Completing an online MBA likely opens doors into career options and benefits that are potentially not available to people with a lesser degree. Today’s range of careers in business administration expand beyond the career paths available in previous years. Modern technology and modern-day business challenges often require the expertise, knowledge and skills attained during completion an MBA program. The broad focus on business allows for graduates to have a holistic understanding of how organizations work, while concentrations within various subjects such as finance, accounting, or even technology, allow for specialization in a specific area of focus.
The availability of online programs makes it easier for many students to find an affordable MBA program. Many programs have also opted to not require GMAT scores, which have eased the path for qualified individuals to enroll in online mba programs.
Explore a Path to Success with Online MBA No GMAT Programs
Exploring schools that offer an online MBA degree no GMAT requirement potentially helps you choose a program that focuses on your preferred area of interest and expertise. There are a variety of career options for MBA graduates that extend beyond the basic business career options. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) suggests that prospective MBA students should consider the job outlook when deciding on the best career in the realm of business leadership. The good news is that the BLS projects excellent job growth for business administration positions through at least 2028.
Top 5 Online MBA No GMAT Programs
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cameron University | Lawton, Oklahoma |
| 2 | Fitchburg State University | Fitchburg, Massachusetts |
| 3 | Youngstown State University | Youngstown, Ohio |
| 4 | Murray State University | Murray, Kentucky |
| 5 | University of South Carolina Aiken | Aiken, South Carolina |
The BLS indicates that in 2019, professional and business services was among the top three occupations with the highest number of people hired in the industry. Another important point is the fact that the BLS states that individuals with a master’s degree that worked in business, financial and sales occupations had some of the highest wage premiums across all industries.
Do not let the fear of taking the GMAT or the fear of receiving a low score keep you from completing your MBA. Several sources point to the fact that a GMAT score measures your ability to pass the test, and not the ability of your potential business management skills or success potential.
These schools offer an online MBA no GMAT requirement. Students should note that the listed tuition costs include only the cost of instruction. The tuition rates do not include other fees or costs, which possibly includes application fees, books, course materials or supplies.
Best 22 Online MBA No GMAT Programs
Cameron University
The MBA program at Cameron University allows current working professionals or recent graduates the opportunity to gain a competitive edge in the vast business world. Students with an undergraduate degree in another area are welcome to apply to the MBA program at the school, where a GMAT score is only required for individuals with less than a 3.0 GPA.
Students progress through the program by completing six core courses, focusing on applied business strategy, management information systems, managerial finance and other concepts critical to succeeding in a business leadership role. MBA online students also complete nine elective hours of study.
The school boasts having the lowest MBA tuition costs in Oklahoma.
School Overview
Fitchburg State University
Fitchburg State University calls its 100 percent online MBA no GMAT required program a possible boost to a valuable career. Learn to lead and motivate others, and prepare for management positions across a variety of industries. Gain knowledge of technology advancements, and gain other crucial knowledge and skills as you focus on the curriculum.
Choose from six online MBA concentrations. Students enjoy multiple start dates throughout the year.
School Overview
Youngstown State University
Students enrolling in the online MBA program at Youngstown State University likely enjoy the fact that no GMAT is required so long as the student meets certain requirements for a waiver. Students eligible for a waiver either earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in business, economics or S.T.E.M. with a minimum 3.0 GPA, or received a minimum 2.7+ GPA in a bachelor’s degree program other than business, with a minimum of two-years professional work experience.
Youngstown State University invites MBA applicants to enroll in the 100 percent online program to become a better strategic leader, better thinker, and better manager. Become immersed in ‘real-world problems’ as you learn to identify problems, and implement ideal strategies. Gain other new skills and knowledge in your choice of three MBA specializations.
Out-of-state MBA students only pay an additional $5.00 tuition cost for each credit hour above the in-state tuition rate.
