26 Accredited Online MBA Degree Programs with No GMAT/GRE Requirement

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a highly sought-after degree for individuals aiming to advance their careers in the competitive business world. With the growth of online learning, obtaining an MBA has become more accessible than ever before. Additionally, many reputable institutions now offer online MBA programs without the requirement of taking the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

Understanding the GMAT and GRE

The GMAT and GRE are standardized tests designed to assess applicants’ analytical, verbal, and quantitative skills to graduate business programs. The GMAT is specifically tailored for business schools, while the GRE is more general and accepted by various graduate programs.

Despite their historical significance, the GMAT and GRE have faced criticism regarding their ability to predict academic success accurately. Factors such as test anxiety, cultural bias, and limited access to test preparation resources have led some schools to reconsider their reliance on standardized tests. As a result, more institutions are offering test-optional or test-flexible MBA programs to attract a more diverse pool of applicants.

Alternatives for GMAT/GRE Programs

Some universities consider alternative criteria for candidates seeking MBA programs in the USA. These include

• Work experience and professional skills
• Volunteering experience
• Submission of previous research projects
• Strong academic record: High GPA in an undergraduate degree

These alternative criteria help assess a candidate’s overall potential for MBA programs without relying solely on GMAT/GRE scores.

Admission Requirements for MBA programs

Admission requirements for MBA degree programs may vary depending on the institution and the program, but generally, the following requirements are commonly expected:

• A four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is usually required for admission to an MBA program.
• Work Experience: The amount of work experience required varies from program to program, but it is usually between two to five years of professional experience.
• Transcripts: Applicants must submit their undergraduate transcripts. Some MBA programs may require transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal Statement or Essays
• Interview: Some MBA programs require applicants to attend an interview with the admissions committee.

It is important to note that the admission requirements may differ depending on the program, so it’s recommended to check the specific requirements for the MBA program that you are interested in applying to.

Online MBA Degrees Without GMAT or GRE Requirement

#1. The University of South Dakota

Program: MBA

Tuition: $470.45 per credit

Accreditation: The program is AACSB accredited. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission

Financial aid: Available, with 92% of students receiving financial aid.

With USD’s no GMAT MBA program, you’ll learn from experienced faculty who offer personalized support and one-on-one advising throughout the program. Whether you choose on-campus or online learning, the MBA program is designed to provide you with a fulfilling educational experience that aligns with your career aspirations.

#2. Johns Hopkins University

Program: MBA, 54 credit hours

Tuition: $500 per credit

Accreditation: The program is AACSB accredited. Regional accreditation by Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Financial aid: Available, with 65% of students receiving financial aid.

The Online Flexible MBA program at JHU does not require applicants to have GMAT/GRE test scores. It allows students to customize their learning experience while still enjoying access to hands-on learning, student groups, and networking events just like in-person programs.

#3. Liberty University

Program: MBA, 45-credit hours

Tuition: $565 per credit

Accreditation: The program is ACBSP accredited. Regional accreditation by SACSCOC.

Financial aid: Available, with 99% of students receiving financial aid.

Liberty University’s 100% online MBA program helps graduates become leaders in the industry. The flexible curriculum is designed to accommodate all learners and features a range of specializations, including accounting, healthcare management, human resources, and international business, among others. The school does not require GMAT/GRE test scores.

#4. University of Saint Mary

Program: MBA, 33-credit hours

Tuition: $598 per credit

Accreditation: The program is IACBE accredited. Regional accreditation by SACSCOC.

Financial aid: Available, with 100% of students receiving financial aid.

The MBA at the University of Saint Mary focuses on data-driven problem-solving and a variety of concentrations to choose from. With a commitment to sustainability and ethical decision-making from a Christian perspective, graduates will be prepared to positively impact the world. The school does not require GMAT/GRE scores.

#5. Franklin University

Program: MBA

Tuition: $670 Per Credit

Accreditation: The program is IACBE-accredited. Regional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission

Financial aid: Available, with 95% of students receiving financial aid.

Get your MBA degree without disrupting your life and budget with Franklin’s FlexFIT MBA program. The no GMAT/GRE MBA program offers flexibility to help you avoid obstacles that prevent others from finishing. You can schedule as many or as few classes as your budget permits, pick a general or specialized track that aligns with your interests, and set your own pace for coursework completion.

