Top 10 Online MBA Programs Without GMAT

Online MBA programs have exploded in popularity, particularly among those who do not have the time to decamp to campus for up to two years to get a full-time degree. 

Unfortunately, many Online MBAs still require GMAT scores, which help admission committees determine academic readiness for the rigorous course. For Online MBA applicants, many of whom are under pressure because they work full-time, this can be a problem. 

But if prepping for dozens of hours to complete the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), is not an option for you, there remain plenty of business schools that will accept you without a score — provided you meet the other admission requirements. 

And many of the schools that do require the GMAT, or rival exam the GRE are oftentimes prepared to waive it for outstanding candidates. 

What’s more, many of them are actually highly-regarded programs, ranked highly by prestigious publications such as US News and World Report. 

So you can be assured that the quality of the cohort is not affected by the lack of GMAT scores. After all, the mantra of the MBA is that students learn as much from their fellow participants as they do from the faculty. 

We’ve compiled a list of the top schools for prospective Online MBA students which do not require the GMAT (or GRE).  

Boston, Massachusetts 27 Followers 31 Discussions
Northeastern - D'Amore-McKim

For those with plenty of work experience, but who do not want to study for the GMAT, the D’Amore-McKim School of Business is a good choice. The school waives the test for such candidates. According to the FT, the school’s Online MBA is the eight best in the US. The course is also ultra-flexible: students can customize the modules and earn while they learn over two years.  

View School Profile
Washington, District of Columbia 37 Followers 64 Discussions

This business school was rated as having the 15th best Online MBA in the world by QS, the 29th best in America by US News and World Report, and sixth in the US by the Princeton Review. And it’s willing to waive the GMAT for entry to the esteemed course. 

View School Profile
Babson Park, Massachusetts 28 Followers 76 Discussions
Babson - Olin

Babson College’s Blended Learning MBA — taught both online and in-person — is ranked sixth globally by the FT.  Career outcomes are strong, with Babson graduates earning $167,386 three years after graduation, a 26 percent bump on their pre-MBA pay. There is more good news: GMAT and GRE scores are not required for admission. 

View School Profile
Sydney, Australia 39 Followers 91 Discussions
AGSM @ UNSW

Australia’s AGSM runs a highly-regarded MBAX program that is delivered online. The course’s entry requirements include a strong undergraduate degree, work experience but no GMAT or GRE. The school’s MBA is renowned for its specalizations: in change, finance, social impact or technology. 

View School Profile
Champaign, Illinois 35 Followers 80 Discussions
Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Not only are prospective Online MBA candidates not required to submit a GMAT or GRE score to get into this business school, but tuition is a steal, at only $22,000. The College of Business at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers an “iMBA” in partnership with online education provider Coursera, which among others pioneered Moocs (massive, open, online courses). 

View School Profile
Lincoln, Nebraska 4 Followers 1 Discussion

In addition to being AACSB-accredited, Online MBA students at the Lincoln College of Business have reported a $52,900 salary on graduation — a decent return on their $28,000 investment spent on tuition fees. Those who have doctorate-level qualifications do not need to complete a standardized test to be considered for admission to the prestigious program. 

View School Profile
Durham, United Kingdom 74 Followers 400 Discussions
Durham

Durham University Business School of the UK does not require the GMAT or GRE to apply to the Online MBA — only a minimum of three years’ relevant work experience and a first degree. The school’s digital degree is ranked fifth globally by the FT, with students enjoying salaries of more than $140,000 three years after graduation, which is 27 percent boost. 

View School Profile
Amherst, Massachusetts 12 Followers 24 Discussions

The Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst is one of the world’s best when it comes to Online MBAs. Its course was ranked third globally this year by the FT. And yet, fewer than one-third of its Online MBA students submit a GMAT or GRE score. The tests are waived, provided candidates have a master’s with a 3.5 GPA, plus more than five years’ work experience; or 10 years of postgraduate work experience with a 3.2 GPA. 

View School Profile
Bloomington, Indiana 41 Followers 82 Discussions
Indiana - Kelley

The Kelley School of Business at Indiana University will waive the GMAT if candidates have a “terminal degree”, such as a PhD from an accredited university. The Online MBA at the Kelley school itself is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, or AACSB, regarded by some as the gold standard of business school accreditation. That ensures quality standards are met, so you can rest assured that the value of the education is very high indeed. 

View School Profile
Coventry, United Kingdom 100 Followers 583 Discussions
Warwick

Warwick Business School, in the UK, is ranked as the best Online MBA globally by the Financial Times, one of the most respected rankings providers. The Warwick MBA by Distance Learning is well-regarded for career progress, with its alumni, after three years, enjoying a 34 percent salary increase, to a hefty $183,000. And Warwick does not require the GMAT or GRE for the course. Instead a first degree, English proficiency and work experience are needed. 

View School Profile

Related MBA News

Aug 31, 2020

Otago Launches MBA in China

Aug 31, 2020

More MBA News

Related Articles

MBA Application: What is a Good GMAT Score?

May 14, 2018

A high GMAT score can make or break your chances of admission to a top MBA program, so what score should you aim for?

MBA Applications: How Important is the GMAT?

Mar 15, 2018

Although the GMAT is just one component of an MBA application, it seems like it plays an outsized role. Just how important is the GMAT?

More Articles

More Top 10 Lists

More Top 10 Lists

Related Discussions

Best MBA Programs in Europe without GMAT/GRE
Dec 06, 2020  644  Duncan
Basic MBA questions
Sep 09, 2020  746  Duncan
Which Distance Learning MBA to choose and why?
Apr 02, 2020  2,034  Duncan
MBA admssion without GMAT
Nov 04, 2019  653  Razors Edg...
Online MBA at Manchester Metropolitan University
Aug 23, 2019  856  Larry
EGADE Online MBA
Aug 09, 2019  527  sert1090
Durham or bradford online mba
Jan 28, 2019  2,561  Bincheng J...

Go to FIND MBA Discussion Board

Advanced MBA Program Search
KEYWORDS (optional)
COUNTRY / REGION
SPECIALIZATION
LANGUAGE
PROGRAM TYPE
INTAKE
SHOW ONLY
AVERAGE GMAT
AVERAGE WORK EXPERIENCE
TUITION
DURATION