School Overview
Murray State University
Murray State University offers eight online MBA concentrations, allowing students to pursue the degree in their area of interest. There is no GMAT score required for admission as long as the applicant has a minimum of an undergraduate GPA of 2.75, and four-years of relevant work experience. Students with a higher undergraduate GPA have fewer years of relevant work experience required for successful application consideration. The school believes that its streamlined application process helps students get started on their MBA online program quickly and easily.
Choose one of the six annual enrollment dates. Become a leader and ‘forward thinker’ with an MBA from Murray State University. Enjoy the pay-as-you-go tuition option, which allows students to pay for one course at a time.
School Overview
University of South Carolina Aiken
Enroll in one of four online MBA program options at the University of South Carolina Aiken where there is a temporary relaxation of some admissions requirements through at least mid-December. Applicants possibly receive a supported relaxation of some admissions requirements after that date. Currently, a student with a minimum 2.0 GPA in their undergraduate degree program is automatically admitted to their preferred MBA program. Earn your MBA in as few as 12 months.
Courses are taught by the same professionals that deliver instruction in the traditional classroom setting. Students learn to enhance their current skills, while gaining new knowledge related to their MBA specialty. Discover the importance of integrating the foundation of business with theory, practice and performance across today’s domestic and global business world.
School Overview
West Texas A&M University
West Texas A&M University offers a GMAT waiver for students with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, or applicants that have a minimum of 10-years of professional work experience demonstrating significant career progression. Students that earned a previous graduate degree also potentially qualify for the waiver.
The highly-ranked MBA program offers five specializations in a 100 percent online format. Although most students complete the program within two years, the school allows up to six years for program completion in recognition of the need for the student work-life balance. Choose from five annual start dates, and enjoy a personalized plan of study. If a student does not maintain a minimum of a 3.0 GPA during the program, tuition increases to $930.87 per credit hour until the minimum required GPA is reached.
School Overview
Park University
Admission to the Park University online MBA program is open to all students that have an undergraduate degree, with a minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. The online MBA program features an impressive 13 concentration options. Bring your fresh ideas and leadership into the specialization that you choose as your career path with concentrations that includes Executive Master of Business Administration, Global Business, Quality and Innovation Management and other options that extend beyond the traditional offerings.
The school offers tuition discounts for active duty military personnel, and veterans of the U.S. Military.
School Overview
McKendree University
Learn to integrate important basic business skills and knowledge with communications, leadership and problem-solving skills by pursuing an online MBA at McKendree University. Students have the option of focusing on several concentrations, including the MBA in Corporate Finance, MBA in Cyber Defense, MBA in Digital Marketing or the MBA in Human Resource Management, or the traditional MBA program.
The school explains that the curriculum of all MBA concentrations incorporates individual and group work, along with integrated learning experiences.
Students are not required to submit a GMAT score when applying for admission at McKendree University. Some students consult with school officials regarding a possible tuition payment plan.
School Overview
California University of Pennsylvania
The MBA programs at the California University of Pennsylvania feature, ‘leading edge curriculum,’ that addresses the ever-changing world of business. Focus on mastering leadership and decision-making skills, while also learning how to reach your goal of becoming a top business professional in an organization or your own business.
The school offers some unique MBA programs in its eight concentration options. Consider the MBA – Sports Management concentration. Perhaps you prefer a program where the student that plans on a career in social work management earns an MBA – MSW degree, or the opportunity to earn an MBA – Nursing Administration option.
School Overview
Wright State University
Wright State University boasts that the school offers one of the lowest tuition rates in the State of Ohio. The MBA program at Wright State University features nine concentration options. Choose from concentrations such as Business Economics, Health Care Management, International Business, or the Management, Innovation and Change option. Some students choose the Finance concentration, Interdisciplinary Business, or the New Venture Creation option.
Gain a competitive edge in the global business world by completing this program that helps to sharpen analytical and critical thinking, deepen ethical decision-making, and to develop a vision and understanding of the global business environment and marketplace.
School Overview
Tarleton State University
Tarleton State University, a member of the Texas A&M University System, does not require students in the online MBA program during the 2020-2021 school year to submit GMAT scores. The school requires a minimum GPA of 2.5 in undergraduate coursework.
