Purdue University GRE requirements (2026)
Purdue's central graduate office does not require the GRE, but many programs do. Policies vary sharply by department: Computer Science does not require the GRE, several engineering programs make it optional, and quantitative programs such as Industrial Engineering and Agricultural Economics still require it.
About Purdue University
Purdue University is a public land-grant research university known for its engineering, science, and agriculture programs. Graduate admissions are coordinated by the Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars (OGSPS) together with individual programs.
GRE requirement by program
Purdue University sets its GRE policy by program, so there is rarely a single university-wide answer. Below is each program we have checked, with its status, a link to the program's own admissions page, and the date we last confirmed it.
| Program | Status | Official source | Last checked |
|---|---|---|---|
Graduate School / OGSPS central policy PhD and masters | Varies by program The OGSPS GRE page states: "Although the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not an OGSPS admission requirement, many graduate programs require this test." OGSPS sets no minimum GRE or GMAT score, leaving the requirement to individual programs. | purdue.edu | Jun 2026 |
Computer Science (MS, PhD) MS and PhD | Optional The Department of Computer Science requirements page states "GRE is NOT required." Scores are not a mandatory component of the application for the graduate programs. | cs.purdue.edu | Jun 2026 |
Mechanical Engineering (MS, PhD) MS and PhD | Optional The Mechanical Engineering on-campus application requirements list the GRE General Test as optional. Applicants from less well-known schools are encouraged to submit scores, but there is no mandatory GRE requirement. | engineering.purdue.edu | Jun 2026 |
Industrial Engineering (MS, PhD) MS and PhD | Required The Edwardson School of Industrial Engineering GRE page states the GRE is required for all applicants and must still be valid (within five years) at the time of admission. It recommends approximate scores of 151 Verbal, 155 Quantitative, and 3.5 Analytical Writing. | engineering.purdue.edu | Jun 2026 |
Agricultural Economics (MS, PhD) MS and PhD | Required The Department of Agricultural Economics graduate admissions page lists the GRE as "Required -- no minimum score set" for both the master's and doctoral programs, with official scores sent by ETS. | ag.purdue.edu | Jun 2026 |
Each status was read from the program's own admissions page (last checked 20 06 2026). Policies change between cycles; always confirm on the linked official page before you apply.
Not the program you need? The status is set department by department. Use the three-step check on the is the GRE required page to confirm any program in a couple of minutes.
Should you submit a GRE score?
Where Purdue University marks a program Optional, a score comfortably above the program's admitted-student median can strengthen a borderline application, especially for funded or international applicants. Below that median, your effort is usually better spent on the required parts of the file. Where a program is Not accepted, do not send a score, it will not be reviewed.
Unsure where you would land? Sit a free full-length mock and convert your scaled score to its exact official percentile before you decide.