GRE Scores for Education Programs

Each year, more educators boost their credentials and expand their teaching opportunities via a graduate program. For many primary and secondary schools, a master’s degree is already required, and a doctoral degree is increasingly necessary for leadership roles. To get into these programs, you’ll almost always need to take the GRE. So, what score do you need?

Education GRE Scores by Intended Program

The scores below show the averages for test-takers targeting specific education programs. You’ll notice variations across fields, but keep in mind these scores represent everyone planning to pursue education, not just those accepted into master’s or PhD programs.

	Verbal	Quantitative	AWA
All	150	148	3.8
Administration	150	148	3.7
Curriculum and Instruction	151	148	3.9
Early Childhood	146	146	3.3
Elementary	149	147	3.6
Evaluation and Research	151	148	3.8
Higher	152	149	4.0
Secondary	154	151	4.0
Special	148	145	3.4
Student Counseling and Personnel Services	149	146	3.7
Other	152	151	3.8

Average GRE Scores for Education, Top 30 Programs

The US News and World Report publishes data on the top graduate programs in education. Here are the average GRE Verbal and Quantitative scores for students admitted to the top 30 doctoral programs.

Rank	School	Average GRE Verbal Score
1 (tie)	Teacher’s College–Columbia University	160
1 (tie)	University of Wisconsin–Madison	159
3 (tie)	University of California–Los Angeles	156
3 (tie)	University of Michigan–Ann Arbor	161
5 (tie)	Northwestern University	164
5 (tie)	Vanderbilt University	163
7	University of Pennsylvania	160
8 (tie)	Harvard University	161
8 (tie)	Johns Hopkins University	158
8 (tie)	New York University	159
8 (tie)	Stanford University	164
8 (tie)	University of Texas–Austin	N/A
8 (tie)	University of Virginia	156
14 (tie)	Florida State University	154
14 (tie)	University of California–Berkeley	156
16	University of Florida	155
17 (tie)	Arizona State University	147
17 (tie)	University of California–Irvine	162
17 (tie)	University of Oregon	149
20	University of Kansas–Lawrence	151
21 (tie)	Michigan State University	152
21 (tie)	Ohio State University	155
23 (tie)	Boston College	157
23 (tie)	University of Washington	156
25 (tie)	University of Maryland–College Park	157
25 (tie)	University of Minnesota–Twin Cities	158
25 (tie)	University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill	154
25 (tie)	Virginia Commonwealth University	154
29	University of South Carolina	152
30 (tie)	North Carolina State University–Raleigh	154
30 (tie)	University of Georgia	152
30 (tie)	University of Iowa	155
30 (tie)	University of Missouri	154

What Can We Take Away from Education Programs’ Average GRE Scores?

If you’re targeting a top-tier education program, you’ll likely need a Verbal Reasoning score of 158 or higher to remain competitive. Of course, other factors in your application matter too. But why is the verbal score so important to Education programs?

The Verbal section of the GRE tests your ability to understand written communication and think critically. When tackling Text Completions or Reading Comprehension questions, you demonstrate how you evaluate arguments—skills essential for educators. Educators must think critically, engage with complex texts, and then communicate their findings clearly. As such, your GRE Verbal score showcases your proficiency with language, ideas, and arguments to the admissions committee.

Takeaways

Many factors contribute to you getting accepted into graduate school. However, as competition increases, a strong GRE score can help you stand out. Need help getting started? Consider using a Magoosh study plan and try our free trial. Remember, improving your Verbal score typically takes longer than Quant, so don’t wait—start preparing today!

Author

Chris Swimmer

Chris Swimmer is an analyst at Magoosh who divides his time between marketing and research projects and helping folks out with their math hang ups while studying for the GRE and the GMAT.

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