Best Online MBA Programs: No GMAT Required (2024)
We list the best online MBA no GMAT programs in the US, along with their admission criteria. Each program is given a unique score based on careful evaluation.
Balancing work, goals, and personal life is hard. Online MBA programs help because they're flexible, cost less, and save time. Plus, we've found the top 31 online MBA programs (no GMAT) so you can focus on your career. Take a look at each program and see how we came up with the list at the end.
Summary
- The top 5 universities offering online MBA programs without GMAT are Carnegie Mellon University, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, University of Florida, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, and Pennsylvania State University.
- Out of the 31 online MBA programs listed, 12 offer optional GMAT/GRE submission, 16 provide waivers based on qualifications, and 4 do not require standardized test scores at all for admission.
- The top-ranked business schools are the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Pennsylvania State University-World Campus, and Carnegie Mellon University.
Here are the top 31 online MBA programs, no GMAT required:
1. Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper)
- Score: 18.6
- Highlights: No GMAT required, STEM-designated, combines online and immersive weekends.
- Admission: GRE/EA scores (waivers available), bachelor's degree, resume, essays, recommendation, English proficiency test (if needed), $200 application fee.
- Visit Program: Tepper Online Hybrid MBA
2. University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (Kenan-Flagler)
- Score: 16.8
- Highlights: STEM-designated, GRE scores accepted, designed for leaders.
- Admission: GRE (if under 5 years of experience), bachelor's degree, resume, two recommendations, essays, English proficiency test (if applicable), $150 application fee.
- Visit Program: Online MBA from UNC Kenan-Flagler
3. University of Florida (Warrington)
- Score: 16.5
- Highlights: Flexible two-year program, esteemed faculty, GMAT/GRE optional.
- Admission: Optional GMAT/GRE, bachelor's degree, transcripts, resume, professional recommendations, essays, English proficiency (if applicable), $30 application fee.
- Visit Program: UF MBA Online Program
4. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (Ross)
- Score: 16.2
- Highlights: Customized career support, live sessions, global alumni network.
- Admission: GRE or QRC (waivers available), bachelor's degree, resume, essays, recommendation, English proficiency test (if needed), $200 application fee.
- Visit Program: Michigan Ross Online MBA
5. Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
- Score: 15.7
- Highlights: 25+ concentrations, AACSB accredited, flexible pace.
- Admission: Bachelor's degree, transcripts, resume, essays, references, English proficiency (if needed), online interview, application fee (waivers available).
- Visit Program: Penn State Online MBA
6. University of Massachusetts-Amherst (Isenberg)
- Score: 14.6
- Highlights: Top-quality curriculum, successful applications without GRE/GMAT submission, professional experience valued.
- Admission: Optional GRE/GMAT, bachelor's degree, work experience, transcripts, resume, personal statement, recommendations, English proficiency (if needed), $85 application fee.
- Visit Program: Isenberg Online MBA
7. University of Wisconsin MBA Consortium
- Score: 14.6
- Highlights: 100% online, nationally-ranked, GMAT/GRE optional.
- Admission: Optional GMAT/GRE, bachelor's degree, transcripts, minimum GPA, resume, essays, recommendations, English proficiency (if needed), $56 application fee.
- Visit Program: UW MBA Consortium Program
8. University of Southern California (Marshall)
- Score: 14.4
- Highlights: 21-month program, award-winning content, no test scores required.
- Admission: Bachelor's degree, work experience, transcripts, resume, essays, recommendation, English proficiency test (if needed), $155 application fee.
- Visit Program: USC Marshall’s Online MBA
9. University of Washington (Foster)
- Score: 14
- Highlights: 95% online with in-person sessions, GMAT/GRE/EA optional.
- Admission: Optional test scores, bachelor's degree, transcripts, work experience, resume, essays, recommendations, English proficiency (if needed), and $85 application fee.
- Visit Program: Foster’s Online MBA
10. Indiana University-Bloomington (Kelley)
- Score: 13.8
- Highlights: Bold and dynamic program, GMAT optional, managed in-house for quality.
