Best Online MBA Programs of 2025 — No GMAT/GRE
Each year, thousands of students enroll in online business schools to pursue MBAs. As accessibility and interest in online learning have grown, many schools have expanded to allow learners to pursue this in-demand degree from the comfort of their homes.
Colleges, too, have shifted their approach to recruiting MBA students. As more business schools shift away from requiring GMAT/GRE scores, the focus has turned to other indicators of success.
Explore details on the top online MBA programs with no GMAT/GRE requirements in this helpful guide.
10 Best Online MBA Programs That Don’t Require GMAT/GRE Scores
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$66,640
- Out-of-state$66,640
- In-State$66,640
- Out-of-state$66,640
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate10%
- Students Enrolled47,147
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment30%
- AccreditationYes
New York University
- New York, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$60,438
- Out-of-state$60,438
- In-State$38,826
- Out-of-state$38,826
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate9%
- Students Enrolled57,335
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment27%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Chapel Hill, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,020
- Out-of-state$37,360
- In-State$10,552
- Out-of-state$28,844
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate19%
- Students Enrolled32,496
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment25%
- AccreditationYes
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
- Carbondale, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,638
- Out-of-state$9,638
- In-State$11,268
- Out-of-state$28,170
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance Rate16%
- Students Enrolled11,359
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment45%
- AccreditationYes
Johns Hopkins University
- Baltimore, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$62,840
- Out-of-state$62,840
- In-State$62,840
- Out-of-state$62,840
- Retention Rate98%
- Acceptance Rate8%
- Students Enrolled30,363
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment58%
- AccreditationYes
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
- Ann Arbor, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$19,058
- Out-of-state$61,810
- In-State$27,192
- Out-of-state$54,720
- Retention Rate98%
- Acceptance Rate18%
- Students Enrolled52,065
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment12%
- AccreditationYes
The Pennsylvania State University
- University Park, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$15,400
- Out-of-state$25,084
- In-State$23,189
- Out-of-state$39,248
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled88,914
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment54%
- AccreditationYes
Rice University
- Houston, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$57,210
- Out-of-state$57,210
- In-State$53,712
- Out-of-state$53,712
- Retention Rate98%
- Acceptance Rate8%
- Students Enrolled8,556
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment8%
- AccreditationYes
Carnegie Mellon University
- Pittsburgh, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$62,260
- Out-of-state$62,260
- In-State$48,496
- Out-of-state$48,496
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate11%
- Students Enrolled16,335
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment15%
- AccreditationYes
University of South Florida
- Tampa, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,647
- Out-of-state$11,963
- In-State$8,350
- Out-of-state$19,048
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate41%
- Students Enrolled48,566
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment68%
- AccreditationYes
Why Are Schools Waiving or Not Requiring the GMAT/GRE?
The reasons a school may waive graduate entrance exams differ from the reasons for eliminating the GMAT/GRE altogether. A school may waive its GMAT score requirement if you apply with a stellar undergraduate GPA and exceptional work experience. Additionally, some schools created a temporary waiver following the COVID-19 pandemic and never reverted back.
Schools with online MBAs commonly no longer require GMAT/GRE scores. These programs recognize that applicants have a wide spectrum of experiences and educational backgrounds, allowing them to decide which elements of their application best showcase their preparedness.
Reality Check: Do Employers Care About GMAT/GRE Scores?
Even though some schools may no longer request GMAT or GRE scores, employers may still consider them in their hiring processes. Consulting firms and some investment banks frequently request these test scores when hiring interns and employees.
Other types of companies that may want to know your scores include managerial recruiters, financial planning institutions, and risk management firms. These employers may view test scores as a helpful metric when identifying the strongest candidates.
Common Admission Requirements in Place of GMAT/GRE Scores
In the absence of test scores, what do online MBA program administrators look for in potential candidates? Below, we examine some of the top considerations for online MBA programs with no GMAT requirements.
Work Experience
Work experience shows admissions offices how you handle yourself in professional settings and whether you have progressed in your career. Many programs desire applicants with 2-8 years of professional work experience.Advanced Degrees
Students who successfully navigated the rigors of graduate school are more likely to succeed in an MBA program. Learners can often bypass GMAT requirements if they have master’s degrees or doctorates.GPA
A high GPA demonstrates that you can handle challenging classes without letting your grades suffer. Many schools require a 3.0-3.5 GPA to waive GMAT requirements.Professional Licensure
Many business-related positions require licensure and/or certification (e.g., CFA, CPA, Six Sigma) to practice. Licensure demonstrates that you have the skills and qualifications to pass industry exams. Some schools may use existing licenses and certifications to determine whether to waive GMAT scores.Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation can help you to gain admission without GMAT/GRE scores. Choose mentors and contacts who can speak well about your abilities and potential.Essay or Personal Statement
The essay or personal statement provides you with a chance to demonstrate — in your own words — why you deserve a place in the program and how you plan to ensure your success. Use this document to highlight academic and professional accomplishments and clearly outline how you hope to use your MBA meaningfully.
