Online MBA Programs with No GMAT Requirement 2023

The once-hailed GMAT is now being replaced by recommendations, undergraduate transcripts, and professional experience for many schools. No need for that GMAT score of 650 on the GMAT exam anymore.

Some schools waive the GMAT requirement depending on a candidate’s previous academic performance and/or professional experience. Some colleges and universities have completely dropped the GMAT requirement from their list of admission requirements.

To date, there are over 100 higher education institutions that do not require students to take the GMAT for an MBA program application.

This move to an online MBA with no GMAT admission requirement system is great news for many budding online MBA degree students. For those who are returning to college after a 5 to 10-year break, studying for the GMAT may not be ideal. This offers students returning to college a way to leverage their past academic or professional experience instead of taking a standardized test.

If taking the GMAT or GRE seems overwhelming, this is a great path for you. The schools listed in our directory of affordable online MBA programs offer either complete GMAT waivers or have no GMAT or GRE requirements for prospective students.

Related Online MBA Programs That Might Interest You

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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Recommended Programs | Admission Requirements Without GMAT |  Interactive Directory of Programs | Most Affordable Programs | Interactive Program Database

Admission Requirements Without GMAT

With or without GMAT submissions, getting into the right school is competitive. However, if you do not have GMAT scores, other important factors may persuade the admissions team in your favor. Some important elements may include letters of recommendation, work experience, personal statements, and an exceptional GPA. The following is a list of items that the top MBA programs with no GMAT will carefully examine:

Work Experience

To have a GMAT waiver, most programs require full-time work experience for roughly 3 to 10 years. However, the field you work in general does not matter as long as you can show yourself as potential management material. Showing that you were excellent at teamwork and taking on additional responsibilities is also highly favorable.

Advanced Degrees

Earning a doctoral degree such as an M.D., J.S.D., or Ph.D. is generally viewed as a favorable GMAT waiver. Many institutions will accept other doctoral degrees as well. However, these other degrees must be from programs that required the GRE, or at least something comparable, before admissions.

Exceptional GPA

It is not easy to have the GMAT waived on excellent undergraduate academics alone. However, it is possible if you have outstanding grades in advanced classes that include analytical skills and advanced mathematics courses. Satisfying these requirements, in addition to having a bachelor’s degree in a science, technology, engineering, and math field, may help. Additionally, a bachelor’s in accounting or finance will also show graduate-level maturity.

Professional Licensing

When added to sufficient work experience, a certification with a quantitative concentration, such as Six Sigma may qualify you for a GMAT waiver. Additional certifications may include CPA, FINRA, CFA, and more. These courses tend to prove that you have the math skills and drive needed to succeed in an MBA degree program.

Letters of Recommendation

Including letters of recommendation from previous professors or supervisors is important when submitting your college application. However, when you are applying to an online program with no GMAT score required, these letters become even more important. Your former supervisors may be able to discuss how well you climbed the corporate ladder. While your former teachers can speak to your learning potential. Both of these can speak volumes to academic admission teams.

An essay or Personal Statement

Many MBA programs use the GMAT as a way to gauge your seriousness in earning a business degree. However, those programs that do not require the GMAT may rely heavily on your personal essay. This is to prove you are ready and willing to complete the rigid coursework required for your business degree

Related Online MBA Programs That Might Interest You

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Online MBA Programs with No-GMAT Requirement


This page is broken into two sections for ease of use

  1. List of the five most affordable online MBA programs no-GMAT required
  2. A comprehensive list of 100 online MBA programs that don’t require the GMAT (frequently updated)

Note to universities: If your school offers an online MBA with no GMAT required option, please email [email protected] with program details, and we will add it to our list and will adjust rankings as needed. All data came from the National Center for Education Statistics in 2023, school websites, and school Facebook pages. For general information on online MBA programs, see our list of 62 of the cheapest online MBA programs.