- Admission: Optional GMAT/GRE, bachelor's degree, transcripts, resume, personal statement, recommender, English proficiency (if needed), $75 application fee.
- Visit Program: Kelley Direct Online MBA
11. University of Maryland-College Park (Smith)
- Score: 13.4
- Highlights: Specialized tracks in key business areas, GMAT/GRE optional.
- Admission: Optional GMAT/GRE, bachelor's degree, transcripts, recommended work experience, essays, recommendation, English proficiency (if needed), $75 application fee (waivers available).
- Visit Program: Maryland Smith Online MBA
12. Arizona State University (Carey)
- Score: 13.2
- Highlights: AACSB-accredited, leadership-focused, no GMAT required.
- Admission: Bachelor’s degree, transcripts, resume, essays, recommendation, English proficiency (if needed), $70-$115 application fee.
- Visit Program: W. P. Carey Online MBA
13. George Washington University
- Score: 12.7
- Highlights: Innovative program with a D.C. influence, GMAT/GRE optional.
- Admission: Optional GMAT/GRE, bachelor’s degree, transcripts, resume, statement of purpose, recommendation, English proficiency test (if needed), $80 application fee.
- Visit Program: Online MBA at GW School of Business
14. Rice University (Jones)
- Score: 12.4
- Highlights: Data-driven business education, GMAT/GRE waivers for qualified candidates.
- Admission: Optional GRE/EA, bachelor’s degree, transcripts, resume, essays, recommendation, English proficiency test (if needed), $150 application fee.
- Visit Program: Online MBA from Rice Business
15. University of Mississippi
- Score: 12
- Highlights: Online flexibility, emphasizes leadership and analytical thinking, GMAT waivers available.
- Admission: GRE score (waivers available), bachelor's degree, transcripts, work experience, resume, statement of purpose, English proficiency (if needed), $50 application fee.
- Visit Program: Ole Miss MBA Program
16. University of Pittsburgh (Katz)
- Score: 11.4
- Highlights: Cohort-based learning, GMAT/GRE optional, diverse student backgrounds.
- Admission: Optional GMAT/GRE, bachelor’s degree, transcripts, resume, essays, recommendations, English proficiency (if needed), interview, $58 application fee.
- Visit Program: Katz Online Part-Time MBA
17. The University of Texas at Dallas (Naveen Jindal)
- Score: 11.3
- Highlights: Analytical problem-solving focus, GRE acceptable, waivers for strong candidates.
- Admission: GRE (waivers available), bachelor’s degree, transcripts, resume, essay, recommendations, English proficiency (if needed), interview, $50 application fee.
- Visit Program: Professional MBA Online at UT Dallas
18. University of Utah (Eccles)
- Score: 10.7
- Highlights: Emphasis on ROI and technology, GMAT/GRE optional.
- Admission: Optional GMAT/GRE, bachelor’s degree, transcripts, work experience, resume, essays, recommendations, English proficiency (if needed), $55-$85 application fee.
- Visit Program: University of Utah MBA Online
19. Washington State University
- Score: 9.2
- Highlights: Internationally-focused, offers concentrations, GRE in place of GMAT.
- Admission: GRE (waivers available), bachelor's degree, transcripts, resume, statement of purpose, recommendation, business competencies, English proficiency (if needed), $75 application fee.
- Visit Program: Online MBA from Washington State University
20. North Carolina State University (Poole)
- Score: 9.2
- Highlights: Career-changing outcomes, STEM-designated, GMAT/GRE optional.
- Admission: Optional GMAT/GRE, bachelor’s degree, transcripts, work experience, resume, personal statement, essays, recommendations, English proficiency (if needed), $75 application fee.
- Visit Program: Jenkins Online MBA
21. Rochester Institute of Technology (Saunders)
- Score: 8.5
- Highlights: Designed for professionals with several years of experience, focuses on strategic thinking and leadership.
- Admission: Bachelor's degree, transcripts, professional experience, resume, personal statement, recommendations, English proficiency (if needed), interview, $65 application fee.
