Getting an MBA is generally worth it, especially if you want to increase your earning potential. A National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) analysis showed that recent MBA graduates earn a median starting salary of more than $95,000 compared to just $63,000 for those with a bachelor's degree in business administration.

Best Online MBAs (No GMAT Required) of 2026

Our list features some of the best GMAT-optional MBA programs based on factors like affordability and student outcomes.

Edited by

Updated January 6, 2026

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2026

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.

In this Article

Top Online MBAs That Don’t Require the GMAT

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

How We Rank Schools

Florida International University — Most Affordable Online MBA Program

Miami, FL
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Why We Chose It: This program offers the lowest tuition rate of any included in our list.

FIU’s online MBA is the most affordable on our list, costing $42,000 for the entire program. This is roughly $51,000 less than the most expensive option, the University of Maryland.

FIU also offers a one-time scholarship for online MBA students — the Professional MBA Online Academic Affairs Scholarship — which awards $5,000 to eligible students who have completed 10 courses with at least a 3.0 GPA.

In addition to its low price point, FIU stands out for its academic variety, offering 11 specialization options — more than any other program on this list. These include fields such as business law, generative AI for business, leadership, real estate, and sports management.

The program is structured with flexibility in mind, making it well-suited for working professionals. Students can select from five start terms and complete the degree in 18, 21, or 33 months, depending on their course load.

What We Like About FIU

Through the Panther Den, an all-in-one student resources and services portal, you can find internship opportunities, access mental health and academic counseling, and more.
Online students get paired with a Success Coach, which helps them with course planning, adjustment to online learning, and use of the school’s support services.

What We Don't Like

Some courses may require synchronous sessions, meaning you’ll have to be online at specific times for live class meetings. This can limit flexibility for learners balancing work or personal commitments.

66%

Online Enrollment

$ 9,119

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

93%

Retention Rate

$21,600

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 55%

Students Enrolled: 54,817

Institution Type: Public

University of Delaware — Most Accelerated and Customizable Program

Newark, DE
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Why We Chose It: This program can be completed faster than others on this list and allows students to earn multiple concentrations at the same time.

The University of Delaware's (UD) online MBA program stands out because it can be completed in just 12 months, faster than every other program on our list — most of which take around two years or more to finish.

As a full-time student, you’d take about 3-4 classes per semester, which can be demanding if you’re working. If you need a lighter load, you can enroll part time and take one or two classes instead. This extends the timeline to about 18 months, which is still around 16 months quicker than most of the programs we evaluated.

Students can customize their MBA by choosing from six majors and nine specializations.

Majors provide deep, comprehensive study in one topic, while specializations offer a lighter, more targeted focus in one specific subject.

Majors include business analytics, digital and social media, finance, healthcare management, public relations, and strategic leadership, while specializations span fields like artificial intelligence, information technology, and international business. If you choose a major, you'll have to complete 44 credits, while you'll have to complete 38 credits for a specialization.

What We Like About UD

According to UD, 97% of recent master's-level graduates were employed in 2024, earning an average salary of over $90,000.
UD's online MBA is the second-most affordable, just $400 more than FIU’s total program cost.
This program is fully asynchronous, allowing you to study on your own schedule. You’ll still have assignment deadlines, but you won’t need to attend live online classes — unlike many MBA programs that hold weekly meetings.
If you want to pursue a dual degree, UD offers options for an MBA and a master's in strategic communication, civil engineering, chemical engineering, biological sciences, and nine other graduate fields.

What We Don't Like

The university only covers $1,500 of tuition for military students after Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, while other schools on this list — such as the University of Minnesota — cover any remaining tuition the bill does not pay for.
The full program costs around $42,408, but opting for a major increases the price to $49,104.

41%

Online Enrollment

$18,504

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

90%

Retention Rate

$18,504

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 64%

Students Enrolled: 23,568

Institution Type: Public

University of Maryland — Most AI and STEM-Focused Program

College Park, MD
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Why We Chose It: UMD offers several elective courses on artificial intelligence and other STEM-related topics.