Further Reading: Cheapest Online Colleges

100 Most Affordable Online MBA Programs With No GMAT Requirement

Fitchburg State University
Amberton University
Midway University
Ashland University
Cumberland University
Eastern New Mexico University
Grace College & Theological Seminary
Doane University
Delta State University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
California State University – San Bernardino
John F. Kennedy University
Concordia University – Saint Paul
California State University – Monterey Bay
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Concordia University – Chicago
Centenary College
Crown College
Columbia International University
Missouri Baptist University
Johnson University
Anderson University
Cardinal Stritch University
Concordia University – Texas
Lasell University
Freed-Hardeman University
Huntington University
Florida International University
Concordia University – Wisconsin
Bellevue University
Kansas State University
Friends University
Baker University
Mid-America Christian University
Bethel University
Averett University
National Louis University
Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health
Concordia University – Ann Arbor
Messiah University
Limestone College
Endicott College
Aurora University
Independence University
Cairn University – Langhorne
Franciscan University of Steubenville
California University of Pennsylvania
Brenau University
East Texas Baptist University
Lynn University
Indiana Wesleyan University
Baldwin Wallace University
California Baptist University
Hodges University
New England College
Dakota Wesleyan University
Fontbonne University
MidAmerica Nazarene University
Cornerstone University
Marymount California University
Lewis University
Bay Path University
Jacksonville University
Alvernia University
Benedictine College
Eastern Oregon University
Capella University
Cleary University
Maryville University
George Mason University
Keystone College
Davenport University
Franklin University
Florida Institute of Technology
Husson University
Mercy College
Franklin Pierce University
Antioch University Connected(Antioch University Online)
Lincoln Memorial University
Caldwell University
Carlow University
King University
Albertus Magnus College
Lawrence Technological University
Abilene Christian University
Antioch University – New England
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Judson University
Maharishi University of Management
Goshen College
American University
Howard University
Drexel University
Berklee College of Music
Babson College

Schools are ranked according to the total tuition gathered from College Navigator – National Center for Education Statistics.

#1 West Virginia University

Graduate Tuition + Fees: $10,332

Tarleton State University’s School of Business Administration offers the cheapest MBA online program no GMAT at roughly $3,000 less than the next most affordable online MBA program available.

MBA students learn how to be leaders, make good decisions, and think critically in all of the functional areas of business: management, marketing, finance, accounting, information systems, and business strategy. Students make decisions based on critical evaluations of real-life situations. Graduate faculty in the College of Business Administration prepare MBA students for current job opportunities and for competing effectively in the global business arena. For the most affordable no GMAT master’s of business administration, Tarleton is the top business school choice.

#2 Florida International University

Graduate Tuition + Fees: $11,106

Ashworth College offers a Master’s degree in Business Administration online. The MBA program lasts three semesters. All programs are self-paced. The program operates a rolling admissions policy, so online MBA students can begin and end the program when it makes sense to them. Tuition can be divided into monthly installments.

The goal of research projects is to help students become better business leaders and get ready for career advancement. By earning an MBA at Ashworth, students acquire knowledge and skills from industry experts. 60% of graduates recommend Ashworth, and 65% say that their degree from Ashworth improved their career, according to GradReports.com. Ashworth offers the second-cheapest business school online MBA program without the GMAT on our list.

#3 North Carolina State University Poole

Graduate Tuition + Fees: $11,703

North Carolina State University (NC State) offers an online Master of Business Administration (MBA) program. This program is designed for working professionals who want to earn an MBA without interrupting their careers. The online MBA program at NC State is delivered in a flexible format and covers the core areas of business, including finance, marketing, operations management, and strategy. Start dates for this program are in August and January with several options for the length of the program. You can choose an accelerated 21 months or take as long as 6 years to complete it but most students graduate within 3 years. Graduating students typically go on to earn an average salary of $126,970 with a large sign-on bonus on top of that. Additionally, students can choose from a variety of elective courses to specialize in areas that align with their professional goals. The online MBA program at NC State is accredited by AACSB International and is taught by experienced faculty members who are leaders in their respective fields. Graduates of the program will be well-prepared to take on leadership positions in the business world.

