So, you want to earn your MBA online without standardized tests being a part of the admissions process. It’s true that online MBA admissions are generally not as competitive as admissions for traditional full-time MBA programs. So, there are certainly options out there for earning an online MBA without GMAT scores. However, you shouldn’t assume that you can automatically abandon the GMAT just because you’re targeting online business schools.
In this article, we’ll explore what your options are if you’re looking for an accredited online MBA programs without GMAT requirements. We’ll discuss the best online MBA programs that don’t require GMAT scores, online MBA GMAT waivers, and much more.
Here are all the topics we’ll cover:
- Is It Hard to Find Online MBA Programs With No GMAT Requirements?
- Can I Get a GMAT Waiver for Online MBA Programs?
- Do Top-Ranked Online MBA Programs Require the GMAT?
- Finding an Affordable Online MBA Without GMAT Requirements
- Key Takeaways
- What’s Next?
If you’re aiming for an online MBA, no GMAT required, this is the article for you!
Let’s start by considering whether pursuing an online MBA degree without taking the GMAT is feasible for most students.
Is It Hard to Find Online MBA Programs With No GMAT Requirements?
I have really good news for you if you’re hoping to submit online MBA applications with no GMAT scores. Overall, online MBA programs tend to be far more relaxed with their test requirements than traditional MBA programs. So, whether you’re looking for full-time or part-time online MBA programs, a fast-track online MBA or an online executive MBA, no GMAT required, you’ll have numerous options.
Now, there are plenty of lists out there on the interweb that will tell you which online MBA programs don’t require test scores. In fact, we’ll discuss some reputable ones in this article. But first, I want to caution you against making plans based solely on those lists. Online MBA application requirements can change at any time, just as application requirements for any degree can. However, third-party lists are compiled only once every year or so.
So, treat online MBA rankings and similar lists as a good starting point for researching your options. After your initial research, you must always follow up with a visit to the specific program website of each program you’re interested in. Those websites are where you’ll find the most up-to-date, accurate information about a program’s GMAT requirements and other admissions policies.
TTP PRO TIP:
Rankings and other third-party lists are a useful starting point in your search for online MBA programs without GMAT requirements, but they may not always be up-to-date.
Although an online MBA without GMAT requirements is relatively easy to find, there are still programs that require test scores. So, let’s explore whether you can get a GMAT waiver for online MBA programs that do have test requirements.
Can I Get a GMAT Waiver for Online MBA Programs?
There are many online MBA programs with GMAT exemptions if you meet certain criteria. These criteria can vary pretty widely from school to school. So again, it’s essential that you check individual program websites to get up-to-date policy information.
The good news is that, just as test requirements tend to be more relaxed for online programs, so too are waiver policies. You may or may not know that traditional MBA programs typically have very strict guidelines around GMAT waiver eligibility. Generally speaking, receiving a waiver is a rare exception.
For an online MBA, GMAT waiver eligibility is typically much broader. For example, you may meet the requirements to apply for an online MBA with work experience instead of GMAT scores. This is the case for Syracuse University’s online MBA program, for which you need only 2 years of full-time work experience to opt out of submitting test scores.
It’s also common for online MBA programs to stipulate a certain minimum GPA to waive the test requirement. Or, you may need to show on your application that you have completed certain coursework.
In the case of the Michigan Ross online MBA program, applicants have the option of taking a free Quantitative Readiness Course instead of submitting test scores. Additionally, Ross grants test waivers on a case-by-case basis to applicants who demonstrate quantitative readiness through prior completion of graduate-level quantitative courses and/or certification.
So, even programs that technically require test scores often offer some option for a GMAT waiver for online MBAs.
KEY FACT:
GMAT waivers are generally more available for online MBA degrees than for traditional MBAs.
Now, you may be wondering, what about top online MBA programs? Surely they have stricter GMAT requirements, right? Let’s explore.
Do Top-Ranked Online MBA Programs Require the GMAT?
You may be surprised to learn that even many top-ranked online MBA programs do not have GMAT requirements. Additionally, programs that require test scores often make GMAT waivers available to applicants who qualify.
So, you can still aim for top online MBA programs even if you don’t have a GMAT score. Just be aware that some top programs may prefer that you submit a score from the GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment even if test scores are not required. In other words, just because you can apply to top online MBA programs without GMAT scores does not mean you should.
Just because you can apply to top online MBA programs without GMAT scores does not mean you should.
All that said, to give you a better idea of your options, let’s take a look at the GMAT requirements at some of the top-ranked online MBA programs.
