Find top-ranked online Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree programs that don’t require the GMAT. Students wanting to advance to leadership roles in accounting, finance, human resources, organizational administration, and more can find reputable online MBA programs without taking the GMAT.
See our complete guide to MBAs for more information.
The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a computer responsive test designed to assess certain analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and English reading skills used by graduate management program, such as MBA programs, to assist with admissions selections. The GMAT is still required by many graduate schools at elite universities, public universities, and liberal arts colleges. There’s no common denominator for which types of schools require the GMAT; it’s simply up to the schools decide whether they want to require the GMAT, and what scores are acceptable.
If you are considering a business school for graduate work that requires the test, then you certainly want to do well. Even if schools you’re considering don’t require it, you may want to take the test because a high score could still help your application, and because you may not be for sure if another college that interests you later might require successful completion of the GMAT.
If you’re going to take the test, at minimum you’ll want to study with solid guidence provided by quality resources. People have many different opinions on which GMAT test prep resources are the best, therefore we recommend that you start looking at and comparing the best-selling GMAT test guides.
On the other end of the spectrum, if you are aspiring to be admitted into an elite university’s program, you may want to go as far as working with a graduate or business school admissions expert. An admissions consultant can give you the most customized information about your prospects and many will work with you on whatever specific need you might have – test prep, applications, personal essays, and even help with finding meaningful internships.
Online MBA programs have gained so much popularity, especially among those who have no more time to study on-campus for two years to get a full-time degree. However, many online MBAs will still require GMAT scores to help admission committees evaluate prospective students’ readiness for the challenging program.
This can be a problem for many online MBA applicants, especially since most of them are working full-time and can no longer find the luxury of time to review for these exams.
Thankfully, there are better options for those who cannot complete the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Many business schools still accept students without the GMAT scores as long as they meet the program’s other admission requirements.
If you are preparing to enroll in top online MBA programs in a reputable college of business, start working on your writing skills. Talk to former and current employees about having them as your character references. Better yet, request that they can write a letter of recommendation for you. Update and polish your résumé. Check on all the components that you can simultaneously use to land your next dream job as well.
Remember, just because admissions committees no longer require a GMAT score doesn’t mean they are lowering their standards. They are just thinking about program applicants at a whole new level.
Although GMAT scores are usual requirements for many online MBA programs, many schools offer waivers based on certain parameters. Business schools contemplate many factors when evaluating whether they believe an applicant is qualified and capable of doing well in graduate-level business courses.
Depending on the other requirements for admissions, GMAT waivers for different business schools vary widely. Some factors that will allow students to do away with the GMAT test scores include professional work experience, graduation from an AACSB undergraduate business program, undergraduate accomplishments, and completion of another master’s degree program.
A graduate school will also require applicants to have at least five years of managerial business experience before waiving the GMAT requirement. That’s why it’s important that you clearly outline in your résumé all your relevant previous work history, including supervisory jobs (if any) and the number of employees you handle.
Applicants with an undergraduate degree in any business program who can show strengths in core business competencies through their transcript, or those who graduate from accredited business schools, or were past members of business honor societies are also exempt from having to take the GMAT.
If you have a non-business undergraduate major, you can still be exempted from the GMAT, although this will largely depend on your GPA. By standards, the GPA requirement for MBA programs is between 3.0 and 3.5.
Preparing for the GMAT test, sitting for hours for the exam, waiting for your test results, and possibly retaking the GMAT can take up so much of your time and money. Thus, applicants for an online MBA program without the GMAT requirement or one that waives the test scores can start working on their MBA program much more quickly.
Some MBA graduate programs also offer accelerated class formats, with courses starting as often as every month. When you are exempted from the GMAT, you can fill out your online program application tonight, submit your transcripts and résumé, along with other required documents, and be on your way to commencing your online MBA degree program within weeks.
The Master of Business Administration, commonly referred to as an MBA, is the most popular advanced degree in American higher education. This versatile degree offers a variety of specializations that can help working professionals build leadership skills, expand their network, and enhance their overall business knowledge.
Back to TopSpecializations range from healthcare management to entrepreneurship to international business. However, because this degree offers so many educational paths, program requirements can vary greatly, from 30 to 60 credits, which means this degree may take anywhere between two and four years to complete.
Back to TopCourses are available both online and on campus, and many programs require a thesis or professional experience component. Students will study topics like corporate law, organizational behavior, and negotiations.
Back to TopGraduates can advance to leadership roles in accounting, finance, human resources, organizational administration, and more.
Back to TopLearn more about what you can do with an MBA.
The following graph depicts the average salaries of similar occupations to Accountants and Auditors in the U.S.