#4. the University of Florida Warrington

Graduate Tuition + Fees: $12,737

Balancing work, life, and school is crucial for working professionals pursuing an MBA. UF MBA equips you with the skills to succeed in all aspects of life while earning your degree. You don’t have to physically attend classes every day to receive a comprehensive MBA education. The 16-month option is a fast-paced program for those with a business bachelor’s degree earned in the past 7 years or for students in UF’s Outreach Engineering Management program. For those seeking maximum flexibility, the 24-month option is recommended, using course materials taught by the same highly respected faculty who have elevated UF MBA at Warrington College of Business to national recognition. UF MBA has earned recognition as a top MBA program globally by Financial Times and U.S. News & World Report. Their Online MBA student body is diverse, hailing from organizations such as Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, non-profits, and beyond, from all corners of the world. To maintain high-quality student-professor interactions, the class size is capped at 65 students.

#5. William and Mary University

Graduate Tuition + Fees: $16,618

A Master’s degree from William & Mary’s Raymond A. Mason School of Business is built on a groundbreaking idea: the best way to cultivate successful leaders is by offering top-notch instruction and exceptional mentorship and hands-on learning opportunities. Acquire the dynamic mindset and expertise needed to lead in today’s complex and rapidly evolving business world. Online MBA graduates from the Mason School of Business have, on average, seen a 26% salary increase during or after completing their degree program, thanks to the career-enhancing curriculum. The Princeton Review ranked William and Mary University #5 for the Best Business Professors. The faculty that you’ll be learning from were previous CFOs, COOs, and senior partners for top companies you love like Walt Disney, Kraft Foods, Geico, NASA, and the Department of Homeland Security. With such prestigious professors leading you, you’ll have an advantage over others when entering the job market. 

#6. St. Johns University-New York

Graduate Tuition + Fees: $31, 516

A curriculum that emphasizes entrepreneurship, hands-on experience, and an international perspective is offered by the Peter J. Tobin College of Business at St. John’s University. The online Master of Business Administration program that St. John’s University offers to working professionals provides an extraordinary amount of flexibility, allowing students to get their M.B.A. while maintaining their careers. You have the option to enroll in onsite M.B.A. programs as long as they make up just under half of your total course load. You may choose to attend classes either synchronously or asynchronously, and either way, you have the ability to take M.B.A. classes. The MBA program may be completed entirely online, and students have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as business analytics, finance, risk management, marketing, interdisciplinary business, and more.

#7. George Washington University

Graduate Tuition + Fees: $32,904

George Washington University’s full-time online MBA program at the GW School of Business (GWSB) leverages its Washington, D.C. location to provide students with a wealth of opportunities to connect and engage with the business community. As the hub of private, public, and NGO sectors, D.C. offers a dynamic and diverse business landscape, and GWSB’s established institutional and professional relationships within the city allow for a truly immersive experience for online MBA students. In addition, the program offers a variety of engaging class projects, interactive digital course materials, and live learning experiences to further enhance students’ education. The program also includes co-curricular activities, allowing students to connect with peers, alumni, and business leaders, build relationships, and expand their professional network.

#8. Pepperdine University

Graduate Tuition + Fees: $37,420

Since its founding in 1969, Pepperdine Graziadio Business School has been a pioneer in the business world, both in California and internationally, enabling professionals to make a significant difference and lead with purpose. Both within and outside of the online classroom, the excellent faculty of the online MBA program is readily accessible. Students collaborate with firms such as Adobe, Disney Entertainment, Hurley International, and Warner Bros. on real-world projects. In 2021, the typical pay for MBA graduates was $115,000, with over 40,000 alumni having an impact on the corporate world.  All candidates are eligible for grants, and students have the opportunity to develop long-lasting relationships with instructors and peers via live online courses and Los Angeles residences. In addition to a complete MBA program, students may choose one of seven concentrations: marketing, finance, digital innovation, information systems, leadership and managing organizational change, business analytics, entrepreneurship, or global business.

