Today’s Top Online MBA Programs with No GMAT Requirement

Imagine earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) without spending months cramming for the GMAT or GRE. It’s now more achievable than ever, as many online MBA programs no longer require entrance exam scores. This OMD guide explores the benefits of no-GMAT online MBA programs, highlights top-ranked options, and helps you decide if this path fits your goals.

Author: Kristina Brune

Editor: Linda Armstrong

What information are you looking for?
  • Degree Benefits

    What the benefits of this type of degree are, how it’ll help me succeed, and why I should enroll…

    Read more
  • Inside Real Programs

    An inside look at actual online programs, exploring their structure, curriculum, costs, admission criteria, and more…

    Read more
  • FAQs

    Insightful and guiding answers to common questions prospective students like myself have about earning this degree…

    Read more
  • Right for You?

    Reflective questions to help me determine if this degree aligns with my goals and readiness…

    Read more
  • Top Programs

    A list of today’s best online and hybrid programs based on quality, affordability, and student support…

    Read more

Find your school in just 60 seconds

Find Your Online Degree

  1. Take our quiz
  2. Match with schools
  3. Connect with favorites

Advantages of No-GMAT Online MBA

Choosing a no-GMAT online MBA comes with several advantages that can make your graduate school experience smoother and more accessible. Below, we introduce three key benefits, from a faster, streamlined admissions process to the flexibility of online learning and the career boosts of an MBA.

Save Time and Reduce Stress

One immediate perk of a no-GMAT MBA is a simpler admissions process. By removing the standardized test requirement, these programs streamline the application process. Instead of spending months studying for a $275 exam, you can focus on strengthening your application with essays, references, or your resume. In short, skipping the GMAT lets you apply (and enroll) faster, so you can get on with your MBA journey without a testing roadblock.

Immediate Career Momentum 

Streamlined admission processes in No GMAT MBA programs offer immediate career advancement opportunities without testing delays. Instead of spending months preparing for standardized tests, professionals can begin developing practical business skills. This direct-entry approach means you could be halfway through your MBA while others are still studying for the GMAT, accelerating your path to advancement.

Experience-Based Admission 

Professional experience takes precedence in No GMAT programs, recognizing that your years of managing teams, handling budgets, and solving business challenges matter more than test scores. This practical approach means admissions decisions reflect your actual business capabilities rather than theoretical exam concepts, creating cohorts rich with diverse industry experience and real-world insights.


Three Online MBA Programs with No GMAT Requirement

Syracuse University (Whitman School of Management)—Online MBA 

The Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University offers a 54-credit online MBA that can be completed in as few as 24 months. Students can choose from six specializations including Accounting, Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Marketing Management, and Supply Chain Management. Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the program is eligible for federal financial aid and military benefits. Additionally, graduates benefit from Syracuse’s strong alumni network and career resources, with opportunities for global residencies and support in career advancement in fields like finance, marketing, and supply chain management.

Duration: 2 years

Mode: Online

Cost: $1,945/credit, $105,030 total 

Admissions Requirements: 

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Two years of professional experience
  • Personal essay
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • Resume/CV
  • Interview
  • English proficiency

University of Tennessee, Knoxville (Haslam College of Business)—Online MBA 

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Online MBA is a 45-credit AACSB-accredited program designed for working professionals. Courses are supplemented by a required three-day on-campus orientation to kick off the program. The curriculum is completed at a part-time pace, with most students earning the degree in about 32–36 months while working full-time. No GMAT/GRE is required for admission; instead, the school looks for professional experience and quantitative skills. The program’s career support features an exclusive job portal where top brands (like Amazon, Dell, Deloitte, etc.) recruit UTK online MBA students for roles such as product manager, business analyst, HR director, and more.

Duration: 32–36 months 

Mode: Online courses, three-day on-campus orientation

Cost: $1,200/ $54,000 total 

Admissions Requirements: 

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Minimum 2.7 GPA overall or 3.0 in senior undergrad year
  • Two references
  • Transcripts
  • TOEFL scores if applicable
  • Resume/CV
  • Essay

Purdue University (Mitch Daniels School of Business)—Online MBA 

Purdue University’s Online MBA is a 48-credit program delivered entirely online through the Mitch Daniels School of Business. Students can complete it in as quickly as two years or take up to four years, depending on their schedule. The curriculum emphasizes analytics and leadership in a STEM-driven, quantitative framework, but students can customize their learning with electives or choose focus areas in high-demand fields (such as business analytics or AI). No GMAT or GRE score is required for admission, though applicants with weaker quantitative backgrounds may optionally submit scores to strengthen their application. The program offers career support and networking through Purdue’s extensive alumni network, preparing graduates to “take the next giant leap” in roles that blend business and technology leadership.