Source: U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
Tuition + fees
$62K
Acceptance
13%
Graduation
92%
Student body
38K
Median SAT/ACT
1435/32
The University of Southern California’s online MBA program is an accelerated, 21 month program, consisting of 51 credit hours. Classwork is comprised of both synchronous and asynchronous learning activities with students attending 2 live classes per week. The program is designed with working professionals as a focus. The average age of students in this program is 33 with 10 years of work experience. Students must complete the following classes to graduate from the program: Role of the Manager, Fundamentals of Business, Opportunity Recognition and Implementation, Managing Inside the Firm, Managing Outside the Firm, and Business Environment & Leadership. GSBA 501 (Role of the Manager) is a week-long residential intensive. Travel to Los Angeles will be required.
Applicants must have earned a 4-year degree and have a minimum of 2 years work experience. Applicants must also submit a score from the GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment exams, or receive approval for a standardized test waiver.
The total cost of this program is estimated at $119,822.
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
20%
Graduation
90%
Student body
25K
Median SAT/ACT
1385/30
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill online MBA is a STEM designated degree taught by top faculty of the Kenan-Flagler Business School. The program has 4 start dates per year (January, April, July, and October). Students may choose from over 25 electives and 5 concentrations (Entrepreneurship, Finance, Marketing, Strategy and Consulting, and Data Analytics and Decision Making).
Applicants to the program must hold a bachelor’s degree and have at least 2 years of professional experience. The GMAT or GRE scores are required for applicants with less than 5 years of professional experience. Waivers are automatic for applicants with 5 years of experience and may be granted to those with less than 5 years under certain circumstances.
The MBA requires 62 credits for completion and may be earned in 18-36 months. Students usually take 2 classes per quarter and complete the degree in 24 months. There are 9 core courses comprising 34 hours. Students are required to attend at least 2 Summits, which are quarterly, in-person immersive experiences. These are held both on the UNC campus and in cities around the world.
The total tuition cost for the program is $125,589.
Tuition + fees
$60K
Acceptance
19%
Graduation
89%
Student body
32K
Median SAT/ACT
1405/32
Online MBA Program at Boston University | Interview with Paul Carlile
The Boston University online MBA is a 100% online program consisting of 45 credit hours of coursework. Courses are taken in six 7.5-credit semester-long integrated modules. Students take one module per semester and each module builds on the one before it. Most modules end with a capstone project. Courses contain both synchronous and asynchronous components and students should expect to work 15-20 hours a week. Course offerings include leading with integrity, managing risk, and fostering an innovative mindset. Modules are offered in the Fall, Spring, and Summer. The MBA may be completed in two years.
The GMAT is not required. The cost of the program is $4,000 per module.
Tuition + fees
$18K
Acceptance
60%
Graduation
85%
Student body
55K
Median SAT/ACT
1330/30
The University of Illinois Urbana online MBA is a 100% online program with a total cost of approximately $23,000. The MBA consists of 72 credit hours with core courses and focus area specializations. Focus areas include digital marketing, entrepreneurship and strategic innovation, global challenges, business analytics, and mergers and acquisitions.
Specialization and program capstones are required. The program may be completed in 2-3 years and must be completed in 5 years. A minimum GPA of 2.75 is required to maintain good academic standing. Lectures are delivered live (synchronous).
Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 cumulative GPA and a minimum of 3 years full time work experience. The GMAT/GRE is optional.
Students in the MBA program may choose to pursue a joint MBA/MSA degree. This prepares students for the uniform CPA exam while also providing a business education. Students will build skills in technical accounting, business management, data analytics, finance, leadership, marketing, and strategy. Tuition for the joint degree is $38-$45,000.
Tuition + fees
$58K
Acceptance
59%
Graduation
82%
Student body
22K
The Syracuse University online MBA is a 54 credit program that can be completed in 24 months. Students may specialize in Accounting, Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Marketing Management, and Supply Chain Management. Students may also choose their electives from the business school or other University schools such as the School of Public Communications.
The MBA is comprised of 12 core courses (36 credits) and 15 hours of electives. Students must complete these courses and attend three residencies (1 credit each) to earn their degree. Once enrolled in the program, and up to one year after graduating, students may apply to an additional program and earn a second master’s degree with fewer credits. The Colleges of Law and Management also offer an online joint J.D./MBA.
The MBA has four start dates per year and is designed for professionals with at least 2 years of work experience. The GMAT is not required. The estimated total cost for the program is $96,636.