#6. University of Wisconsin Whitewater

Program: MBA

Tuition: $678 per credit

Accreditation: Business school is AACSB-Accredited, with regional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission

Financial aid: Available, with 80% of students receiving financial aid.

The Master of Business Administration program offers a three-pronged approach that emphasizes global thinking, ethical behavior, and strategic innovation. As a student, you will sharpen your critical thinking skills to make informed decisions through case studies and class assignments. Many new applicants will be eligible for admission without submitting GMAT/GRE scores.

#7. Walsh University

Program: MBA, 36 credit hours

Tuition: $745 per credit

Accreditation: IACBE accredited. Regional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission

Financial aid: Available, with 97% of students receiving financial aid.

Walsh’s 100% online MBA program can help students achieve their goals without sacrificing their full-time career. Learn about the ever-changing demands of our global economy and the future of business through a flexible and supportive program. With the help of a personal business coach and a small cohort, students develop into well-rounded business professionals, capable of identifying their leadership style and working effectively with a diverse team. The program does not require GMAT/GRE test scores.

#8. Maryville University

Program: MBA, 36-39 credit hours

Tuition: $749 per credit

Accreditation: ACBSP accredited. Regional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission

Financial aid: Available, with 99% of students receiving financial aid.

At Maryville, the online MBA program is designed to help students redefine their role in today’s workplace. The courses are rooted in both reality and research, and taught by passionate instructors who are dedicated to helping students advance their career. This program does not require GMAT/GRE test scores.

#9. Lynn University

Program: MBA

Tuition: $750 per credit

Accreditation: IACBE accredited. Regional accreditation by SACSCOC

Financial aid: Available, with 99% of students receiving financial aid.

The online MBA program offers two options for students with different levels of experience, including a Standard Online MBA for working professionals and a 10-Month Online MBA for experienced leaders. Choose from 11 specializations and develop the skills demanded by organizations worldwide. With the holistic admission process, the school evaluates the applicant’s entire portfolio to assess the potential to succeed, making the GMAT and GRE exams unnecessary.

#10. The University of Illinois, Chicago

Program: MBA, 42 credit hours

Tuition: $858 per credit hour (or $36,018 Total Tuition)

Accreditation: AACSB Accredited. Regional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission

Financial aid: Available, with 85% of students receiving financial aid.

With UIC’s 100% online MBA program, you can gain practical skills to solve real-world business problems while maintaining your work schedule. To be eligible for a waiver of the GMAT/GRE requirement for admission to the MBA program, all applicants must submit a request. However, each request for a waiver is evaluated on a case-by-case basis before a decision is made.

#11. The University of Kansas

Program: MBA, 42 credit hours

Tuition: $865 per credit hour

Accreditation: AACSB accredited. Regional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission

Financial aid: Available, with 85% of students receiving financial aid.

The online MBA program at the University of Kansas offers the perfect balance of affordability, quality, and access to a robust alumni network. Students can connect with some of the most brilliant business minds from around the world, including industry leaders who call Kansas home. The school views applicants holistically and does not require GMAT for admission.

#12. Auburn University

Program: MBA, 39 credit hours

Tuition: $900/credit hour

Accreditation: Business school accredited by AACSB. Regional accreditation by SACSCOC

Financial aid: Available, with 74% of students receiving financial aid.

Auburn’s highly ranked Online MBA program offers the same exceptional curriculum, resources, and educators as their full-time MBA. Auburn will exempt applicants from the GMAT or GRE requirement if they meet specific criteria.

#13. George Mason University

Program: MBA, 48 credits

Tuition: $916.45 per credit (In-state); $1,823.00 per credit (out of state)

Accreditation: AACSB Accredited. Regional accreditation by SACSCOC

Financial aid: Available, with 75% of students receiving financial aid.

Join the online MBA program at George Mason for a unique perspective from the Washington D.C. world stage. Develop a diverse skill set and global expertise to lead in the new era of business. The program offers a Business Analytics Certificate for students to gain big data skills through hands-on use of modeling and techniques. This program does not require GMAT or GRE test scores.