Students have the opportunity to choose from six concentrations, prepare for advancement in the workplace, to develop skills that are imperative to compete effectively in the global business industry, and other skills necessary to succeed in developing your leadership and decision-making abilities.
School Overview
Bethel University
Bethel University recently announced a drop in the tuition rate for individuals enrolling in the MBA program at the university. The online MBA, now with eight concentration options, including Data, Economics and Development, Principles of Manufacturing, Finance, and other challenging concentrations, educates students to become better leaders and managers, while also focusing on the development of each student as a whole person. Students develop a greater level of professionalism, passion and confidence as they meet the challenges to become successful as a business leader.
School Overview
Endicott College
The MBA program at Endicott College is not the typical MBA experience, according to the school. Endicott College recognizes the fact that students want a rigorous curriculum but do not want to take the GMAT. The online MBA program features the same curriculum and support offered to students completing the program in the classroom.
Prospective students likely discover that the school offers their preferred area of interest among its 18 concentration options. Choose traditional options such as accounting, finance, general management or human resources. Students looking for unique challenges or business opportunities possibly consider the non-profit management, maritime economics, or the construction project management MBA options.
The college also offers a Fifth Year MBA, which is an accelerated MBA option, available for students in all academic areas that meet other admissions requirements.
School Overview
University of Scranton
The University of Scranton offers a 100 percent online MBA degree program with eight specialization options. Pursue a general MBA, or choose specializations that range from Operations Management to Enterprise Resource Planning.
The school has multiple start dates, no GMAT requirement, and offers the opportunity for students to complete the program courses at their own pace, typically within two years. The rigorous curriculum prepares students to gain the expertise necessary to meet the ever-changing demands of the business environment, and enhances the student’s existing expertise.
School Overview
Ohio University
Ohio University invites prospective students to its online MBA program to become a leader that makes a difference. The school understands the importance of receiving an MBA in advancing a career. The program is offered 100 percent online, with no GMAT requirement.
Choose a concentration that correlates with your career goals and interests. Choose from concentrations such as Business Analytics, Executive Management, or Operations & Supply Chain Management. There are a total of eight concentrations to choose from, which allows you to complete the online courses in a rigorous, challenging, and engaging online environment.
School Overview
Florida Atlantic University
The highly-ranked online MBA program at Florida Atlantic University offers students the opportunity to select a concentration from a list of 11 options. Are you a professional that likes to expand your expertise beyond the realm of general business leadership? Perhaps you want to consider concentrations such as sport management, or hospitality and tourism management. Many students choose traditional options such as marketing, finance, or accounting.
There is a short list of admissions requirements, including a GMAT waiver. Complete the program in as little as 23 months.
School Overview
Colorado State University
Colorado State University welcomes ‘bright minds from around the world’ to pursue an online MBA at the school. The school explains that the curriculum is delivered via online and streaming video so that students are able to maintain their work responsibilities while enrolled in the MBA program.
Students choose between the traditional MBA program or the Marketing Data Analytics Specialization option. Enjoy the flexibility and convenience of taking courses when it fits your schedule and life, without the worry over a GMAT requirement.
School Overview
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Students pursuing an MBA online with no GMAT required at the Chaminade University of Honolulu have three concentration options. The options include a focus on a general MBA, the MBA in Healthcare Administration, or the MBA in Science & Technology Innovation.
Learn to understand the advanced concepts of business environments, ethical, policy, and regulatory issues. Learn to demonstrate an understanding of domestic and global economic environments, processes of strategic management, and the processes involved in developing a competitive edge in business environments. There are several learning outcomes specific to each online MBA concentration.
School Overview
University of New Hampshire
Earn your degree from anywhere in the world when you complete the MBA requirements at the University of New Hampshire. It is the only school in the state with AACSB accreditation for its MBA program. There are six career areas to choose from, including marketing, finance, global business, information systems and business analytics, growth and innovation, or hospitality management.
