MBA talent remains in high demand. In the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) 2025 Corporate Recruiters Survey, over one-third of global employers said they plan to hire more MBA graduates in 2025 than in 2024. MBA grads are more in demand than all other business-related master's degrees.
With the rise of online learning, many schools now let you earn an MBA from home. Business schools are also moving away from GMAT/GRE requirements, focusing instead on other success factors like work experience, GPA, and professional achievements.
Explore the top online MBA programs with no GMAT/GRE requirements in this guide.
10 Best Online MBA Programs That Don't Require GMAT/GRE Scores
Why Are Schools Waiving or Not Requiring the GMAT/GRE?
There are several reasons a school may waive graduate entrance exams or eliminate the GMAT/GRE requirements altogether:
A school may waive its GMAT score requirement if you apply with a stellar undergraduate GPA and exceptional work experience.
Some schools created a temporary waiver following the COVID-19 pandemic and never reverted back.
Online MBA programs commonly don't require GMAT/GRE scores. These programs recognize that applicants have diverse experiences and educational backgrounds, and aim to make their online programs as flexible and accessible as possible.
Reality Check: Do Employers Care About GMAT/GRE Scores?
While some industries or employers may use test scores as a metric when comparing job candidates, most employers prioritize your MBA credential and the program you attended rather than your GMAT or GRE scores.
However, certain employers, particularly consulting firms or financial institutions, may still consider GMAT or GRE scores during hiring, even if your school didn't require them for admission.
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 officers how you handle yourself in a professional setting and whether you have progressed in your career. Many programs prefer applicants with 2-8 years of professional work experience.
High 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 Credentials
Holding professional credentials can highlight relevant business skills and enhance your application to graduate programs. Popular certifications like the CPA or CFA, for example, demonstrate strong quantitative and analytical abilities.
Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation can help you gain admission without GMAT/GRE scores. Choose mentors and contacts who can speak well about your abilities and potential.
Essay or Personal Statement
Essays or a personal statement provide 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 MBA success.
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:
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
Accounting
Entrepreneurship
Management
Marketing
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. Most MBAs take 1-2 years to complete as a full-time student. If you choose to enroll part time, you should expect to spend 2-5 years in business school.
What Jobs Can You Get With an MBA?
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. With an MBA, you can secure executive positions across a variety of industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, corporate management, and the government.
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.
How Much Can I Make With an MBA?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), business and financial professionals made a median annual salary of $80,920 as of May 2024 — over $31,000 higher than the median salary for all occupations, which was $49,500. The GMAC estimated in its 2025 report that MBA graduates earn a median annual salary of $125,000. Below, we cover some jobs that MBA graduates can pursue, many of which offer salaries well over six figures.
| MBA Career | MBA Specialization | Median Salary (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Manager | Marketing or Advertising Management | $159,660 |
| Chief Executive | Executive and Organizational Leadership | $206,680 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | Information Management | $171,200 |
| Financial Manager | Finance Accounting | $161,700 |
| General and Operations Manager | Supply Chain Management | $101,280 |
| Human Resources Manager | Human Resources | $140,030 |
| Management Analyst | Business Analytics | $101,190 |
| Medical and Health Services Manager | Healthcare Administration | $117,960 |
| Public Relations and Fundraising Manager | Communication | $132,870 |
| Training and Development Manager | Human Resources or Organizational Leadership | $127,090 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online MBA Programs That Don't Require GMAT/GRE Scores
According to Investopedia, MBA programs at top schools like Harvard, Stanford, and UPenn can cost upwards of $100,000-$200,000 over two years. At many other universities, such as the University of Georgia's Terry College of Business, tuition is comparatively lower, ranging from $50,000-$72,000.
Online MBA programs typically cost less than traditional campus-based options, but price tags can vary widely depending on 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, university employees, and employees of partner companies.