Duration: 2 to 4 years

Mode: Online courses with optional on-campus networking weekends for certain electives)

Cost: $1,250/credit (resident), $1,293/credit (nonresident); $60,000 and $62,102 total, respectively

Admissions Requirements:

  • 2 years of work experience
  • Bachelor’s degree of equivalent
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Academic statement of purpose
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Personal history statement
  • Resume
  • Transcripts
  • Interview

FAQs About No-GMAT Online MBA Programs

What do No-GMAT MBA programs use for admissions?


No-GMAT MBA programs still have admissions standards, but they focus on factors other than test scores. With a holistic view of your qualifications, schools evaluate your undergraduate GPA and coursework, professional work experience, letters of recommendation, and personal statements or interviews. 

Many programs offer GMAT waivers or simply don’t require the exam if you meet certain criteria (often a strong academic record or relevant experience). A more flexible approach is designed to accommodate capable candidates who can succeed in an MBA program without a test score.

What careers can I pursue with an online MBA?


An MBA is a versatile degree that opens diverse career opportunities in leadership and management across industries. Graduates often advance in their current roles or pivot to new fields like consulting or finance. An online MBA can lead to roles in corporate strategy, marketing, or entrepreneurship. Additionally, you can specialize in a host of fields. To help you explore additional options, OMD offers guides to MBA programs focused on accounting, economics, marketing, and more.

Why is accreditation important for an online MBA?


Accreditation is vital for online MBA programs, serving as a quality assurance mechanism. Programs must meet strict academic standards set by independent accrediting agencies. Both institutional (university-wide) and programmatic (business school) accreditation matter, with the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) being the gold standard for business education. Less than 6% of business schools worldwide hold the prestigious AACSB recognition. Without proper accreditation, your degree may not be recognized by employers or other institutions.

Do employers respect online MBA degrees?


Employers generally respect online MBA degrees from accredited, reputable institutions. The previous stigma around online education has largely disappeared, as many top business schools, including UNC and Carnegie Mellon, now offer online MBAs. 

Today, most employers focus on the school’s reputation rather than the delivery format. Plus, your diploma typically won’t indicate whether you studied online or on-campus. While acceptance of online degrees continues to grow, choosing an accredited, well-regarded program remains crucial for credibility.

How much do online MBA programs cost?


Tuition for online MBA programs varies widely depending on the university and program structure. Generally, schools charge tuition on a per-credit basis. Some online MBAs (often at public or less specialized institutions) charge much less—sometimes only a few hundred dollars per credit. 

Factors that influence cost include whether the school is public or private, in-state vs. out-of-state tuition rates, the total number of credits required (MBAs typically range from 30 credits to 60 credits), and any included fees or residency costs. 

To give you a sense of the range of costs, below is a comparison of three online MBA programs:

School No. CreditsCost per CreditTotal Tuition
Syracuse University (MBA@Syracuse)54$1,945$105,030
University of Tennessee, Knoxville (Haslam Online MBA)45$1,200$54,000
Purdue University Global (Online MBA)48$1,250, $1,293$60,000, $62,102

Tuition rates don’t include additional fees.

Don’t let financial concerns stop you from pursuing your master’s degree. OMD provides additional resources to help you explore funding possibilities. Access our guides for insights on financial aid and budgeting strategies, learn how to find grants that don’t require repayment, and browse our targeted list of 68 scholarships for master’s students.


Is a No-GMAT Online MBA Right for You?

Choosing a no-GMAT online MBA is a significant decision that deserves careful consideration. These five key questions will help you evaluate whether this path aligns with your career goals, learning style, and personal circumstances.

  1. Can I thrive in an online learning environment?
    Online learning requires self-discipline and independence: consider whether you can stay motivated without in-person reminders, participate effectively in virtual discussions, and manage coursework independently. While online programs offer flexibility through asynchronous lectures and discussions, success depends on your ability to maintain discipline and engage actively with digital learning tools.
  2. Do I have strong professional or academic experience to showcase?
    No-GMAT MBA programs expect candidates to demonstrate capability through other means. Professional experience (typically 3-5 years), a strong undergraduate GPA, or relevant certifications can effectively replace test scores. These programs value real-world experience and academic achievement as indicators of potential success.