How to Choose an Online MBA Program: 4 Key Factors
The best online MBA programs with no GMAT requirements offer affordable, top-quality academics with career services support that can help you transition into a new role. Below, we highlight four key factors to consider when choosing an online MBA program.
1. Check for Accreditation
Though test scores might be optional, attending an accredited school is not. Programmatic accreditation indicates that the MBA program has gone through a rigorous vetting process that ensures you’re receiving a high-quality education. It also signals the value of your degree to employers. If you’re investing your time and money into business school, you want future employers to trust that your education meets current industry expectations. Moreover, enrolling in programs that lack accreditation can make it impossible for you to receive federal student aid.
Top organizations that accredit MBA programs include:
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- International Accreditation Council for Business Education
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
2. Graduate Success Outcomes
Strong student outcomes are a valuable indicator of a high-quality online MBA program. When researching and comparing programs, ask yourself: How long does it take for graduates to land a job? What are their average earnings in the short and the long term?
The best online MBA programs have strong graduate success rates and maintain career placement connections with employers to help you quickly connect with jobs after graduation.
3. Ensure the Program Offers Your Specific MBA Area of Study
You can earn a general or specialized MBA degree. Generalist programs focus on versatile, transferable skills with broad, cross-industry applications. Specialized programs develop more focused proficiencies for particular industries or targeted areas of professional practice. You may also encounter online executive MBA programs with no GMAT requirements.
Specializations vary among schools. Some business schools feature many concentration options, while others offer a limited selection. The following list describes common specializations that may interest learners with particular career goals:
Common MBA Specializations
4. Program Length and Format
MBA programs come in many forms, including options with full-time and part-time enrollment, evening and weekend schedules, hybrid and accelerated delivery, and online and in-person learning.
Online degrees can use asynchronous learning platforms with more flexible schedules or require you to join live classes via teleconference software.
Virtually all types of MBAs take 1-2 years to complete as a full-time student. If you choose part-time enrollment, you should budget 2-5 years for business school.
What Can I Do With an MBA Degree?
An MBA is one of the most versatile degrees you can earn. General MBA programs can prepare you for leadership roles in enterprise-level corporations or to launch your own business. Business schools often allow you to add a concentration to your MBA, which can help you pursue a career in a specialized field like finance, marketing, real estate, or human resources.
An MBA can also qualify you to teach undergraduate business courses or pursue a doctorate and become a full-time researcher or academic.
How Much Can I Make With an MBA?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), business and financial professionals made a median annual wage of $79,050 as of May 2023 — nearly $14,000 higher than the median annual salary of $65,470 for all jobs. A 2023 report by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) indicates that MBA graduates earn a median annual salary of $125,000.
GMAC also reported that post-pandemic demand for MBA graduates is more robust than ever, as 91% of recruiters planned to hire MBA grads in 2023.
| MBA Careers | MBA Specialization | Median Salary (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Manager | Healthcare Administration | $110,680 |
| Public Relations and Fundraising Managers | Marketing Management | $130,480 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | Information Management | $169,510 |
| Top Executives | Executive and Organizational Leadership | $103,840 |
| Financial Managers | Finance Accounting | $156,100 |
| Human Resources Managers | Human Resources | $136,350 |
How Much Does an Online MBA Program Cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), tuition and fees for online MBA programs cost about $22,500 over two years, on average. On average, online MBA programs cost about $5,000 less per year than campus-based degrees.
However, many factors affect an MBA program’s price tag, including the school’s reputation, location, and public or private status. Financial aid comes in several ways, too. For example, some schools offer reduced tuition rates for veterans, military members, university employees, and employees of partner companies.
Average Annual Cost of an Online MBA Degree
$10,995
Online MBA Degree
$16,120
Traditional, Campus-Based MBA Degree
Frequently Asked Questions About Online MBA Programs That Don’t Require GMAT/GRE Scores
Historically, MBA programs have required GMAT scores for admission, but many business schools have waived test requirements in the post-COVID era. Other universities consider GMAT or GRE scores as part of an overall admission packet but only for applicants with lower GPAs.