#9. Rochester Institute of Technology

Graduate Tuition + Fees: $52,408

The Online Executive MBA program from Rochester Institute of Technology is an intensive and comprehensive program that provides students with the opportunity to sharpen their business acumen and develop their leadership skills. Designed for professionals who are looking to advance their careers and take on greater responsibilities, the program offers a flexible and convenient way for working individuals to pursue higher education. The program is 17 months in duration and is divided into 4 semesters, with two starts each year. This allows students to choose the start that best fits their schedule and career goals. The program follows a cohort-based structure, where students enter and progress through the program together, taking the same courses and working on projects as a team. This structure provides students with the opportunity to form strong relationships with their classmates, foster collaboration, and benefit from peer-to-peer learning. The curriculum of the Online Executive MBA program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of business concepts and practices. Students will take courses in areas such as finance, marketing, strategy, leadership, and ethics. In addition, students will participate in real-world assignments and case studies, allowing them to apply their knowledge to real-life situations.

#10. Babson College

Graduate Tuition + Fees: $89,550

The Babson College MBA is designed to provide students with the practical skills and knowledge necessary to bring their entrepreneurial ideas to life. Whether you aspire to launch a startup, pivot to a new career, or succeed in your family business, our program offers a hands-on approach that will help you strike the perfect balance between experimentation and analysis. Our full-time MBA program offers two options: an accelerated 1-year option and a traditional 2-year option. You’ll complete your core courses in just 15 credits, leaving you the flexibility to customize your education to your unique career aspirations. With seven MBA concentrations, including STEM-designated specializations in Quantitative Finance Business Analytics & Machine Learning, you can delve deep into the topics that interest you most. In addition to coursework, our program places a strong emphasis on hands-on practice. You’ll have the opportunity to work on real-world business problems and consulting projects with companies, giving you valuable practical experience that will help you stand out in your career. Upon graduation, you’ll join the ranks of over 43,000 alumni in 129 countries, making up a vast network of Babson-trained business leaders.

Honorable Mentions

Cameron University

Cameron offers students flexibility and low costs while providing a high-quality learning experience and post-graduation marketability. Students gain expertise in various business disciplines, including Business Strategy, Finance, Marketing, Statistics, Economics, Accounting, Management Information Systems, and Human Resource Management/Organizational Administration.

Cameron’s online programs are geared toward helping their transient military students obtain their degrees according to their individual schedules. CU strives to produce individuals that will bring integrity, respect, and ethical behavior to the workforce. For aspiring executives, the Cameron School of Business offers high-quality, high-engagement learning via their online executive MBA program, which includes a one-week international residency in Europe or Asia and options for degree specialization.

http://www.cameron.edu/master_of_business_administration

Prairie View A&M University

Prairie View A&M University offers an online MBA program that is competitive and affordable for students. For students who aggressively pursue their degree, this program can be completed in as little as two years but must be completed within five years. PVAMU’s part-time MBA program was recently ranked by US News in their Best Grad School rankings report. This online MBA, no GMAT AACSB accredited program, offers highly qualified faculty and curricula.

PVAMU’s online MBA program offers the following concentrations: Accounting, Finance, International Business, and Management Information Systems. Prairie View University’s MBA program has created an academic environment that teaches students how to be successful leaders, managers, and entrepreneurs

http://www.pvamu.edu/business/departments/pvamu-mba/mba-program-online-option/

Fitchburg State University

The online MBA program is a fairly new addition to Fitch’s online and is already establishing itself as a challenging and affordable option for students looking to earn a master’s in business.

Fitch State University offers two concentrations for the online MBA: Management, and Human Resources. Both concentrations require students to complete 10-course, 30-credit programs. Management and Human Resources students must take leadership, finance, marketing, accounting, and organizational development classes.

Check out their demo online course here

http://www.fitchburgstate.edu/academics/graduate-programs/online-master-of-business-administration-in-management/

100 Online MBA Programs No-GMAT Required

The tool below offers a list of schools that offer an online MBA with no GMAT required for application. Schools are shown in sets of 10 with the ability to show more as desired. If you scroll to the bottom of the table, you will see the option to show more schools. Also, in some browsers, not all columns will show. A scroll bar is located at the bottom of the table. Use the scroll bar to reveal any unseen columns. A total of five columns are available with the following information:

  1. School Location
  2. Credits Cost Per Credit
  3. Total Tuition Accreditation
  4. Time Required to Complete
  5. MBA Degrees & Concentrations Offered

Related Online MBA Programs That Might Interest You

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.