Most Affordable No-GMAT Online MBA Degree Programs

Are you considering pursuing an online MBA degree, but the thought of taking the GMAT exam is holding you back? Don’t worry, because there are exceptional online MBA programs available that do not require the GMAT for admission.

These programs offer a flexible and convenient way to earn your MBA while bypassing the GMAT exam.

Obtaining an MBA degree has long been regarded as a valuable asset in the corporate landscape. It equips individuals with a broad range of business knowledge, leadership skills, and a strong professional network.

However, many prospective students find the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) to be a challenging and time-consuming hurdle to overcome. Fortunately, several esteemed universities have recognized this barrier and developed online MBA programs that do not require the GMAT.

These programs provide a more accessible pathway for aspiring business professionals to achieve their educational goals.

In this article, we will delve into the top no-GMAT online MBA degree programs, examining their unique features, program structures, and admission requirements.

Whether you are a working professional seeking career advancement or an aspiring entrepreneur aiming to sharpen your business acumen, these programs offer a convenient and flexible way to earn your MBA degree without the stress of the GMAT exam.

What Is the GMAT?

Students take this timed, multiple-choice test online. Test-takers receive three hours and seven minutes to complete one 62-minute section, two 30-minute sections, and one 65-minute section. The test determines a baseline of an individual’s analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills.

Some schools set rigorous standards for GMAT scores, such as a minimum requirement of 740 or above. Fortunately, you can still find many quality programs that don’t require you to take the test.

2023’s Most Affordable Online MBA Programs with No GMAT Requirement

When it comes to selecting the best no-GMAT online MBA degree programs, several factors come into play. We have researched and compiled a list of the top programs based on their reputation, curriculum quality, faculty expertise, student satisfaction, and career outcomes.

Below are the best no-GMAT online MBA degree programs that stand out in terms of excellence and affordability.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

•  Chapel Hill, NC
• 4 years
• Online + Campus

Opening its doors to students in 1795, UNC Chapel Hill is the nation’s oldest public university. The Chapel Hill campus is considered a “Public Ivy” due to its high-quality academic programs and prestigious reputation.

UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School Online MBA

The UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School‘s online MBA program offers students a well-rounded business education. The program offers six concentrations: data analytics and decision-making, entrepreneurship, finance, management and leadership, marketing, and strategy and consulting. Nearly half of the degree’s curriculum consists of electives, so learners can customize the program to fit their career interests.

UNC Chapel Hill’s MBA is primarily online. Learners complete self-paced coursework with collaborative learning opportunities. However, two in-person summits are required. The cost of these summits is included in tuition. 

UNC Kenan-Flagler provides ongoing networking opportunities for enrollees and alumni. Graduates can also receive coaching from the program’s career and leadership team.

UNC Chapel Hill’s Specializations

Data Analytics and Decision-Making | Entrepreneurship | Finance | Management and Leadership | Marketing | Strategy and Consulting

UNC Chapel Hill’s Affordability

For the July 2022 to June 2023 academic year, the online MBA program at UNC Chapel Hill charged $125,589.06 for full program tuition. The school offers fellowships. The program also participates in the Forté Fellowship Program for women attending business school. 

This program is designed to accommodate working professionals’ schedules, allowing learners to continue their full-time employment while attending the program. The university reports students receive an average salary increase of 24% after graduation, signaling that the degree can offer a return on investment.

Program at a Glance 

• School Type: Public
• Accreditation: SACSCOC; AACSB
• Tuition: $125,589.06/program
• Required Credits: 62 credits
• Program Length: 18-36 months
• Delivery Format: Hybrid
• Admissions
  • Process: Applicants need a bachelor’s degree and at least two years of professional experience. To apply, prospective students submit an online application, transcripts, two recommendations, 2-3 essays, and test scores if applicable. The program interviews applicants to help determine admission.
  • Standardized Tests: GMAT or GRE required for applicants with fewer than five years of professional experience
  • Cost: $150

University of Florida

•  Gainesville, FL
• 4 years
• Online + Campus

Located in Gainesville, Florida, UF employs over 5,700 faculty members who serve the school’s more than 53,000 students — one of the largest student bodies in the country.

UF Warrington College of Business Online MBA

The UF Warrington College of Business offers two online MBA programs: The one-year MBA is designed for students with an undergraduate degree in business. The two-year program is open to learners with degrees in all academic areas.

The same faculty who teach the school’s in-person MBA classes also lead online MBA courses. Class sizes are capped at 65 students, which helps create opportunities for enrollees to interact individually with instructors.

The degree also requires an experiential learning component, which learners can complete online or in person. Students can also travel internationally in a global immersion experience, where they learn to adapt to the culture and business environment of a different country.

UF’s Affordability

The tuition for the one-year online MBA from UF is $48,000, while tuition for the two-year program costs $58,000. Financial aid is available to students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Program at a Glance

• School Type: Public
• Accreditation: SACSCOC; AACSB
• Tuition: $48,000/program (1-year program); $58,000/program (2-year program)
• Required Credits: 32 credits (1-year program), 48 credits (2-year program)
• Program Length: 16-24 months
• Delivery Format: Online with some in-person requirements
• Admissions
  • Process: To apply, prospective students complete the UF MBA pre-application form and the UF graduate school application. They also submit essays, two letters of recommendation, and official transcripts. The program interviews applicants to help determine admission.
  • Minimum GPA: The program does not require a minimum GPA. However, the school reports a 3.3 average GPA for students admitted to the one-year MBA.
  • Standardized Tests: GRE or GMAT (optional)
  • Cost: $30

William & Mary

•  Williamsburg, VA
• 4 years
• Online + Campus

Founded in 1693, W&M is one of the oldest higher education institutions in the U.S. The university offers degrees in an array of subjects, including law, business, and education. The university is located in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Raymond A. Mason School of Business Online MBA program

W&M’s online MBA consists of twelve courses. The degree curriculum explores topics such as finance, marketing, organizational behavior, and leadership. Students can also take an additional five courses to add a certification in business analytics foundations. Learners can complete the program in two years.