- Visit Program: Online Executive MBA at RIT
22. University of Arizona (Eller)
- Score: 8.5
- Highlights: Flexible program with seven concentrations, GMAT/GRE waiver for a limited time.
- Admission: GMAT/GRE score waived, bachelor’s degree, transcripts, resume, statement of purpose, essay questions, recommendation, English proficiency (if needed), interview, application fee waived.
- Visit Program: Eller Online MBA
23. University of South Florida (Muma)
- Score: 7.8
- Highlights: Tailored for success in modern industries, concentrations in cybersecurity, data analytics, healthcare analytics, and compliance risk, and anti-money laundering.
- Admission: GRE score (waivers available), bachelor’s degree, transcripts, resume, statement of purpose, reference letters, English proficiency (if needed), $30 application fee.
- Visit Program: Online MBA at Muma College of Business
24. Auburn University (Harbert)
- Score: 7.1
- Highlights: Offers a mix of live and online classes, GRE in place of GMAT, focuses on high-quality education.
- Admission: GRE score (waivers available), bachelor’s degree, transcripts, work experience recommended, resume, personal statement, letters of recommendation.
- Visit Program: Auburun’s Online MBA
25. University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Score: 7.1
- Highlights: Offers an adaptable curriculum with fully online courses offered in 8-week sessions, GMAT optional.
- Admission: GMAT/GRE optional, bachelor’s degree, recommended work experience, transcripts, resume, personal statement, references, English proficiency (if needed), $50 application fee.
- Visit Program: MBA@Nebraska
26. Oklahoma State University (Spears)
- Score: 7.1
- Highlights: Flexible study pace, various degree concentrations, GMAT waiver for experience.
- Admission: GRE or 3+ years of work experience, bachelor's degree, transcripts, resume, statement of purpose, two recommendations, English proficiency (if needed), $50-$75 application fee.
- Visit Program: Online MBA at OSU
27. Lehigh University
- Score: 7.1
- Highlights: Offers ultimate versatility with a mix of on-campus and online options, GMAT/GRE optional.
- Admission: GMAT/GRE optional, bachelor’s degree, work experience, transcripts, resume, essay, recommendations, English proficiency (if needed).
- Visit Program: Lehigh’s Flex MBA Program
28. University of Delaware (Lerner)
- Score: 6.5
- Highlights: Six concentrations available, fully online format, GMAT/GRE encouraged but not mandatory.
- Admission: GMAT/GRE optional, bachelor’s degree, transcripts, work experience recommended, resume, personal statement, recommendations, English proficiency (if needed), $75 application fee.
- Visit Program: University of Delaware’s Online MBA
29. University of Kansas
- Score: 5.3
- Highlights: Focus on Midwest values and personal excellence, Executive Assessment instead of GMAT, waiver available.
- Admission: EA score (waivers available), bachelor’s degree, transcripts, resume, personal statement, recommendations, English proficiency (if needed), $65-$85 application fee.
- Visit Program: KU Online MBA
30. Kansas State University
- Score: 5.3
- Highlights: AACSB-accredited, includes international business trip, GMAT waiver for professional experience.
- Admission: 3+ years of professional experience, bachelor's degree (3.0 GPA in last 60 credits), specific coursework, resume, personal statement, English proficiency (if needed), $65 application fee.
- Visit Program: PMBA at Kansas State University
31. Texas Tech University (Rawls)
- Score: 5.3
- Highlights: Flexible, self-paced learning, various concentrations available (Healthcare Organization Management, Information Technology, or Marketing Analytics), GMAT waiver for high GPA.
- Admission: GMAT score waived for high GPA (3.75 cumulative GPA), bachelor’s degree, transcripts, resume, short-answer questions, recommendation, English proficiency (if needed), and $65 application fee.
- Visit Program: Online MBA at Rawls College
Can You Get an Online MBA Without GMAT?
Yes! Many business schools offer online MBA programs without requiring GMAT scores for admission. These programs cater to a diverse range of students, including working professionals looking to advance their careers without quitting their jobs, people seeking the flexibility of online learning due to family or personal commitments, and international students who prefer not to relocate.
