Cheapest Online MBAs (No GMAT Required) of 2025

Don’t want to take the GMAT? You’re not alone. And like many others who want to skip the GMAT, you may also be interested in pursuing an MBA degree.

With this in mind, a growing number of online MBA programs are dropping GMAT test requirements.

Enrolling in an online MBA program that doesn’t require GMAT scores can be a comparatively affordable and flexible way to improve your career prospects. In fact, some MBA students have received raises before they even graduate.

We compiled a list of online MBA programs that don’t require the GMAT to help you find a flexible program.

Tuition is one of the main factors to consider when choosing an MBA program. Dr. Angélica S. Gutiérrez, an associate professor of management at Loyola Marymount University, says the cost of an MBA generally differs on whether an institution is private or public, as well as its ranking.

Beyond cost, consider a program’s curriculum and accreditation.

It’s also a good idea to consider concentration options. Some programs offer specializations such as accounting or finance, while others offer a more general business overview.

MBA programs have some of the most variable price tags in higher education. However, online programs are typically less expensive than in-person ones. According to National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) data, they have a price difference of around $11,000 per year.

However, a school’s reputation can significantly impact the cost of an MBA program. An online MBA program from a top business school can cost upward of six figures. For example, tuition for a one-year online MBA program at the Northwestern Kellogg School of Management is $115,936.

Still, the availability of online MBAs has skyrocketed in recent years to the point of being oversaturated. This has led some schools (some on our list) to offer cheaper programs to attract students. The University of Illinois’ iMBA program, for example, charges $26,136 in total tuition: $363 per credit hour for 72 credits.

The simple answer for how long it takes to get an MBA is: it depends.

Full-time, in-person MBA programs usually take around two years to complete. However, many online programs focus on flexibility, which means that often won’t be the case.

If you’re a working professional, you can expect to take more than two years to finish your degree.

Still, online programs sometimes follow an asynchronous format, allowing students to set their own schedule. You can take on a higher course load to finish your degree faster or take your time and complete your degree over the course of several years.

Keep in mind that some MBA programs also offer an accelerated format, meaning you can graduate in as little as a year.

The schools on our list don’t require the GMAT or GRE, but that doesn’t mean they don’t recommend it. In fact, test-optional schools sometimes encourage applicants to take the test to improve their application.

In the absence of lengthy work experience or a high undergraduate GPA, submitting the GMAT may help your application stand out.

Here are some other requirements to be aware of:

Attending an accredited program is a good way to make sure your professors are qualified to teach applicable skills.

In addition to institutional accreditation, a number of business schools also hold programmatic accreditation that evaluates the overall quality of MBA programs. Accreditors generally look at factors such as faculty expertise and student employment rates after graduation.

Some of the accrediting organizations to look out for include:

An MBA has long been considered an excellent degree to improve your career prospects. Pair it with a solid work history, and it can help you move up the corporate ladder into a management position. And if you earn a specialized MBA, it can help you advance within niche roles.

You should also note that management occupations are projected to grow faster than the average rate across industries from 2023 to 2033, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Here’s a look at some common jobs you may qualify for with an MBA degree:

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

You’ll often see schools use the term concentration to describe specialized programs featuring courses that dive deeper into a specific skill set. These specialized programs typically highlight key skills and can help you acquire a particular expertise or pivot to a new industry.

Each school organizes concentrations differently, but they generally offer a focused set of courses. For example, MBA concentrations have long focused on core business skills like accounting and finance.

However, in recent years, a number of schools have rolled out concentrations in tech areas like AI, fintech, supply chain management, and cybersecurity. This reflects demand from students and employers alike as companies become more tech- and data-focused.

Earning an MBA degree can boost your earning potential, and an online program can allow you the ability to earn your degree without leaving the workforce. What’s more, graduates at some online MBA programs report earnings increases or promotions before they even finish earning their degrees.

However, an MBA degree on its own doesn’t guarantee you’ll earn a better income. If you want a higher salary, you’ll likely need to land a management position, and this often needs years of work experience in addition to your degree.

An MBA degree, along with significant work experience, can often be enough to break into management or land a raise. However, if you want to expand your knowledge even further, you can pursue more advanced degrees.

A number of schools offer doctoral degrees in business administration. This advanced degree is designed for experienced professionals who want to research real-world settings or become professors.

You can also consider short-term credentials, like mini MBAs or business skills certificates. These are good options to complement your resume at an affordable cost.