Tuition + fees
$60K
Acceptance
50%
Graduation
84%
Student body
20K
Median SAT/ACT
1360/31
The GWU online MBA is a 100% online program consisting of 46.5 credits (34.5 credits in core courses and 12 credits in electives). Core topics include business essentials, financial accounting, microeconomics for the world economy, marketing, strategic management, and business ethics and public policy. For each course, students will participate in a one hour per week guided live session which consists of lecture, case discussion/group activities. These live sessions are offered on evenings and weekends. Courses also include pre-recorded content. Students may work at their own pace, but units must be completed by the assigned date. Although the program can be completed online, optional in-person global and experiential opportunities are also provided. Students may begin the program in the Fall, Spring, or Summer, and generally take 6 credit hours per semester. The cost per credit hour is $2,215.
The GMAT is not required. Work experience is not required for admission although most students have at least 2 years of professional experience. The School of Business conducts interviews by invitation.
Tuition + fees
$55K
Acceptance
28%
Graduation
84%
Student body
15K
Median SAT/ACT
1335/30
The University of Miami offers an online MBA and an online accelerated MBA. The former is designed for professionals at all levels of experience and can be completed in 20-28 months. It requires 42 credits (including 2 immersion experiences-one virtual and one on campus) and a bachelor’s degree, but no work experience is required. The accelerated MBA is designed for professionals with an educational background in business. It can be completed in 16-24 months. The program consists of 35 credits and requires a bachelor’s, master’s or equivalent degree in business within the last seven years. A minimum of 2 years of professional experience is also required.
The MBA program has 3 start dates a year. The GMAT is not required. Classes are taught by the same faculty who teach on campus. The business school faculty is ranked #8 in the world by The Economist. The cost for the online MBA is approximately $97,000. The cost for the accelerated MBA is approximately $80,850. Coursework is delivered in both synchronous and asynchronous formats.
Tuition + fees
$59K
Acceptance
13%
Graduation
93%
Student body
13K
Median SAT/ACT
1520/34
The Washington University online MBA is a 100% online program that can be completed in 30 months and must be completed within 5 years. The GMAT/GRE is not required. The cost of the program is approximately $75,000. This program focuses on digital literacy.
Students take classes year around for 30 months to earn 54 credits. There are 8 synchronous weeks per each 12 week semester. Pre-recorded content is combined with live interactive sessions. Core topics include accounting, finance, marketing, microeconomics, and analytics. Over 20 electives are offered in areas such as IT governance and control, digital environment, global operations frontiers, innovation, and investing and financing decisions in the digital world. Each student will also complete a Digital Impact Project.
Although admission to the online program is selective, there are no specific prerequisites beyond an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. Both academic and professional experience are considered, and students from various backgrounds are admitted.
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
77%
Graduation
73%
Student body
26K
Median SAT/ACT
1215/26
The University of Missouri online MBA is a 100% online program designed with working professionals in mind. It consists of 45 credit hours with an estimated cost of $38,000 for the whole program. Courses start in August, October, January, and March.
The MBA can be completed in 3-4 semesters with a typical workload of 2-5 classes per semester. Course offerings include accounting for managers, managerial finance, managerial marketing, business ethics and leadership, and global business environment. Courses are asynchronous with 12 hours of core business foundations courses, 15 credits of professional skills and competencies, 12-15 credits from a business graduate certificate, and 3-6 credits of electives.
Applicants must have a completed bachelor’s degree (in any field) with a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate work and any work beyond the undergraduate level. The GRE/GMAT and professional letters of recommendation are not required.