UMD's online MBA stands out as the most AI and STEM-focused program in this list, offering electives on AI, data mining, decision modeling, and more.

Among these electives, the AI in business track is the most noteworthy. While Delaware and W&M also offer AI concentrations, they only feature 2-3 courses. UMD, on the other hand, offers four AI-related courses, including foundations of AI, AI in business strategy, marketing in the age of AI, and social media and web analytics.

UMD’s focus on AI extends beyond its course offerings. Through its Artificial Intelligence Interdisciplinary Institute, launched in 2024, the university offers over 200 AI-focused courses across 50 departments and two free AI courses for students and faculty.

What We Like About UMD

This program features specializations in finance, information systems, business analytics, marketing, or supply chain management.
You get several hands-on learning opportunities, such as consulting for local or international firms and managing a $1 million student-led equity fund.

What We Don't Like

While other schools require at least two years of professional experience, UMD says competitive candidates have at least three.
The university requires a two-day on-campus residency at the start of the program.

30%

Online Enrollment

$16,560

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

96%

Retention Rate

$36,100

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 45%

Students Enrolled: 41,725

Institution Type: Public

University of Minnesota — Best for Veterans and Active-Duty Military Members

Minneapolis, MN
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Why We Chose It: This program offers some of the most generous funding opportunities for veterans and active-duty service members.

The University of Minnesota (UMN) provides substantial tuition support for military students through the Yellow Ribbon Program, which works with the Post-9/11 GI Bill to help cover education costs.

The GI Bill pays a large share of tuition for eligible service members and veterans, but it has annual limits. When those limits are reached, UMN steps in through the Yellow Ribbon Program to cover the entire remaining balance, allowing eligible students to attend tuition-free.

By comparison, other schools in this list either don't participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program or offer just $2,000 to only a handful of students each year, rather than covering all eligible students.

What We Like About UMN

UMN doesn’t require a minimum GPA. Instead, the admissions team looks at your resume along with your personal statement, professional recommendations, and video essay.
If you're a military member or veteran from one of UMN's 21 corporate partners, including Best Buy Company Inc. and US Bank, you're automatically eligible for a 15% tuition discount.
You'll get access to career consultants for support with major exploration, internship planning, job searches, interview preparation, and graduate school planning.

What We Don't Like

Students are required to attend a one-week, on-campus residency.
UMN does not offer any specializations, unlike every other school on our list.
UMN has the highest per-credit tuition on our list at $1,797 and costs a total $93,444 – more than double our most affordable school.

36%

Online Enrollment

$19,116

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

91%

Retention Rate

$29,580

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 80%

Students Enrolled: 56,666

Institution Type: Public

William & Mary — Best for Specializing in Marketing or Accounting

Williamsburg, VA
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Why We Chose It: This program stands out for offering several specialization options in marketing and accounting.

William & Mary's online MBA offers three specializations in marketing and two in accounting, while other schools either don’t offer specializations in these areas or offer fewer options.

The marketing specializations include marketing analytics, marketing innovation, and modern integrated marketing communication. For accounting, students can choose between general accounting and tax planning and strategy.

The program also offers specializations in artificial intelligence for business leaders, corporate finance, investment management, and others. Students complete eight credits within their chosen specialization, while those who opt not to specialize take eight credits of electives instead.

What We Like About W&M

Program applicants are automatically considered for nine merit-based scholarships and leadership awards, and one scholarship exclusively for online MBA students.
Class sizes are limited to 25 students, which allows for more interaction with instructors and classmates.

What We Don't Like

The program requires a one-weekend, on-campus residency, which will cost you about $600 on top of your tuition.

14%

Online Enrollment

$10,905

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

95%

Retention Rate

$29,352

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 34%

Students Enrolled: 9,818

Institution Type: Public

How We Highlight What Schools Do Best

We analyzed each school’s program to identify qualities that set it apart from others on this list, prioritizing factors like affordability, concentration options, and program length. Based on these strengths, we assigned each school a superlative category.

