seek guidance from the current students and alumni of that particular university. Ensure that you adhere to the compulsory guidelines of the university. Always check the official website of the relevant university for authentic and additional details. 

Tuition Fee for MS in USA Without GRE:

The cost of studying MS in data science in the USA without the GRE completely depends on the university you select. On average, the tuition fee ranges from USD 24,852 to 74,450 per year. If you convert it into INR, the estimated amount is between INR 20.67 lakhs and 62 lakhs. 

This is a list of the costs of studying MS in the USA across different top universities:

University	Tuition Fees Per Annum
Boston University	USD 67,626
Purdue University	USD 29,918
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	USD 59,750
Concordia University Chicago	USD 15,150
Northeastern University	USD 59,400

What Are the Conditions For a GRE Waiver in USA

As you are allowed admission without a GRE, you must adhere to some conditions. The students must follow these conditions to be eligible for a GRE waiver. Though this can vary according to the universities' requirements, some common conditions apply to international students.

1. Outstanding Academic Performance: 

The first condition of the GRE waiver is to have an excellent academic score. International students with a history of good academic records have an upper hand. 3.0 or above in GPA is the must condition to get admission. An outstanding score proves the excellence of your graduate program, and you have qualified for a MS in DS without a GRE.

2. Portfolio and Writing Sample:

Few universities take other measures, like portfolios, and writing samples, to judge your academic skills. Since you don’t have a GRE score, you can submit your portfolio and writing sample in lieu of it.

3. Subject-Specific Tests:

Many universities prefer to take relevant subject (data science) oriented test rather than generalized ones for the GRE waiver. A better score in the subject says that the student is credible.

4. Interviews:

The universities often ask you to sit for an interview. International students who are considering studying abroad for a master's in data science can do a virtual interview as well.

5. Program Specific Requirements:

Few courses require specific requirements like professional experience, training and workshops, or research experience. You have to keep this in mind before applying to the course.

Alternatives to GRE for MS in USA:

Generally, the GRE is required to study MS in the USA, but other tests are allowed for admission. Some universities consider portfolios, work experience, and interviews instead of the GRE. Other institutions often accept GMAT, LSAT, and MCAT tests. They have also standardized academic tests as a substitute for the GRE.

Scholarships for MS in USA Without GRE:

MS in DS in USA Scholarships are a way to reduce the huge financial burden on students. It is quite evident that everyone doesn’t get a scholarship. There are a lot of students who are financially backward; they need it desperately. That’s why financial aid is given to them if they satisfy certain criteria. Check out if you fall into this category:

• Merit-Based Scholarships:

International students with an exceptional CGPA score can get a 5–10% waiver of the tuition fee in the application cycle. This is awarded after comprehensively checking the details.

• Need-Based Scholarships:

Many meritorious students cannot fulfil their dream of studying abroad because of a lack of money. To back them, financial aid comes to the fore. 

• Tuition Fee Waiver:

Rather than a complete waiver of the fees, only the tuition fee is waived for certain students. This is the most popular scholarship from universities in the USA.

• Research Assistantships:

This assistantship is provided in return for the teaching service provided to an institution. On the other hand, you can earn a scholarship by helping the professors with their research.

MS in USA Without GRE: Job Opportunities:

According to recent data, there are diverse job opportunities with a lucrative salary. Salaries vary depending on the roles you choose and your qualifications. The job opportunities after the MS are:

Job Profile	Average Salary
Data Engineer	$98,365
Senior Data Analyst	$89,740
Data Scientist	$100,735
Analytics Manager	$106,260
Business Intelligence Analyst	$75,930
Software Engineer	$102,911

*Salaries as per Payscale

MS in USA Without GRE Return on Investment:

Like others, you may also be concerned about the return on investment. You will be delighted to know about the high return on investment of the masters in data science in the USA without GRE. One of the pivotal reasons is the high earning potential in different fields, and you see a rapid return consistently. 

The second cause of high ROI is continuous career growth. So, you get better job positions, faster career progression, and increased job security. The versatility of this field of data science lies in the diverse career opportunities, and you don’t get stuck with one thing. As the demand for DS is growing thick and fast, your future is secured. 

These are some of the basic requirements for gaining admission into these universities. You should carefully check the application deadlines and apply well in advance with all your supporting documents and the completed application form. If your application is approved, you will have to appear for a personal interview in some cases.