Tuition + fees
$60K
Acceptance
53%
Graduation
82%
Student body
11K
Median SAT/ACT
1350/31
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
92%
Graduation
66%
Student body
22K
Median SAT/ACT
1195/25
Tuition + fees
$53K
Acceptance
64%
Graduation
79%
Student body
11K
Median SAT/ACT
1305/29
Tuition + fees
$57K
Acceptance
46%
Graduation
87%
Student body
7K
Median SAT/ACT
1346/31
Tuition + fees
$55K
Acceptance
25%
Graduation
94%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1360/29
Tuition + fees
$55K
Acceptance
30%
Graduation
84%
Student body
9K
Median SAT/ACT
1430/32
Tuition + fees
$50K
Acceptance
57%
Graduation
82%
Student body
18K
Tuition + fees
$55K
Acceptance
64%
Graduation
76%
Student body
11K
Median SAT/ACT
1265/28
Tuition + fees
$58K
Acceptance
18%
Graduation
91%
Student body
24K
Median SAT/ACT
1475/34
Tuition + fees
$29K
Acceptance
35%
Graduation
64%
Student body
9K
Median SAT/ACT
1195/24
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
81%
Student body
28K
Median SAT/ACT
1240/28
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
47%
Graduation
84%
Student body
31K
Median SAT/ACT
1320/29
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
81%
Graduation
66%
Student body
22K
Median SAT/ACT
1215/25
Tuition + fees
$60K
Acceptance
53%
Graduation
83%
Student body
10K
Median SAT/ACT
1305/28
Tuition + fees
$19K
Acceptance
56%
Graduation
83%
Student body
24K
Median SAT/ACT
1280/29
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
67%
Student body
23K
Median SAT/ACT
1150/23
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
66%
Student body
24K
Median SAT/ACT
1095/21
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
64%
Graduation
67%
Student body
49K
Median SAT/ACT
1185/26
Tuition + fees
$24K
Acceptance
37%
Graduation
91%
Student body
8K
Median SAT/ACT
1395/32
Tuition + fees
$52K
Acceptance
54%
Graduation
83%
Student body
11K
Median SAT/ACT
1215/28
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
60%
Student body
21K
Median SAT/ACT
1160/26
Tuition + fees
$19K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
78%
Student body
14K
Median SAT/ACT
1185/27
Tuition + fees
$44K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
70%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1270/27
Tuition + fees
$43K
Acceptance
66%
Graduation
66%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1230/26
Tuition + fees
$53K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
69%
Student body
14K
Median SAT/ACT
1320/30
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
66%
Graduation
59%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1165/25
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
57%
Student body
10K
Tuition + fees
$16K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
69%
Student body
15K
Median SAT/ACT
1230/26
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
77%
Graduation
62%
Student body
15K
Median SAT/ACT
1105/23
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
92%
Graduation
39%
Student body
102K
Tuition + fees
$5K
Acceptance
78%
Graduation
55%
Student body
26K
Median SAT/ACT
1140/23
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
82%
Student body
21K
Median SAT/ACT
1200/25
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
98%
Graduation
54%
Student body
14K
Median SAT/ACT
1080/22
Tuition + fees
$6K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
54%
Student body
24K
Median SAT/ACT
1081/21
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
55%
Graduation
47%
Student body
25K
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
61%
Student body
14K
Median SAT/ACT
1135/23
Tuition + fees
$23K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
62%
Student body
79K
Median SAT/ACT
1145/25
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
62%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1040/21
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
57%
Graduation
53%
Student body
12K
Median SAT/ACT
1045/19
Tuition + fees
$44K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
62%
Student body
4K
Tuition + fees
$54K
Acceptance
75%
Graduation
76%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1250/27
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
65%
Graduation
38%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1160/22
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
60%
Student body
7K
Median SAT/ACT
1122/22
Tuition + fees
$41K
Acceptance
78%
Graduation
69%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1125/25
Tuition + fees
$31K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
62%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1085/22
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
44%
Student body
8K
Median SAT/ACT
1089/21
Tuition + fees
$14K
Student body
1K
Tuition + fees
$48K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
79%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1190/25
Tuition + fees
$43K
Acceptance
60%
Graduation
82%
Student body
6K
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
73%
Student body
17K
Median SAT/ACT
1095/23
Tuition + fees
$12K
Graduation
23%
Student body
10K
Tuition + fees
$28K
Acceptance
64%
Graduation
54%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1065/21
Tuition + fees
$19K
Acceptance
41%
Graduation
62%
Student body
7K
Median SAT/ACT
1080/25
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
97%
Graduation
46%
Student body
8K
Median SAT/ACT
1025/20
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
48%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1020/20
Tuition + fees
$13K
Graduation
23%
Student body
31K
Tuition + fees
$37K
Acceptance
77%
Graduation
78%
Student body
4K
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
70%
Graduation
19%
Student body
8K
Tuition + fees
$13K
Student body
8K
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
63%
Student body
11K
Tuition + fees
$44K
Acceptance
73%
Graduation
73%
Student body
3K
Student body
5K
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
27%
Student body
3K
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
54%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1037/20
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
69%
Graduation
59%
Student body
4K
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
60%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1115/24
Tuition + fees
$33K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
47%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1045/20
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
57%
Student body
5K
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
38%
Student body
7K
Median SAT/ACT
1080/22
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
55%
Student body
4K
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
81%
Graduation
47%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
965/20
Tuition + fees
$38K
Acceptance
77%
Graduation
77%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1195/26
Tuition + fees
$31K
Acceptance
79%
Graduation
57%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1040/22
See our Guide to Life in Graduate School for valuable tips on applying to and succeeding in your master’s or doctoral degree program.
Or get tips on studying, student life, and much more with a look at our Student Resources.