  <h3>#14. Kettering University</h3>

Program: MBA, 40 Credits

Tuition: $959 per credit hour

Accreditation: Regional accreditation by Higher Learning Commission.

Financial aid: Available, with 100% of students receiving financial aid.

Kettering University offers a customizable online MBA perfect for anyone in engineering or healthcare looking to advance their career. With a “Learn Today-Use Tomorrow” philosophy, students can immediately apply their classroom learning to their job. This program does not require GMAT/GRE test scores.

#15. Colorado State University

Program: MBA, 42 credits

Tuition: $998 per credit

Accreditation: AACSB-accredited. Regional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission

Financial aid: Available, with 81% of students receiving financial aid.

CSU’s Online no GMAT MBA program is designed for motivated self-starters looking to enhance their earning potential and make an impact in their communities. Even without a business background, you can use your newfound knowledge to elevate your career or start your own business.

#16. Louisiana State University

Program: MBA, 36 credit hours

Tuition: $1,110 per credit

Accreditation: AACSB accredited. Regional accreditation by SACSCOC

Financial aid: Available, with 98% of students receiving financial aid.

LSU Online’s Flores No GMAT/GRE MBA Program is designed to help experienced professionals become leaders in business. This AACSB-accredited program offers a customized and flexible pathway to meet students’ career goals with a comprehensive curriculum that strengthens leadership, management, and critical analysis skills.

#17. Lehigh University

Program: MBA

Tuition:$1,235 per credit hour:

Accreditation: Program accredited by AACSB. Regional accreditation by

Financial aid: Available, with 69% of students receiving financial aid.

Applicants for FLEX MBA at Lehigh University can submit their GMAT or GRE test scores. Suppose an applicant decides not to submit their GMAT or GRE test score. In that case, they must provide application evidence demonstrating their potential for success in the FLEX MBA program without a standardized test assessment.

#18. Marquette University

Program: MBA

Tuition: $1,245 per credit hour

Accreditation: AACSB accredited. Regional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission

Financial aid: Available, with 100% of students receiving financial aid.

The program is designed with input from the business community to provide innovative and rigorous courses that will update your skills and take your career to new heights. Qualified applicants with a GPA of 3.5 or higher, or those with at least three years of relevant work experience and a GPA of 3.25, may be eligible to request a waiver of the GMAT/GRE requirement.

#19. Washington University in St. Louis

Program: MBA, 54 credit hours

Tuition: $1,430 per credit (or  $77,250)

Accreditation: AACSB accredited. Regional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission

Financial aid: Available, with 54% of students receiving financial aid.

The WashU Olin online MBA program equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the rapidly changing business landscape, fueled by technology. The curriculum is built on core MBA fundamentals and deeply explains how technology shapes the modern business world. This program does not require GMAT/GRE.

#20. University Of California, Davis Campus

Program: MBA

Tuition: $1,680 per unit

Accreditation: AACSB-accredited. Regional accreditation by WASC Senior College and University Commission

Financial aid: Available, with 74% of students receiving financial aid.

The MBA at UCDavis offers live online classes as the centerpiece of the online experience, where you’ll engage in spirited face-to-face conversations on our tech platform. From November 2022, GMAT/GRE scores will not be required for UC Davis’ Bay Area Part-Time MBA, Sacramento Part-Time MBA, and Online MBA programs.

#21. Southern Methodist University

Program: MBA, 52 credit hours

Tuition: $1,762 per credit hour          

Accreditation: AACSB accredited. Regional accreditation by SACSCOC

Financial aid: Available, with 61% of students receiving financial aid.

The MBA at SMU Cox School of Business equips you with the knowledge, skills, and experience to succeed as a leader in a changing world. The rigorous, immersive curriculum teaches students to tackle real-world business challenges and turn obstacles into positive outcomes with an agile business perspective. The program does not require GMAT or GRE scores.

#22. Syracuse University

Program: MBA, 54 credit hours

Tuition: $1,802 per credit

Accreditation: AACSB accredited. Regional accreditation by Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Financial aid: Available, with 61% of students receiving financial aid.

Syracuse University’s online MBA from the AACSB-accredited Martin J. Whitman School of Management prioritizes professional experience over standardized test scores. With no GMAT or GRE requirements for applicants with two or more years of work experience, the program is tailored to working professionals.