    Recent graduates with limited experience may need to gain more work experience first. If you lack experience, you may want to validate your knowledge by actually taking the GMAT. To explore this route, tap into OMD’s guide to mastering the new GMAT.
  3. Do my goals align with this option?
    Start by clearly defining your MBA goals. Whether seeking a promotion, career change, or enhanced business knowledge, your objectives will guide program selection. For example, transitioning from engineering to business leadership requires specific skills an MBA can provide. Having concrete goals helps maintain motivation and ensures the no-GMAT online format aligns with your desired outcomes.
  4. Am I prepared to balance work, life, and study during the MBA?
    An online MBA requires 15-20 hours of weekly study alongside other commitments. While most students maintain full-time jobs during their program, success demands strong time management and support from family and employers. Consider whether you can consistently dedicate evening and weekend hours to coursework while managing existing responsibilities.
  5. Is the investment worth it for me?
    Consider both financial and career returns on your MBA investment. Evaluate program costs against potential benefits like salary increases, career advancement, and expanded professional networks. While studying online lets you keep working, carefully assess if the degree will deliver value in your field. Factor in funding options like employer assistance or scholarships when calculating ROI.

Best Online MBA Programs with No GMAT: Rankings

Pursuing an MBA while maintaining career momentum has never been more accessible. Through extensive analysis of Department of Education data and information from over 7,700 institutions, we’ve identified programs that prioritize real-world experience over standardized testing. Each ranked program was evaluated on affordability, academic resources, faculty credentials, and career advancement opportunities, so find one that best suits your needs today.

About the ranking
1
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

Davenport University offers an MBA program with nine different specializations: cybersecurity management; data mining and visualization; finance; health care management; human resource management; leadership strategies; managerial accounting; marketing; and predictive analytics and data visualization. This MBA program requires 30 credit hours to graduate. However, students with a specific concentration need to complete an additional nine credit hours. Students can also enroll either full-time or part-time and choose between online or in-person courses, with campuses in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Midland, and Traverse City. The program ends with a capstone project in the final semester.

Program Highlights:

Master of Business Administration

  • Credits: 30 or 39
  • Length: Two years
  • Mode: Fully online, hybrid
  • Accreditation: IACBE

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
2
Scranton, Pennsylvania
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

Students pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree at the University of Scranton have eight degree specializations to choose from, including accounting, operations management, and international business. Online courses are small, and they're offered in an asynchronous format that allows students to create their own schedules. Students can connect with professors and classmates through online discussions, instant messaging, video chats, and more. Online students also have 24/7 access to technical support, simulations, and networking capabilities to sharpen their interview skills and connect them directly with job recruiters. There is no application fee, and tuition costs $965 per credit.

Program Highlights:

Online Master of Business Administration

  • Credits: 36 to 48
  • Length: Two to three years
  • Mode: Fully online
  • Accreditation: AACSB

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation MSCHE
3
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

Master of Business Administration (MBA) students enrolled at Cornerstone University can choose from three specializations: project management, finance, and healthcare. Students are not required to submit GRE or GMAT scores to be admitted to the MBA degree program. Courses are taught from a Christian worldview and include the core business disciplines of economics, accounting, marketing, and entrepreneurship. Students also learn to resolve issues related to business administration. In addition, they have access to on-campus business leadership events and financial resources, including the school's Groundwork Financial Center, which provides tools to help students make sound financial decisions, save money, manage debt, and invest.

Program Highlights:

Master of Business Administration

  • Credits: 38
  • Length: Two years
  • Mode: On campus, fully online
  • Accreditation:ACBSP

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
4
Rocky Mount, North Carolina
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
5
Columbia, South Carolina
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
6
Defiance, Ohio
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
7
West Liberty, West Virginia
Type:
Public
Cost:
$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
8
Framingham, Massachusetts
Type:
Public
Cost:
$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation NECHE
9
Mobile, Alabama
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
10
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
11
Wilmore, Kentucky
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
12
Type:
Public
Cost:
$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
13
Madison, South Dakota
Type:
Public
Cost:
$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
14
Anderson, Indiana
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
15
Itta Bena, Mississippi
Type:
Public
Cost:
$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
16
Joliet, Illinois
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
17
Newton, Massachusetts
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation NECHE
18
Florence, Alabama
Type:
Public
Cost:
$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
19
Type:
Public
Cost:
$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
20
Brookfield, Wisconsin
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
21
Metairie, Louisiana
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
22
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
23
Bristol, Tennessee
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
24
Beverly, Massachusetts
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation NECHE
25
Henderson, Tennessee
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
26
Saint Louis, Missouri
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
27
Saint Bonaventure, New York
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation MSCHE
28
Saint Charles, Missouri
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
29
Kennesaw, Georgia
Type:
Public
Cost:
$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
30
Baldwin City, Kansas
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
31
Mount Olive, North Carolina
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
32
North Canton, Ohio
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
33
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
34
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation WSCUC
35
Crestview Hills, Kentucky
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
36
Flint, Michigan
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
37
Saint Louis, Missouri
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
38
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
39
Type:
Public
Cost:
$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation WSCUC
40
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Type:
Public
Cost:
$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
41
Greensburg, Pennsylvania
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation MSCHE
42
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
Back to top