Gain the most-highly sought-after skills and expertise to advance your current career, return to work, or change careers with an MBA from this highly ranked MBA program.
Submission of GMAT results is not required for admission consideration to the school. Some prospective students submit the scores if they want consideration for certain scholarships.
School Overview
Seattle University
Students considering the online MBA program at the Albers School of Business and Economics at Seattle University likely appreciate the part-time flexibility of the program. Students have the option of four annual start times. The school recently announced that the GMAT is now optional for students that apply to the program, beginning in the 2020-2021 academic year.
The faculty challenges students to develop the ability to use a strategic approach to building key business relationships. Learn about the complexities of modern business, how to demonstrate the power of fair process, and to identify, understand, and solve challenges.
School Overview
Florida International University
Receive a GMAT waiver upon submitting an application to the Florida International University online MBA program. Applicants with at least two years of work experience, and successful completion of upper level undergraduate coursework with a minimum 3.25 GPA are likely eligible for the waiver.
The fast-paced online MBA program prepares business leaders that complete their choice of eight specializations. Some specializations not offered at most other schools include a real estate option, or the strategic negotiations concentration. The school invites students to apply to more than one specialization if they prefer to do so.
School Overview
Northeastern University
Students that pursue an online MBA at Northeastern University with no required GMAT also have the opportunity to participate in optional domestic and international residency courses. Participate in a rigorous curriculum with the opportunity for hands-on experience in your specific area of interest. Students have the opportunity to select their preferred area of interest from eight concentrations that prepare graduates for working in an in-demand specialization.
The school has a rolling admission with six start dates each year.
School Overview
Methodology
The value of an MBA program is not easily determined based on a single value or determining factor. We ranked each of these schools by assigning a unique score based on tuition costs and program length. Where there was a tie, the school with the lower tuition costs received the higher ranking.
We do our best to fairly and accurately rank each school. No school is permitted to pay us for a better placement in our rankings. Sponsored schools are kept separate from other schools, and are labeled as a SPONSORED school.
If you would like to ask any questions, update the information for your school, or to have your school listed in our rankings, please contact us.
What is the Graduate Management Admission Test?
The Graduate Management Admissions Test is a way for Business schools and programs to assess an applicant’s ability to take the MBA courses and successfully complete them.
The GMAT score you receive will be a determining factor on whether or not your application to business school is accepted or not. But it’s important to know that it’s not the only factor.
Many MBA schools once used this in their admissions process for all business management programs, luckily as time passes, many schools have recognized that it may not be as full proof as they once thought.
Although the GMAT is required by some schools to help them understand the critical thinking skills of every applicant trying to attend an MBA program, it’s somewhat applicable to the real world. In management, you must act quickly, resolve problems efficiently, and stop issues before they occur.
What is on the GMAT?
The main purpose of the GMAT is to understand the critical thinking skills of every applicant trying to attend an MBA program. In Management you must be able to act quickly, resolve problems efficiently, and stop issues before they occur.
The Graduate Management Admissions Test breaks down into four sections with multiple choice and written essay responses. These sections use the same content and criteria used in the classroom once you start your program.
- Analytical Writing Assessment: This is a 30-minute session that requires you to read an argument created by another person, and then in your own words, describe whether or not you agreed with the argument by critiquing the author’s views and reasoning.
- Integrated Reasoning: This is another 30-minute section. In this section, there are 12 questions to answer that require you to integrate data and information given to problems to solve any given situation.
- Quantitative: This is a 62-minute session composed of 32 data sufficiency problems and problem-solving questions. This section tests your critical thinking skills, data processes skill, and your understanding of basic math.
- Verbal: This is a 65-minute section composed of 36 questions in critical reasoning, sentence correction, and reading comprehension. These questions determine your overall understanding of the written English language.
This test takes just over three hours to complete and it takes a few weeks to get your results. Your score gives the school an idea of where you are in your ability to understand the lessons that you encounter throughout your program.