The Best Online MBA Programs Without GMAT Requirements
If you want to earn an online MBA, “no GMAT” and “top-ranked” is, in many cases, not a choice you’ll have to make. For reference, the table below shows the programs that made the top 5 of either U.S. News’ or Fortune’s best online MBA rankings, along with those programs’ test requirements and waiver policies. As we know that many students are looking for an affordable online MBA without GMAT requirements—a subject we’ll explore further shortly—we’ve also included tuition cost in our breakdown.
Also, if you’re focused on top-ranked online MBA programs, Poets & Quants is another trusted source of information. We did not include their best online MBA rankings in this table, but you may want to check out those rankings here. The Financial Times also has online MBA rankings, which are worth checking out if you’re interested in international programs.
| Rankings (U.S. News/ Fortune) | School | Test Required? | Waiver Available? | Waiver Criteria | Total Tuition Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1/1 | Indiana University — Kelley | N | n/a | n/a | $88,320 |
| #1/6 | UNC Kenan-Flagler | Y | Y | 5 years full-time work | $125,589 |
| #3/4 | USC Marshall | N | n/a | n/a | $125,723 |
| #4/2 | University of Florida — Warrington | N | n/a | n/a | $49,205 (1-yr.)$59,807 (2-yr.) |
| #5/3 | Carnegie Mellon University — Tepper | Y | Y | application review | $146,916 |
| #5/7 | University of Washington — Foster | N | n/a | n/a | $93,000 |
| #9/5 | Rochester Institute of Technology — Saunders (EMBA only) | N | n/a | n/a | $78,000 |
Some notes about the information above:
- While Kelley does not require test scores, submitting them may be recommended to applicants during the interview process on a case-by-case basis.
- Even if you have fewer than 5 years of work experience, you can apply for a test waiver from Kenan-Flagler if you believe you qualify.
- Warrington offers a fast-track online MBA program called the “Online One-Year” program, which takes 16 months to complete, and an “Online Two-Year” program, which takes 24 months to complete. Tuition costs for each program are noted above.
- Tepper bases its GMAT waiver decisions on academic readiness as determined by a review of your online MBA application.
- Currently, Saunders’ only online MBA option is an executive MBA. Its traditional MBA is in-person only.
Now, before we wrap up, let’s discuss finding an affordable online MBA without GMAT requirements.
Finding an Affordable Online MBA Without GMAT Requirements
Even for online MBA degree programs, business school is often a significant investment. And as we saw in the table above, top online MBA programs in particular can be quite costly. However, even going further down the rankings, you’ll still find plenty of programs with relatively high tuition costs.
For example, the aforementioned Syracuse University program, which lands at #85 in U.S. News’ rankings and #56 in Fortune’s, will run you $101,088, on par with the cost of some top-ranked programs.
That said, you’ll find many more affordable options as you go down the rankings. And, just as many top online MBA programs don’t require the GMAT, many lower-ranked programs either don’t have GMAT requirements or offer GMAT waivers. One of the cheapest online MBA programs without GMAT requirements, the University of Southern Mississippi’s, lands at #142 in U.S. News’ rankings and #43 in Fortune’s and will run you just $17,131.
If you’re looking exclusively for affordable online MBA programs, this list compiled by Fortune is a good place to start. Just keep in mind that the “affordable” list is not the same as the “best” list, nor are all of the programs on the “affordable” list test-optional. So, carefully consider what your top priority is—cost, ranking, or test requirements—and realize that you may need to make a sacrifice in at least one of those areas.
Another point to consider is that scholarships could be key in making your online MBA affordable, and having a good GMAT score may make you more competitive for some scholarships. So again, opting out of the GMAT just because you can might not be the best strategy for you.
TTP PRO TIP:
You may need to sacrifice either cost, ranking, or test requirement when choosing an online MBA program.
Key Takeaways
Remember the following 5 key points when looking for online MBA programs without GMAT requirements:
- Online MBA programs tend to be far more relaxed with their test requirements than traditional MBA programs.
- GMAT waivers are generally more available for online MBA degrees than for traditional MBAs.
- Many top-ranked online MBA programs do not have GMAT requirements, and many that do also offer GMAT waivers.
- Online MBA rankings and other third-party lists are useful for preliminary research but should not be relied on for the most up-to-date info. Always check individual program websites.
- Carefully consider what your top priority is: cost, ranking, or test requirements. Realize that you may need to make a sacrifice in at least one area in pursuing an online MBA.
What’s Next?
This article explores traditional MBA programs without GMAT requirements.
Also, check out this guide to GMAT scores for top business schools.