To cater to diverse applicants, business schools now use a holistic approach to admissions. They consider factors like work experience, alternative test scores, leadership roles, certifications, and academic achievements, allowing qualified candidates to pursue an online MBA without the GMAT while maintaining high admission standards.
Are Online MBA Programs Without GMAT Requirements Legitimate?
Absolutely! Many reputable online MBA programs don't ask for GMAT scores. These programs often have top accreditations like AACSB and are recognized by ranking organizations for their quality. Skipping the GMAT requirement doesn't compromise the program's standards. Instead, these programs value your professional experience and accomplishments, using them to assess your readiness for advanced business studies. It's a modern approach to admissions, recognizing the diverse strengths of applicants beyond just test scores.
What Top MBA Programs Don’t Require GMAT?
Top business schools like Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper), University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (Kenan-Flagler), University of Florida (Warrington), University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (Ross), and Pennsylvania State University-World Campus offer flexible online MBA programs without GMAT requirements.
Can Work Experience Substitute GMAT Scores?
Yes, professional experience can often replace GMAT scores for MBA admissions. Many schools consider years of experience, job roles, and achievements as waiver criteria. Most programs on our list typically require 2-3 years of work experience for a GMAT waiver, although some may request up to a minimum of 5 years.
Can I Qualify for Scholarships or Financial Aid Without a GMAT Score?
Definitely! Your path to securing financial aid or scholarships isn't closed off just because you don't have a GMAT score. For need-based financial aid, your GMAT score isn't a factor at all—it's all about your financial situation.
When it comes to merit-based scholarships, not having a GMAT score does present a bit more of a challenge, but it's not impossible to overcome. Schools often look beyond test scores, valuing a strong academic record, substantial work experience, leadership qualities, and other personal achievements. Excel in these areas, and you can still stand a strong chance of earning a scholarship, GMAT, or no GMAT.
How Can I Prepare for an Online MBA Program That Doesn’t Require GMAT?
Here's what you can do to demonstrate your readiness for an MBA program that doesn't require or waives the GMAT:
- Strong academic record. Aim for a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, as many programs prefer a solid academic foundation.
- Relevant work experience. MBA programs often target professionals, so having 2-3 years of work experience is typically required. Showcase your achievements and leadership roles.
- Alternative test scores and certifications. If applicable, consider submitting scores from other standardized tests like the GRE or EA. Additionally, provide proof of relevant certifications such as CPA, HR Analytics, or CFA, which can bolster your application.
- Language proficiency. If you're a non-native English speaker, demonstrate your English proficiency through standardized tests like TOEFL or IELTS.
- Statement of purpose. Write a convincing statement explaining why you're a great fit for the program and what you plan to do after graduation.
- Recommendations. Submit letters of recommendation or contacts of recommenders who can truly vouch for you.
Is There a Minimum GMAT Score That Schools Consider?
Not exactly. The "minimum" GMAT score for online MBA programs varies, as it largely depends on the yearly applicant pool and competition levels. However, to give you an idea, here's what some top schools consider an average score for their admitted students:
- Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper). The average GMAT score among accepted students hovers around 679.
- University of Florida (Warrington). Their online MBA class typically boasts an average GMAT score of 600.
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (Ross). Here, the GMAT scores of admitted students generally range from 660 to 680.
Our Ranking Methodology
For our 2024 list of top online MBA programs without GMAT, we used a straightforward and effective approach, focusing on the following metrics:
US News Online MBA Ranking: We verified whether the business school is listed in the US News rankings for online MBAs. This criterion serves as an indicator of the program's recognition in the field of online business education.
Financial Times Online MBA Ranking: We also checked the program's presence in the Financial Times' rankings for online MBAs, reflecting its global prestige and reputation.
Business Score from Select Ranking Bodies: Each program was evaluated based on business scores from three important ranking organizations:
- Bloomberg Business School Rankings
- THE Business and Economics Rankings
- QS World University Rankings for Business & Management
This methodology is aimed at helping students easily identify high-quality online MBA programs no GMAT, focusing on prestige and quality.
For further details or inquiries, please contact us at [email protected].