Where to Find Online MBA Programs that Do Not Require a GMAT
When looking for a master’s degree program that does not have a GMAT or GRE requirement for admission, you need to do your homework and search your local area for schools that have started waiving the GMAT from their graduate degree programs.
Many schools today, especially those online, have started replacing the GMAT score in the admissions process with other qualifying factors. To find out what the qualifying requirements are, check your school of choices Admissions page.
What Makes an Online MBA Program a Good Program?
Most students looking to get into an MBA program have already earned their undergraduate degrees, and they have started a career in their field of choice. Being able to complete your MBA fully remote means you do not have to worry about missing work, attending night classes, or worry about not having enough time in your day to do the work required for your degree.
Allowing flexibility and the capability of working from nearly anywhere, any student taking their MBA program will be able to higher their education and still maintain a good reputation in their current workplace.
Also, an online MBA program can save you quite a bit of money in the end. Many schools offer lower fees per credit when attending online courses. You can also save on housing, travel, supplies, and other expenses you won’t need to take on while learning off-campus.
Lastly, there is more of a unique and personal feeling to taking your classes at your own pace and contacting your teachers on a more one on one basis. Some students feel that they have more of a connection to the school and professors when working fully remotely.
What are the general requirements of online MBA programs that do not require the GMAT?
When you are entering into an MBA program you need to provide a lot of information to the school of your choice to meet every admission requirement. These items show you have the skills and education needed to complete the course successfully.
- Bachelor’s Degree: Before attending any MBA program it is required that a bachelor’s degree is completed. Most MBA schools want someone who has completed their Bachelors in Management, however, if your undergrad major was in another subject, you may still be able to attend but with some core courses added to your schedule.
- Work Experience: Professional experience is not always necessary to get into every MBA school. However, many schools require some experience or work history, and the ones that do not require it look at work experience as more of a reason to let you into the program.
- GPA scores: The majority of MBA programs do require an undergrad GPA score of at least 3.0 or higher.
- Admissions Essay: The admissions essay is a way for a potential MBA student to showcase their successes that may not be in other areas of the admissions process, it also allows them to show their writing style and communications skills.
- Recommendations: Having past teachers, employers, or other professional acquaintances write you letters of recommendation will help you prove a great track record of hard, quality work. Recommendations provide the proof the school needs to know you will be capable of completing the course work successfully.
- Official Transcripts: When applying to any college program, you need to supply your transcripts from previous school courses. This is to prove your past education and grades from high school, undergrad school, and any other graduate programs you may have taken.
- Admissions Fees: Although today (Mainly due to the Co-Vid Pandemic) almost every school is waiving their admissions fees, you still may find that some schools still require it, or may start to require them again soon.
How to Get a GMAT Requirement Waived for an Online MBA Program
If you want to get your MBA but did not have good scores on the GMAT, or just don’t want to take the test altogether, there are a few ways that you can request having the GMAT requirement waived.
There are many reputable online business school MBA programs available today that no longer require the GMAT score to get into the class, and you can still choose a college that does if you have what it takes to get those requirements waived.
Ask For it
Yes, it can be as easy as that. Simply writing a letter to the admissions board lets them know why you would like them to waive the GMAT requirement for you and let them know why you feel you are still qualified to take the courses.
Whether it be to a personal reason or a professional one, argue your best case on paper and make it sound amazing. The school can waive the GMAT requirement for anyone they feel can still complete the courses offered.
Show Then Your Strengths
If you are trying to have the GMAT requirement waived from your admissions into an MBA program, you better have excellent work experience to back you up. Schools use the GMATs to identify the applicants’ strengths and weaknesses in the areas most important to successfully getting through the classes.
Emphasize your computer and language skills. Provide examples of how you have vast knowledge in the world of quick and critical thinking, and show them ways in which you have successfully managed a business or took control in previous careers.
Highlight your Education and Career Progress
Showing a school how much you have accomplished through the years you have been attending school and the ladders you have climbed in your career will prove to them you have the ambitions and desire to keep moving forward.