#23. American University

Program: MBA, 48 credits

Tuition: $1,866 per credit

Accreditation: AACSB Accredited. Regional accreditation by Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Financial aid: Available, with 74% of students receiving financial aid.

MBA@American is American University’s online MBA program for mid-career professionals seeking to advance into leadership roles. The Kogod School of Business prioritizes diversity and global perspectives, offering foundational business practices and in-person immersions in Washington, D.C. The program does not require GRE/GMAT scores to apply.

#24. Pepperdine University

Program: MBA, 52 Units

Tuition: $1,995 per unit

Accreditation: AACSB accredited. Regional accreditation by WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Financial aid: Available, with 96% of students receiving financial aid.

At Pepperdine’s MBA program, the curriculum combines education in strategy, technology, and values-driven leadership to empower you to drive meaningful change. The program does not require GMAT to apply.

#25. University of Miami

Program: MBA, 42 credits

Tuition: 2,310 per credit hour

Accreditation: AACSB accredited. Regional accreditation by SACSCOC

Financial aid: Available, with 72% of students receiving financial aid.

This online MBA curriculum prepares students to lead diverse teams at global companies, with a focus on international business. Applicants to the online MBA program are not required to submit GRE or GMAT test scores during the application process. Instead, the school places greater emphasis on an individual’s leadership potential and experience.

#26. Ohio University

Program: MBA, 36 credit hours

Tuition: $12,840 per year (resident); $22,810 per year (Out of state residents)

Accreditation: AACSB accredited. Regional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission

Financial aid: Available, with 61% of students receiving financial aid.

Get ahead in your career with Ohio University’s online MBA program. You can develop your leadership skills and gain business intelligence while advancing your career in just two years. With nine concentrations to choose from, you can specialize in an area that suits your professional needs. The program does not require GMAT/GRE test scores.

Career Opportunities for MBA Graduates

An MBA degree offers diverse career opportunities across various industries. Some popular career paths for MBA graduates include:

Career Titles	Median Salary
Financial Advisor	$94,170
Management Analyst	$100,530
Investment Banker	$102,000
Finance Manager	$153,460
Information Technology Manager	$90,186
Marketing Manager	$114,942
Business Consultant	$200,000

Salary for MBA Graduates

The earning potential for MBA graduates varies based on factors such as the institution attended, specialization, industry, and geographic location. Generally, MBA graduates tend to command higher salaries than their counterparts without degrees. According to a 2021 survey conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the median base salary for MBA graduates was $115,000, which is significantly higher than the median salary for bachelor’s degree holders.

In addition, MBA graduates from top-tier institutions can expect even higher salaries. For example, Harvard Business School reported a median base salary of $150,000 for its 2021 MBA graduates. It’s important to note that these figures are not guaranteed and may fluctuate based on economic conditions and job market trends.

MBA Employment by Industry

Is an MBA Degree Worth It?

Whether an MBA degree is worth the investment depends on individual career goals, financial circumstances, and personal preferences. Here are some factors to consider:

Return on Investment (ROI): Weigh the cost of the MBA program (tuition, living expenses, and potential lost income) against the anticipated increase in salary and career growth opportunities. The ROI will vary based on the program and the individual’s career trajectory.

Personal growth: An MBA program offers a comprehensive learning experience, fostering personal growth through coursework, networking, and extracurricular activities. Consider whether the knowledge and skills gained through the program align with your personal and professional development goals.

Program fit: Research different MBA programs to find one that aligns with your career aspirations, preferred learning style, and lifestyle. Consider factors such as program length, curriculum, teaching methods, and available specializations.

Opportunity cost: Pursuing an MBA often requires a significant time commitment, which may mean taking time off from work or postponing other personal or professional pursuits. Assess whether you’re willing to make this sacrifice and if it aligns with your long-term goals.

Conclusion

An MBA degree can be a valuable asset in today’s competitive job market, offering numerous career opportunities, networking potential, and the potential for higher salaries. However, whether an MBA is worth the investment ultimately depends on each individual’s career goals, financial circumstances, and personal preferences. By carefully weighing the costs and benefits, prospective students can make an informed decision about whether an MBA degree is the right choice for them.