Best Online MBAs (No GMAT Required) of 2025
Online MBAs with no GMAT are becoming increasingly popular. This guide explores the features of top no-GMAT MBA programs and business schools.
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At BestColleges.com, we believe in providing accurate and actionable information for students. Our writers, editors, and reporters are constantly asking themselves the question, ”What information is vital to students right now?” Answering this question is what drives us. Our mission is to inform students through straightforward, factual content informed by the latest data and trends.
The freelance Integrity Network at BestColleges is comprised of seasoned professionals who bring their expertise to almost every subject relevant to college students, including admissions, college majors, financial aid, and student mental health. Network members review and author content, pulling from their first-hand industry experience and ensuring content is as accurate and up-to-date as possible.
If you're interested in joining our Integrity Network, contact us at media@bestcolleges.com. Integrity Network members typically have a graduate or terminal degree and several years of relevant professional experience.
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Online MBA programs with no GMAT requirements increasingly appeal to business students. In a post-pandemic economy marked by instability, uncertainty, and soaring consumer costs, saving money is a top priority. Aspiring MBA students can save hundreds of dollars by not taking the exam.
Savings also extend to time, which is in short supply for many working professionals. Most top-scoring test-takers spend more than 120 hours preparing for the GMAT. That represents about three full working weeks. Many MBA candidates simply do not have that kind of time to spare.
According to Franklin University, the number of online MBA programs in the United States doubled from 2014-2018. This highlights the growing popularity of earning an advanced business degree online.
This program guide focuses specifically on online MBAs with no GMAT requirement. Find highly regarded online MBA programs that don’t require test scores, and learn more about MBA program features.
Featured Online MBA Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Colleges With Online MBAs and No GMAT Requirement
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,749
$17,898
90%
72%
$4,452
$20,729
82%
26,785
Public
Yes
$4,749
$17,898
Greenville, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$4,749
$17,898
90%
72%
$4,452
$20,729
82%
26,785
Public
Yes
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK4 yearCampus + Online
$4,208
$15,836
71%
53%
$5,417
$20,937
84%
26,008
Public
Yes
$4,208
$15,836
Stillwater, OK4 yearCampus + Online
$4,208
$15,836
71%
53%
$5,417
$20,937
84%
26,008
Public
Yes
Creighton University
Omaha, NE4 yearCampus + Online
$17,496
$17,496
72%
37%
$43,684
$43,684
92%
8,255
Private
Yes
$17,496
$17,496
Omaha, NE4 yearCampus + Online
$17,496
$17,496
72%
37%
$43,684
$43,684
92%
8,255
Private
Yes
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA4 yearCampus + Online
$10,875
$29,822
85%
58%
$9,016
$30,979
89%
30,042
Public
Yes
$10,875
$29,822
Iowa City, IA4 yearCampus + Online
$10,875
$29,822
85%
58%
$9,016
$30,979
89%
30,042
Public
Yes
Dominican University
River Forest, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$19,900
$19,900
80%
73%
$35,850
$35,850
79%
3,424
Private
Yes
$19,900
$19,900
River Forest, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$19,900
$19,900
80%
73%
$35,850
$35,850
79%
3,424
Private
Yes
Louisiana Tech University
Ruston, LA4 yearCampus + Online
$5,416
$10,147
57%
27%
$7,190
$14,466
82%
11,612
Public
Yes
$5,416
$10,147
Ruston, LA4 yearCampus + Online
$5,416
$10,147
57%
27%
$7,190
$14,466
82%
11,612
Public
Yes
Shenandoah University
Winchester, VA4 yearCampus + Online
$22,680
$22,680
78%
37%
$33,790
$33,790
83%
4,343
Private
Yes
$22,680
$22,680
Winchester, VA4 yearCampus + Online
$22,680
$22,680
78%
37%
$33,790
$33,790
83%
4,343
Private
Yes
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Slippery Rock, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$9,288
$13,932
75%
47%
$7,716
$11,574
81%
8,362
Public
Yes
$9,288
$13,932
Slippery Rock, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$9,288
$13,932
75%
47%
$7,716
$11,574
81%
8,362
Public
Yes
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS4 yearCampus + Online
$9,398
$25,444
76%
45%
$9,248
$25,294
83%
22,657
Public
Yes
$9,398
$25,444
Mississippi State, MS4 yearCampus + Online
$9,398
$25,444
76%
45%
$9,248
$25,294
83%
22,657
Public
Yes
University of Illinois Springfield
Springfield, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$8,858
$16,408
84%
83%
$9,645
$19,410
81%
4,661
Public
Yes
$8,858
$16,408
Springfield, IL4 yearCampus + Online
$8,858
$16,408
84%
83%
$9,645
$19,410
81%
4,661
Public
Yes
Qualities of a Great Online MBA Program
High-quality online MBA programs share multiple critical features. These include:
Institutional Accreditation
You should only consider programs at schools accredited by organizations recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.Programmatic Accreditation
Unlike institutional accreditation, programmatic accreditation is optional. Some online MBAs hold specialized accreditation credentials that indicate elevated program quality or deep coverage of academic concentrations. Agencies like the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accredit MBA programs.Professor Credentialing
In quality MBA programs, accomplished and experienced professionals with advanced academic credentials teach courses. Reputable business schools often recruit faculty members with extensive and relevant experience.Resource Availability
Ideally, online MBA programs should support career development through networking and recruitment opportunities. Good programs also link students with academic advisors and faculty mentors, who can help guide them through the school-to-job pipeline.
When assessing your program options, evaluate these factors alongside other key considerations. These include school and program reputation, tuition and other costs, program length, and available specializations.
Should I Skip the GMAT?
Business schools increasingly offer online MBA programs with no GMAT requirement. However, this does not necessarily mean that you can or should skip taking the GMAT if you can afford to do so. Instead, weigh the pros and cons of bypassing the GMAT with a full understanding of how it could impact your MBA journey.
The GMAT assesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities you need to succeed as an MBA student, and in your future business career. However, the exam is not a definitive standalone indicator of whether you have what it takes to earn an MBA or succeed professionally.
By foregoing the GMAT, you will save:
- Hundreds of dollars in exam fees
- Hundreds or thousands of dollars in prep courses and study materials
- Dozens of hours of time that you would otherwise have spent studying and preparing
However, many top MBA programs continue to prefer or require that applicants submit GMAT scores. Also, some scholarships and internships may require GMAT scores. If you elect not to take the GMAT, you may not qualify for these opportunities. In test-optional situations, you could face a competitive disadvantage relative to candidates who did take the exam.
Common Questions About the Best Online MBAs With No GMAT Requirement
Yes. A growing number of reputable and prestigious business schools offer online MBAs with no GMAT requirement. Test-optional policies make MBAs more accessible and less expensive while helping students save hundreds of hours of test-prep time.
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