With critics citing its weaknesses as a predictor of academic success and denouncing the obstacles it creates for underprivileged students, the graduate records examination (GRE) requirement has been dropped from many online master of public administration (MPA) programs. This means earning your MPA is now easier than ever before. But first, you need to find and select the best program for your goals, timeline, and budget.
This guide will get you started on your search for a quality online MPA program that doesn’t force you to take the GRE. We’ve listed 50 of this year’s best programs below so you can find the one that best meets your needs. You’ll also learn about the admissions process and requirements for no-GRE online MPA programs and get answers to key questions you likely have.
2024’s Top 50 Online MPA Programs: No GRE Required
With so many online MPA programs with no GRE requirement now available, where do you start your search for a quality, affordable program that also works with your schedule? Our school ranking below can help. After analyzing hundreds of schools, we identified this year’s 50 best programs based on data provided by the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). We used key criteria like accreditation, student-to-teacher ratio, overall affordability, and available student support to evaluate each school and come up with our final list.
Read on to learn more about what these programs offer and click on the “About the Ranking” button below for more details on our methodology.
The online MPA program at Regent University allows students to specialize in their studies by providing multiple, unique concentrations. Students focus on emergency management and homeland security, general public administration, nonprofit and faith-based organizations, or public leadership and management. These specializations ensure that students graduate with the relevant skills for their career and that students have access to relevant field learning experiences throughout the program. Regardless of emphasis, coursework at Regent is designed to develop students’ analytical skills, leadership, and understanding of constitutional government. Regent is a faith-based institution; Christian beliefs and values inform the program’s curriculum.
Program Highlights:
Master of Public Administration
- Credits: 36
- Length: Two to four years
- Mode: Fully online, in-person
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
The MPA program The University of Illinois, Springfield (UIS) prepares students for a diverse range of careers after graduation. UIS offers specializations in leadership and management, analytical tools, financial management, and social equity. Students in the program can expect to develop a solid foundation in the background knowledge and practical skills required of public administrators. To this end, coursework at UIA is built around research informed, practice-based assignments. Notably, UIS has a robust financial aid program to increase access for students. MPA students benefit specifically from several public service and legislative internships that offer a small stipend and tuition waiver.
Program Highlights:
Public Administration MPA
- Credits: 36
- Length: 16-24 Months
- Mode: Online, partially online, in-person
- Accreditation: NASPAA
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
Southern Utah University’s public administration master’s degree program is based on the core values of leading through change, modeling ethical behaviors, engaging the community, and improving decision making through data. The curriculum is designed to create strong leaders who understand the most effective strategies for public service, as well as how to work in an ethical manner. Specific classes cover administrative law, public administration research methods, public human resources management, and public sector economics. Students can concentrate their studies on higher education, criminal justice, or state and local government. In addition to classroom learning, students receive hands-on experience through internships at a government agency or nonprofit organization.
Program Highlights:
Master of Public Administration
- Credits: 36
- Length: Two years
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: NASPAA
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NWCCU |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | WSCUC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | WSCUC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | WSCUC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | WSCUC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NECHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NWCCU |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NECHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NWCCU |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
How to Make Your Application Standout
Most schools with online no-GRE MPAs use similar admissions criteria. The criteria are essentially the same as those for programs not requiring the GRE, but they place considerably more emphasis on these items without the GRE to use as an indication of readiness. You’ll want to spend sufficient time on each of these elements to make sure you submit a compelling package that reflects your abilities and potential. Our admissions resource offers further guidance on the process.
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Essay or Personal Statement
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References or Letters of Recommendation
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Grade Point Average (GPA)
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Relevant Work (or Volunteer) Experience
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Interview
A key component for any application, the admissions essay or personal statement is even more important without the GRE. It helps admissions officials get a sense of who you are and gauge your potential for success. Because your MPA readies you for a career in public service, this is a great opportunity to highlight your goals and interests. These written pieces are your chance to speak in your own voice and advocate for yourself, so be sure to follow a solid writing process.
The exact number of references or letters varies, but most online no-GRE MPA programs require at least two or three. Letters of recommendation should come from previous teachers, employers, or supervisors who can speak to your abilities and discuss your fit within the program and the public administration field more broadly. Choose your references wisely and be sure to reach out to them well in advance of the deadline to discuss your application.
Admissions officers consider your materials holistically, so it is unlikely that your GPA will make or break you by itself. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that without GRE scores your GPA remains the only way to objectively quantify your academic aptitude against other applicants. Work to develop a strong GPA, especially early in your college career. Some schools, like Tseng College, may specify GPA minimums, so pay close attention to the admissions criteria.
This component is sometimes optional but is especially helpful for hands-on fields like public administration. Showing your record of prior experience demonstrates your familiarity with the field and your commitment to the work it involves. Applicability is key. Listing work or volunteer experience that doesn’t relate to public administration likely won’t help you. In some cases, relevant work experience could fast-track your timeline.
Interview requirements fluctuate widely. Some require a phone or video interview of all candidates. Others only ask for an interview once you’ve advanced several stages in the process. Some forgo interviews altogether. If an interview is involved, be prepared to professionally and persuasively speak to your goals and standing as an applicant. Consider the interview as an opportunity to expand on the points you made in your admissions essay in more detail.
FAQ: Commonly Asked Questions Regarding Online MPA
Are there NASPAA-accredited online MPA programs that don’t require the GRE?
Quite a few, actually. Schools like Kent State and Tennessee State hold accreditation from the NASPAA and do not require the GRE for admission. NASPAA accreditation is not always necessary, but it can give your degree extra backing and make you a more hirable candidate in the eyes of certain employers. Most schools advertise their accreditation status, but NASPAA also maintains an active roster you can use to cross-check.
How much do no-GRE online MPA programs cost?
Tuition rates fluctuate year to year and can vary from one school to another. The schools profiled above, for example, cost between $450 and $1,650 per credit hour. Factors affecting the cost include your enrollment status (i.e., part-time or full-time) and your place of residence (i.e., whether you live in the same state as the school you plan to attend). See our financial aid guide for more information on scholarships and other ways to cut costs.
How long does it take to finish a no-GRE MPA program?
Quite a few online no-GRE MPA programs are designed with working professionals in mind, which means they build in space for part-time enrollment and some self-pacing. Even with these provisions, you should still be able to graduate within two or three years in most cases. The University of North Georgia, Norwich University, and the University of Central Florida all offer MPAs fitting within this timeframe.
If an online MPA program does need GRE scores, can I get the requirement waived?
Some schools offer a way for students to satisfy additional criteria and obtain a GRE waiver. At places like Clemson, the University of North Dakota, and Florida International, for example, that means you must possess some relevant professional experience or hold some transferable credits at the graduate level. Some schools also waive the GRE if you meet specific GPA requirements (e.g., typically 3.2 or above). Others handle waivers on a case-by-case basis.
Is it worth submitting my GRE scores even if an online MPA program doesn’t require them?
Only if the scores help you stand out. Submitting low GRE scores when they aren’t required could have a negative impact. You don’t want to give admissions officials any reason to reject your application. However, if you’ve already taken the GRE and did well, your scores could be worth sending. Programs like those at Old Dominion and Northeastern note that while the GRE is not required, evidence of academic success is, so a competitive GRE score won’t hurt in these situations.