GRE Scores for Education Programs

By

Chris Swimmer

on

in

,

An empty lecture hall.

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.

    View all posts

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