Best Online MBAs (No GMAT Required) of 2025

A growing number of online master of business administration (MBA) programs are dropping their GMAT requirements to streamline the admission process and attract experienced professionals.

But whether a program requires the GMAT or not shouldn’t be the only factor you consider when looking for an online MBA.

Our list goes beyond just a collection of GMAT-optional programs. We use federal data to determine the net price of a degree and weigh that against factors like graduation rates and postgraduate employment to make sure a degree is worth your investment.

According to our 2025 Online Education Trends Report:

Whether a school requires GMAT scores for admission or not shouldn’t be the only thing to look for when comparing MBA programs. These are some other key factors to keep in mind during your search:

Online MBA programs are generally more affordable than their in-person counterparts.

The latest data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) shows that the average annual cost for an online master’s in business and management is around $11,000 without financial aid — a traditional on-campus degree sits closer to $22,000.

However, MBAs can vary widely in cost, and online programs aren’t always more affordable.

For instance, the online MBA program at the University of North Carolina (UNC) Kenan-Flagler Business School has a total cost of more than $125,000 despite UNC being a public university. That’s largely because Kenan-Flagler has a strong national reputation, and prestigious branding typically comes with a higher price tag.

Because MBA costs vary greatly, make sure to review each program’s tuition, fees, and overall expenses. Schools typically offer cost calculators, which you can use to estimate your overall expenses based on your income information. You can also directly contact the schools’ admissions offices to ask questions or get assistance.

Additionally, research financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and federal student loans. While MBA students typically don’t qualify for Pell Grants, you should still fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for other forms of financial aid.

MBA programs, whether online or in-person, typically require 36 credits to complete. But the time it may take you to graduate can vary significantly depending on whether you’re enrolled full time, part time, or in an accelerated program.

For instance, full-time MBA students usually graduate in two years, while part-time students can take upwards of three years.

Programmatic accreditation is granted to degree programs, such as MBAs, that meet educational standards set by industry-recognized accrediting organizations. It ensures that a program’s curriculum, faculty qualifications, and student outcomes meet established benchmarks.

With this in mind, checking an MBA program’s accreditation status is a good way to make sure you’ll get a solid education that’s likely to yield a strong return on investment (ROI) after graduation.

“Accreditation for an MBA program is important, especially in the eyes of employers, because it signals that the curriculum has undergone a rigorous evaluation by the accrediting agency and it has met quality standards,” said Angélica Gutiérrez, an associate professor at Loyola Marymount University.

When comparing MBA programs, look for these accreditors:

You won’t need to submit a GMAT score when applying to test-optional programs. However, you’ll usually need to include the following with your application:

Comparing these requirements between schools is key to helping ensure you’re fully prepared and maximizing your chances of acceptance.

Since MBA programs vary widely in specializations, course offerings, experiential learning opportunities, and teaching approaches, closely evaluating these differences helps ensure that your chosen program aligns with your career goals, interests, and preferred learning style.

MBA programs mostly focus on courses such as:

But the traditional MBA curriculum format is changing with the times.

For instance, many business schools are now incorporating AI into their curriculum in response to increasing employer demand. Additionally, many are offering concentrations in high-demand and niche areas like supply chain management.

The format of online MBAs is also evolving, with some MBA programs offering experiential learning opportunities — sometimes leveraging technologies like virtual reality. These experiences can include mock interviews, internships, and collaborative projects with real businesses.

Business schools often provide various student support services, such as career advising, academic tutoring, and networking opportunities.

For instance, the UNC Kenan-Flagler School of Business pairs students with personal “success advisors” who help students organize their schedules and decide which electives or concentrations to pursue.

Other programs emphasize strong peer support groups that help students network, especially in distance learning environments. The Indiana University Kelley School of Business has student leadership associations, which allow students to network within their specific areas of interest.

When choosing an MBA program, carefully comparing student support services can improve your academic experience.

MBA admissions are an uncertain process, and submitting your GMAT score can affect your acceptance odds even at a test-optional program.

The GMAT is an admissions test that’s used by thousands of business schools to benchmark applicant’s skills in analytical reasoning, problem-solving, and data analysis. For this reason, schools often recommend submitting your GMAT score even if it isn’t required, especially if you have a high score that can help you stand out from other candidates.

“Submit a score if it is strong and required,” Gutiérrez said. “But if it is optional and [your scores are] not very strong, then it may be best not to submit and ensure that other parts of the application are solid.”

School officials have previously told BestColleges that other elements of an application, like personal essays and professional references, take on more importance when test scores aren’t submitted.

This means if you’re applying without a GMAT score, it’s even more important to make sure your essays clearly tell your story and your references highlight your professional strengths.

Here’s a brief overview of what you can do to bolster your application if you’re not submitting a GMAT score: