The Graduate Record Examination, more commonly known as the GRE, is a standardized test for those looking to attend graduate school and earn a degree, like a MHA online. Whether you’re managing a medical practice, working as a hospital administrator, or employed in the health insurance field, your time is precious. Why spend it studying for GRE when lots of online MHA programs no longer require if for admission?
Programs with no GRE requirement focus on other admissions requirements, such as professional letters of recommendation, experience working in the healthcare industry, and completion of certain math and science prerequisite classes. Read on to see our list of this year’s top no-GRE online MHA programs, learn what to expect during the admissions process, and get answers to common questions about earning your MHA degree online from prospective students just like you.
Top 25 No-GRE Online MHA Programs in 2023
A quick search turns up numerous online MHA programs with no GRE requirement. To help you choose the best online no-GRE MHA program, we’ve compiled the following list. We’ve ranked these programs by considering several important program elements, including affordability, access to student support services, student-to-teacher ratios, and program and school size. Much of the data comes from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). To learn more about our methodology, click on the “About the ranking” button. Then keep reading to learn about the schools that top the list for 2023.
For anyone in the early or middle stages of their career, the online master of health administration program from Purdue University is one to look at closely. The program consists of just 13 classes, which makes graduating in about two years possible even while working full time. That’s because the classes are mostly asynchronous, allowing you to attend at the time and place that’s convenient for you. This online MHA program doesn’t require the GRE; instead, GRE or GMAT test scores are optional. Applicants must have a professional resume, 3.0 cumulative GPA, and three letters of recommendation, plus they must write two essays. Students can begin their classes at one of three start dates for the August (fall), January (spring), or May (summer) semesters.
Master of Health Administration
Credits: 40
Length: Varies
Cost: $750/credit (in-state); $850/credit (out-of-state)
Format: Fully online
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) (school)
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Ranks in Category
| Online Programs (in Subject) | # |
| Online Students | # |
| Students w/Institutional Aid | # |
| Institutional Aid per Student | # |
New York University’s online master of health administration combines the flexibility of online learning with the collaboration of in-person group classes and on-site training. Most of the online classes are offered synchronously, with live sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. However the rest of the coursework can be completed at times that best suit your schedule. Students visit New York City during their second term (the program is comprised of seven terms) for a two-and-a-half-day immersion. During those days, students work as a team to solve realistic healthcare problems in a healthcare system simulator. This online MHA program has no thesis requirement. While you don’t need to take the GRE to apply, you will need to provide evidence of your quantitative analysis skills. You can do this by completing an undergraduate or graduate quantitative class from an accredited college or university or, if you prefer, submitting scores from the GRE or GMAT.
Master of Health Administration
Credits: 45
Length: 28 months
Cost: $96,965 (total tuition)
Format: Partially online
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) (school); Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) (program)
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
School Ranks in Category
| Online Programs (in Subject) | # |
| Online Students | # |
| Students w/Institutional Aid | # |
| Institutional Aid per Student | # |
The executive master of healthcare administration program at the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities is designed for working healthcare professionals. This online MHA program is referred to as an executive program because it’s built around a cohort model, in which 30 to 35 students progress through their coursework together. This creates a more collaborative and intimate learning experience. Most of the classes are completed online, but students spend a total of 25 days throughout the program on campus.
The executive MHA program at the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities requires no GRE for admission. However, the admissions office expects students to have applicable work experience and be prepared to explain how this program will help their careers. In addition to the standard admissions requirements, applicants also need an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher and three letters of recommendation.
Executive Master of Healthcare Administration
Credits: 42
Length: Less than two years
Cost: $1,632/credit
Format: Partially online
Accreditation: HLC (school); CAHME (program)
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Ranks in Category
| Online Programs (in Subject) | # |
| Online Students | # |
| Students w/Institutional Aid | # |
| Institutional Aid per Student | # |
Ferris State University’s master’s of healthcare administration is a hybrid program in which students complete most of their coursework online asynchronously. However, the curriculum includes a capstone experience. This requires students to obtain 160 hours of supervised experience at a faculty-approved healthcare or medical facility. Many students will be able to complete the capstone experience where they work. Students can also speed up their learning with transfer credits, as Ferris State University allows transfer of as many as 30% of the required credits from an approved school. No GRE is required as part of the application process. However the admissions office expects incoming students to provide three professional references plus complete certain math, statistics, and science courses.
Master’s of Healthcare Administration
Credits: 46
Length: Two years
Cost: $686/credit
Format: Partially online
Accreditation: HLC (school); CAHME (program)
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Ranks in Category
| Online Programs (in Subject) | # |
| Online Students | # |
| Students w/Institutional Aid | # |
| Institutional Aid per Student | # |
Students who want a customized online MHA program with no GRE requirement will appreciate the master of science in healthcare administration from City University of Seattle. Students complete 20% of their required coursework with electives, allowing them to tailor their degree to meet their specific professional needs. Another way in which this online MHA program stands out is with its capstone course. Students show what they’ve learned by completing a project of their choice. This project can be a group project, individual project, or even an externship. To provide the best instruction possible, the student-to-faculty ratio is low at just 6:1.
Master of Science in Healthcare Administration
Credits: 45
Length: Varies
Cost: $715/credit
Format: Partially online
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (school)
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NWCCU |
School Ranks in Category
| Online Programs (in Subject) | # |
| Online Students | # |
| Students w/Institutional Aid | # |
| Institutional Aid per Student | # |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
School Ranks in Category
| Online Programs (in Subject) | # |
| Online Students | # |
| Students w/Institutional Aid | # |
| Institutional Aid per Student | # |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NWCCU |
School Ranks in Category
| Online Programs (in Subject) | # |
| Online Students | # |
| Students w/Institutional Aid | # |
| Institutional Aid per Student | # |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
School Ranks in Category
| Online Programs (in Subject) | # |
| Online Students | # |
| Students w/Institutional Aid | # |
| Institutional Aid per Student | # |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Ranks in Category
| Online Programs (in Subject) | # |
| Online Students | # |
| Students w/Institutional Aid | # |
| Institutional Aid per Student | # |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NWCCU |
School Ranks in Category
| Online Programs (in Subject) | # |
| Online Students | # |
| Students w/Institutional Aid | # |
| Institutional Aid per Student | # |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Ranks in Category
| Online Programs (in Subject) | # |
| Online Students | # |
| Students w/Institutional Aid | # |
| Institutional Aid per Student | # |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Ranks in Category
| Online Programs (in Subject) | # |
| Online Students | # |
| Students w/Institutional Aid | # |
| Institutional Aid per Student | # |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Ranks in Category
| Online Programs (in Subject) | # |
| Online Students | # |
| Students w/Institutional Aid | # |
| Institutional Aid per Student | # |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Ranks in Category
| Online Programs (in Subject) | # |
| Online Students | # |
| Students w/Institutional Aid | # |
| Institutional Aid per Student | # |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Ranks in Category
| Online Programs (in Subject) | # |
| Online Students | # |
| Students w/Institutional Aid | # |
| Institutional Aid per Student | # |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Ranks in Category
| Online Programs (in Subject) | # |
| Online Students | # |
| Students w/Institutional Aid | # |
| Institutional Aid per Student | # |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Ranks in Category
| Online Programs (in Subject) | # |
| Online Students | # |
| Students w/Institutional Aid | # |
| Institutional Aid per Student | # |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Ranks in Category
| Online Programs (in Subject) | # |
| Online Students | # |
| Students w/Institutional Aid | # |
| Institutional Aid per Student | # |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Ranks in Category
| Online Programs (in Subject) | # |
| Online Students | # |
| Students w/Institutional Aid | # |
| Institutional Aid per Student | # |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Ranks in Category
| Online Programs (in Subject) | # |
| Online Students | # |
| Students w/Institutional Aid | # |
| Institutional Aid per Student | # |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Ranks in Category
| Online Programs (in Subject) | # |
| Online Students | # |
| Students w/Institutional Aid | # |
| Institutional Aid per Student | # |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
School Ranks in Category
| Online Programs (in Subject) | # |
| Online Students | # |
| Students w/Institutional Aid | # |
| Institutional Aid per Student | # |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Ranks in Category
| Online Programs (in Subject) | # |
| Online Students | # |
| Students w/Institutional Aid | # |
| Institutional Aid per Student | # |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Ranks in Category
| Online Programs (in Subject) | # |
| Online Students | # |
| Students w/Institutional Aid | # |
| Institutional Aid per Student | # |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Ranks in Category
| Online Programs (in Subject) | # |
| Online Students | # |
| Students w/Institutional Aid | # |
| Institutional Aid per Student | # |
Admission Requirements for No-GRE Online MHA Programs
Many of the MHA programs online that require no GRE are designed especially for working professionals. Schools understand that many prospective students are working professionals without the time to study for a standardized test like the GRE or GMAT.
Admissions offices still need to gauge the likelihood of success for prospective students, so many adjust their admissions requirements in one of two ways. First, they look for certain academic requirements, such as a minimum GPA or certain prerequisite classes. Second, they expect students to have extensive work experience in the healthcare and/or management field. The best online MHA programs where no GRE is required have admissions requirements similar to the following:
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Minimum Undergraduate GPA
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Letter or Essay of Professional Intent
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Relevant Work Experience
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Letters of Recommendation
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Interview
One of the best ways to predict a student’s success in graduate school is to see how well they performed academically as undergrads. This is why so many MHA online programs require a stated minimum GPA on undergraduate coursework. Many no-GRE MHA programs, like the one at Ohio University, expect their applicants to have an undergrad GPA of 3.0 or higher. GRE scores are often required of applicants not meeting minimum GPA figures. Another common alternative to GRE requirements is substantial work experience in the healthcare field. One program offering this alternative is the MHA program at Seton Hall University.
The master of healthcare administration is a unique degree, and schools seek students who are fully committed to their healthcare administration studies and careers. No-GRE programs like the one at the University of Cincinnati ask applicants to complete an essay that explains how enrolling in the program will help them reach their professional goals. When requesting letters of recommendation, make sure at least one comes from a current or former supervisor or professional mentor who can attest to your professional abilities.
The MHA is a professional degree that’s a good fit for students who are already working in the healthcare management field. Having real-world experience brings new perspectives to the classroom and helps students understand the context of what they’re learning. While many MHA programs with no GRE requirement prefer applicants with several years of relevant work experience, others, such as the program at George Washington University, make that experience a nonnegotiable requirement.
Recommendation letters are a common application requirement for most degree programs. But online MHA programs with no GRE adjust this requirement in two important ways. First, they require two or three letters of recommendation instead of just one or two. Second, they ask for at least one non-academic letter from a professional colleague of the applicant. This reinforces the admission office’s desire for students with strong professional backgrounds. One program with this requirement is the MHA program at The University of Scranton.
While this isn’t the most common admission requirement, it’s still sometimes used by schools with online MHA programs and no GRE requirement, such as Florida Atlantic University. Interviews are typically conducted by graduate admissions officers to learn more about applicants academic and professional goals. Admissions interview are often the determining factor in admissions selections, so be sure you take your interview seriously.
Frequently Asked Questions About No GRE Online MHA Programs
Are there CAHME-accredited online MHA programs that don’t require the GRE?
Yes. In fact, there are lots of them. The best way to find these no-GRE programs is to go to the CAHME website and use the site’s program search engine. From there you can search for MHA programs that are only offered online or in a hybrid learning format. Then go to each school’s website and see if they include the GRE (or GMAT) in their admissions requirements. Generally speaking, not requiring the GRE is a selling point for online MHA programs, so usually it will be prominently noted on the program homepage.
Also, keep in mind that some GRE-free online MHA programs that aren’t accredited by CAHME might be accredited by another respected accreditor. For example, the online MHA program at Florida Atlantic University is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. And the online MHA at East Tennessee State University is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health.
How much do no-GRE online MHA programs cost?
Tuition rates for online MHA programs with no GRE requirement can vary substantially from program to program. Factors impacting cost include student residency status, the number of required credits, whether the school is public or private, and even the school’s or programs reputation. Nevertheless, quality, fully-accredited online MHA programs are available at all tuition levels. For example, Louisiana State University Online’s MHA program features an affordable tuition rate of just $416 per credit. By comparison, the current per-credit tuition rate at the University of New Haven tuition is $773, while nonresident students in the executive MHA program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill can expect to pay $1,608.50 per credit (though resident students pay just $586.23 per credit).
How quickly can I complete my no-GRE MHA program?
It depends on the program. Some, like the one at Bellevue University, are set up with a cohort model in which students progress as a group. This means there’s little flexibility in terms of how quickly you can graduate. Most online MHA programs are part-time and require around two years to complete. But some of the best online MHA programs with no GRE allow students to choose between full-time or part-time options with the former taking about a year to complete and the latter taking about two years. Ohio University is one such program that gives students these options.
For online MHA programs that do need GRE scores, is there any way to get the requirement waived?
Yes, but not for every program. For example, Appalachian State University’s online MHA program doesn’t require GRE or GMAT test scores from applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better. However, this waiver isn’t automatic and prospective students must formally request it. Some schools provide automatic waivers while others provide them when certain conditions are met, like having a stated number of years of work experience. Be sure to contact each program you’re considering for details on GRE waivers.
Should I submit my GRE scores even if an MHA program doesn’t require them?
Once again, that depends on the specific program. Programs not requiring GRE scores will often consider them if you choose to submit them. And example is the MHA program at Weber State University. One very important piece of advice, here. If a program accepts GRE scores as an option, only submit your score if it’s a good one. You have nothing to gain and possibly everything to lose by submitting a score that’s below par.