[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Each year, thousands of students enroll in online business schools to pursue MBAs. As accessibility and interest in online learning have grown, many schools have expanded to allow learners to pursue this in-demand degree from the comfort of their homes.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Colleges, too, have shifted their approach to recruiting MBA students. As more business schools shift away from requiring GMAT/GRE scores, the focus has turned to other indicators of success.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Explore details on the top online MBA programs with no GMAT/GRE requirements in this helpful guide.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]10 Best Online MBA Programs That Don’t Require GMAT/GRE Scores[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How We Chose These Schools”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At TheBestSchools, we use trusted data from the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate schools without bias. Our ranking methodology helps prospective students from various backgrounds find the best fit. We consider key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability so every type of student can find the best fit for them.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This ranking has been updated for 2025. Learn more about how our formula works on [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/ranking-methodology/”]our ranking methodology page[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To determine the superlative titles, we conducted an in-depth analysis of each school’s program to identify the specific qualities that set it apart from others on our list. Given that many programs share similar offerings and outcomes, our objective is to streamline the evaluation process by highlighting features that genuinely set a program apart.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For business programs in particular, our evaluation prioritizes factors such as career and ROI outcomes, the availability of concentrations, school reputation, employer connections, and the relevance of the curriculum. After determining what made a school stand out, we assigned a superlative that highlights its strengths relative the other programs featured on this list.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Are Schools Waiving or Not Requiring the GMAT/GRE?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The reasons a school may waive graduate entrance exams differ from the reasons for eliminating the GMAT/GRE altogether. A school may waive its GMAT score requirement if you apply with a stellar undergraduate GPA and exceptional work experience. Additionally, some schools created a temporary waiver following the COVID-19 pandemic and never reverted back.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Schools with online MBAs commonly no longer require GMAT/GRE scores. These programs recognize that applicants have a wide spectrum of experiences and educational backgrounds, allowing them to decide which elements of their application best showcase their preparedness.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Common Admission Requirements in Place of GMAT/GRE Scores[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Work Experience[/hen-ui-heading] Work experience shows admissions offices how you handle yourself in professional settings and whether you have progressed in your career. Many programs desire applicants with 2-8 years of professional work experience.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Advanced Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] Students who successfully navigated the rigors of graduate school are more likely to succeed in an MBA program. Learners can often bypass GMAT requirements if they have master’s degrees or doctorates.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]GPA[/hen-ui-heading] 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.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Professional Licensure[/hen-ui-heading] Many business-related positions require licensure and/or certification (e.g., CFA, CPA, Six Sigma) to practice. Licensure demonstrates that you have the skills and qualifications to pass industry exams. Some schools may use existing licenses and certifications to determine whether to waive GMAT scores.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Letters of Recommendation[/hen-ui-heading] Letters of recommendation can help you to gain admission without GMAT/GRE scores. Choose mentors and contacts who can speak well about your abilities and potential.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Essay or Personal Statement[/hen-ui-heading] The essay or personal statement provides 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 success. Use this document to highlight academic and professional accomplishments and clearly outline how you hope to use your MBA meaningfully.[/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose an Online MBA Program: 4 Key Factors[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]1. Check for Accreditation[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Top organizations that [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/mba/”]accredit MBA programs[/hen-ui-link] include:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacsb.edu/” target=”_blank”]Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://iacbe.org/” target=”_blank”]International Accreditation Council for Business Education[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://acbsp.org/” target=”_blank”]Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]2. Graduate Success Outcomes[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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?[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-mba/”]best online MBA programs[/hen-ui-link] have strong graduate success rates and maintain career placement connections with employers to help you quickly connect with jobs after graduation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]3. Ensure the Program Offers Your Specific MBA Area of Study[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Common MBA Specializations[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-mba/no-gmat/#accounting”]Accounting[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-mba/no-gmat/#economics”]Economics[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-mba/no-gmat/#entrepreneurship”]Entrepreneurship[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-mba/no-gmat/#finance”]Finance[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-mba/no-gmat/#management”]Management[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-mba/no-gmat/#marketing”]Marketing[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-mba/no-gmat/#organizational-leadership”]Organizational leadership[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-mba/no-gmat/#supply-chain”]Supply chains[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-mba/no-gmat/#taxation”]Taxation[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]4. Program Length and Format[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online degrees can use asynchronous learning platforms with more flexible schedules or require you to join live classes via teleconference software.