The online MBA requires one in-person residency weekend. The residency includes presentations from speakers, workshops, networking opportunities, and team-building activities.

Each course takes 7.5 weeks to complete. The program offers three different start dates each year.

W&M’s Affordability

Tuition is $1,365 per credit. The required one-credit residency costs an additional $600. Online MBA enrollees are eligible for loans and federal financial aid through FAFSA. The program also maintains a scholarship designated for military enrollees.

Program at a Glance

• School Type: Public
• Accreditation: SACSCOC; AACSB
• Tuition: $1,365/credit
• Required Credits: 49 credits
• Program Length: 24 months
• Delivery Format: Online with some in-person requirements
• Admissions
  • Process: W&M’s online application requires two personal essays, two recommendation letters, and a resume demonstrating at least two years of work experience. Prospective students submit official transcripts and pay the application fee. The program interviews applicants to help determine admission.
  • Minimum GPA: The program does not require a minimum GPA. However, the school reports a 3.2 average GPA for admitted students.
  • Standardized Tests: GRE or GMAT (optional)
  • Cost: $100

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

•  Champaign, IL
• 4 years
• Online + Campus

UIUC is a public research university located in Champaign, Illinois. The university offers almost 5,000 courses across 150 subjects. UIUC is also home to several prominent research centers.

UIUC Gies College of Business iMBA

The UIUC Gies College of Business iMBA program is offered fully online. Students learn from faculty who bring business perspectives to the classroom and maintain dedicated online office hours.

Enrollees in the iMBA tailor the degree to their career interests through specializations, electives, and capstones. The program curriculum also includes a host of core business courses.

Live synchronous classes are held each week at multiple times to accommodate students across work schedules and time zones. Students also complete asynchronous learning activities like peer review assignments, video content, and quizzes.

UIUC’s Specializations

Digital Marketing | Entrepreneurship and Strategic Innovation | Global Challenges in Business | Business Analytics | Mergers and Acquisitions

UIUC’s Affordability

Tuition is $320 per credit. The Gies College of Business offers a limited number of need-based scholarships to online students, which cover 70% of tuition. Application fees are currently waived.

Program at a Glance 

• School Type: Public
• Accreditation: HLC; AACSB
• Tuition: $320/credit
• Required Credits: 72 credits
• Program Length: 2-3 years
• Delivery Format: 100% online (synchronous and asynchronous)
• Admissions
  • Process: Prospective students fill out an online application, which requires academic records, a personal statement, two letters of reference, and a resume that shows at least three years of professional work experience.
  • Minimum GPA: 3.0 GPA (recommended)
  • Standardized Tests: GRE or GMAT (optional)
  • Cost: None

FAQs about No-GMAT Online MBA Degree Programs

1. Are online MBA programs that do not require the GMAT less prestigious than those that do?

Not necessarily. The absence of GMAT requirement does not diminish the quality or prestige of an online MBA program. Many reputable universities have recognized that the GMAT is not always the best predictor of success in business and have designed rigorous alternative admission processes to assess candidates holistically.

2. Will not taking the GMAT affect my chances of getting a job after completing an online MBA program?

Not at all. Employers place greater emphasis on the skills, knowledge, and experience gained during an MBA program rather than the GMAT score. Online MBA programs that do not require the GMAT often focus on cultivating practical skills and providing networking opportunities, which are highly valued by employers.

3. Are there any prerequisites for applying to a no-GMAT online MBA program?

While the GMAT requirement is waived, most no-GMAT online MBA programs have specific prerequisites such as a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a minimum GPA requirement, and a certain level of professional work experience. It is important to review the admission requirements of each program before applying.

4. How do online MBA programs maintain academic rigor without the GMAT requirement?

No-GMAT online MBA programs uphold academic rigor through various means, such as comprehensive application reviews, evaluating candidates based on their work experience, essays, recommendation letters, and interviews. These alternative assessment methods provide a more holistic evaluation of a candidate’s potential for success in the program.

5. Can I pursue a specialization or concentration within a no-GMAT online MBA program?

Yes, many online MBA programs that do not require the GMAT offer a range of concentrations or specializations to allow students to tailor their degree to their specific career goals. These concentrations often include areas such as finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, healthcare management, and more.

6. How long does it typically take to complete a no-GMAT online MBA program?

The duration of an online MBA program varies depending on factors such as program structure, course load, and individual pacing. On average, most online MBA programs can be completed within two to three years. However, some programs offer accelerated options that allow students to finish in as little as one year.

Conclusion

Pursuing an MBA degree without the GMAT requirement has become a viable and accessible option for aspiring business professionals. The best no-GMAT online MBA degree programs provide a robust curriculum, exceptional faculty, networking opportunities, and a flexible learning environment.

Whether you are aiming for career advancement, entrepreneurship, or a career change, these programs offer the knowledge, skills, and credentials to excel in the competitive business world.

By exploring the top programs mentioned in this article and considering your individual goals and circumstances, you can make an informed decision and embark on an enriching educational journey towards a successful career in business.