List out all of the times you have made the dean’s list or the raises and promotions you have received. Having more letters of recommendation than required for admissions can be another great way to prove you are moving in the right direction and with passion.
Why might your request to get the GMAT requirement waived be denied?
Even though you say and showcase all the right things, every school still has the right to approve or deny your request for the GMAT requirement to be waived. Reasons for the denial of a GMAT waiver include.
- Not enough related work experience
- Undergrad grades in core courses were not high enough
- Not enough education requirements have been met
- Your submitted request or admission essay does not show you have high enough writing and communications skills.
It is important to note that even if you are denied having the GMAT scores waived, that does not mean you will not get into the program as long as you take the GMAT test. On the other hand, just because you completed the GMAT test, and even scored well on them does not guarantee you will get into the program. Everything required for admission is taken into account to decide which individual will get into the MBA program and which will not.
GMAT vs GRE
The GMAT test and the GRE test are fairly similar standardized test assessments that are often required to get into a graduates program. However, both of these tests are slowly being removed from schools year after year. If you are preparing to apply for a graduates program you will probably want to know which one of these would be more important for you to complete.
The biggest difference between the Graduates Masters Assessment Test (GMAT) and the Graduates Records Examination(GRE)is the specialization of the Master’s Degree program you are applying for. The GRE can be used in a variety of programs and is a generalized test for most graduate programs to use to access their applicants. Whereas the GMAT is focusing solely on the Master in Business Administration students.
Both tests take around the same amount of time to complete, cost close to the same amount to take, and have almost the same amount of questions, multiple-choice, and essays. They both also have three main subjects, which include Verbal, Quantitative, and Writing.
The sections differ when you get into the questions and the responses you write for the essays. You have to show you understand the English language and can communicate properly with it. However, within the GMAT the quantitative section is broken down a little more and requires much more understanding of numbers and data.
Financial Assistance for MBA Online Students
Although you may find an affordable online MBA program, the cost of obtaining your MBA in the classroom or online can become fairly costly, and when added to the cost of your undergraduate tuition, the thought of an MBA tuition can get very scary. Luckily, there are quite a few ways that you can reduce the cost of your graduate degree.
Federal grants
A federal grant is money that is given to you without the expectation of ever paying it back, a nice thought for an MBA graduate. This type of financial aid is often only given to those in financial need and meet specific financial criteria. Although federal grants are normally only given to undergrad students, exceptions have been and can be made for graduate students as well.
Work-study Programs
A work-study program is a program provided through the school and paid by the government that offers students the ability to work on or near campus to help pay for school expenses. These jobs are available in the local communities and usually pertain to that student’s field of study
Work-study is a great way to utilize job experience while getting an education. It also helps cover some of the expenses of your MBA program.
Scholarships
Scholarships are sums of money donated to a college school student to help fund their education. Scholarships do not have to be repaid. They are awarded to those whose applications meet the criteria set by those who fund that scholarship.
The qualification to apply for each scholarship is different and determined by the awarding party. It can be merit-based, financially based, or even focuses on areas of education or a student’s background.
Many schools offer their own scholarships to students that are applying to an executive mba program. Locating these schools and checking their requirements is a good way to decide where you may want to apply.
Loan Forgiveness Initiatives
There are a few ways you can have your loans forgiven after completing your degree program. The most known is loan forgiveness after you have successfully paid 120 months of your student loan repayment plan consecutively while also working for a qualified employer. Loan forgiveness can also be issued if you join the military or work for a qualifying non-profit or government job.
Our Conclusion
Getting into an MBA program that does not require a GMAT score is no longer the make or break decision it once was. As the years pass schools are deciding to drop the once-popular admissions requirement for requirements that conform more to the classes and courses being offered in their programs. With tons of schools waiting for the GMAT score and more following behind, the ability to apply to the affordable online MBA or business administration program of your dreams is now more attainable than ever before.