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Virtually all types of MBAs take 1-2 years to complete as a full-time student. If you choose part-time enrollment, you should budget 2-5 years for business school.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Can I Do With an MBA Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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. 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.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An MBA can also qualify you to teach undergraduate business courses or pursue a doctorate and become a full-time researcher or academic.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How Much Can I Make With an MBA?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), business and financial professionals made a median annual wage of $79,050 as of May 2023 — nearly $14,000 higher than the median annual salary of $65,470 for all jobs. A 2023 report by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) indicates that MBA graduates earn a median annual salary of $125,000.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]GMAC also reported that post-pandemic demand for MBA graduates is more robust than ever, as 91% of recruiters planned to hire MBA grads in 2023.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]5 Popular Careers and Salaries for MBA Graduates[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]MBA Careers[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]MBA Specialization[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Salary (2023)[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Medical Manager[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”MBA Careers”][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-healthcare-administration/”]Healthcare Administration[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”MBA Specialization”]$110,680[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Public Relations and Fundraising Managers[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”MBA Careers”]Marketing Management[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”MBA Specialization”]$130,480[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Computer and Information Systems Managers[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”MBA Careers”]Information Management[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”MBA Specialization”]$169,510[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Top Executives[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”MBA Careers”][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-mba/executive/”]Executive and Organizational Leadership[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”MBA Specialization”]$103,840[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Financial Managers[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”MBA Careers”][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-mba/finance/”]Finance Accounting[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”MBA Specialization”]$156,100[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Human Resources Managers[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”MBA Careers”][hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/mba/mba-specializations/mba-specializations/human-resources/”]Human Resources[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”MBA Specialization”]$136,350[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Much Does an Online MBA Program Cost?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), tuition and fees for online MBA programs cost about $22,500 over two years, on average. On average, online MBA programs cost about $5,000 less per year than campus-based degrees.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]However, many factors affect an MBA program’s price tag, including 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, military members, university employees, and employees of partner companies.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Average Annual Cost of an Online MBA Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-grid columns-lg=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Online MBA Programs That Don’t Require GMAT/GRE Scores[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is the GMAT required for MBA programs?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Historically, MBA programs have required GMAT scores for admission, but many business schools have waived test requirements in the post-COVID era. Other universities consider GMAT or GRE scores as part of an overall admission packet but only for applicants with lower GPAs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Should you take the GMAT or GRE even when it’s not required?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Even if a school doesn’t require the GMAT/GRE, you may find that taking the exam still makes sense, especially if parts of your application could be stronger. If your undergraduate GPA is low or you lack work experience, an impressive GMAT score may help bolster your admission chances.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the GMAT Focus Edition?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A new GMAT, known as the GMAT Focus Edition, is now open for registration. This new test focuses on more business-specific topics and also takes nearly an hour less to complete.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can you be exempt from taking the GMAT?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes. Even if the online MBA program you plan to apply to requires GMAT scores, you can still request a waiver. Reasons for exemption typically revolve around academics and professional experience. Additionally, many schools offer waivers for applicants who achieved a high GPA during undergraduate studies, but they may also offer them for those with significant professional experience.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is the GMAT or GRE better for an MBA program?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Neither the GMAT nor the GRE is necessarily “better.” Many schools accept the results of either test if they require standardized test scores. If you submit test scores as part of your application package, make sure your school’s admissions committee will accept those scores.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Discover More College Resources” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,905,1465″][/hen-ui-article-row]