Since many programs share similar offerings and outcomes, our goal is to simplify your college decision-making by highlighting the features most relevant to your needs.

We verified these schools’ facts in November 2025.

Why You Should Get an MBA

Learn Valuable Business Skills: Employers say skills taught through MBA programs — like strategic thinking, communication, and adaptability — are important, even amid the rise of artificial intelligence (AI).
Strengthen Your Data Proficiency: Tech skills, including data analytics, are widely incorporated into online MBA curriculums.
Extend Your Professional Network: MBA programs, even online ones, often include team-based learning opportunities, such as collaborative case studies, virtual group projects, and interactive discussion forums.
Boost Your Earning Potential: An MBA, when coupled with work experience, has been shown to increase earnings by more than 40%.

Benefits of Getting an MBA Online

According to our 2025 Online Education Trends Report:

94% of online MBA and master’s students and graduates who were surveyed said they think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
97% of the respondents said they would recommend online education to others.
More than three-quarters said an online learning environment is better than or equal to learning on campus.

How to Choose the Best Program for You

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:

Cost and Financial Aid
Program Length
Application Requirements
Accreditation
Curriculum and Academic Quality
Student Support

Cost and Financial Aid

Master’s in Business and Management, 2020

Online

Avg. Tuition & Fees: $10,995

Avg. Net Price: $8,534

On-Campus

Avg. Tuition & Fees: $21,974

Avg. Net Price: $15,428

Source: NCES PowerStats

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.

Find Financial Aid for Your MBA

Business Scholarships

Your Guide to the FAFSA

Your Guide to College Loans

Financial Aid Guide for Graduate Students

Program Length

Typical # of Credits

36 Credits

Typical Program Length

2-3 Years

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

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:

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business: The AACSB evaluates business schools as a whole on student learning, program impact, and faculty qualifications. The AACSB accredits major business schools across the world, including some of the globe’s top institutions.
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs: The ACBSP is a programmatic accreditor, meaning it focuses on individual MBA programs rather than the whole business school. It emphasizes faculty and teaching prowess and also weighs student outcomes.
International Accreditation Council for Business Education: The IACBE focuses on student success and outcomes as well as a university’s mission when accrediting MBA programs worldwide.

Application Requirements

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:

Letters of Recommendation: Schools often require 2-3 letters of recommendation from professional contacts like former employers or coworkers.
Undergraduate Degree and Transcripts: You will likely need to provide official transcripts of your undergraduate degree. Your bachelor’s degree doesn’t necessarily have to be in business, but if your degree isn’t business-related, relevant professional experience is highly recommended.
Minimum GPA: Some schools require a minimum undergraduate GPA. For example, the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business requires a minimum GPA of 3.0, but that only applies to the last 60 semester credits of a bachelor’s degree.
Professional Resume: Many MBA programs require applicants to have prior work experience. For instance, The Ohio State University’s online MBA for working professionals requires at least two years of relevant experience.
Personal Essays: MBA programs generally require personal essays, also called personal statements, for admission. These vary widely by school, but they usually require applicants to respond to several prompts.
Interview: Some MBA programs require an admissions interview to evaluate your communication skills, motivation, professional experience, and overall fit with the program.

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

Curriculum

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:

Finance: Corporate finance, investment analysis, financial planning
Marketing: Strategic marketing, consumer behavior, brand management
Management: Organizational behavior, leadership development, strategic management
Accounting: Managerial accounting, financial accounting, auditing

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.

Student Support

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.

Is Skipping the GMAT a Good Idea?

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.

How to Strengthen Your Application Without GMAT Scores

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

Bring Strong Work Experience to the Table: MBA programs that don’t require the GMAT often market themselves to working professionals. This means that, if you have years of work experience under your belt, you should emphasize that in your application. Highlight accomplishments that demonstrate leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, or career advancement.
Land Good References: The references you submit are an excellent way to back up your expertise and overall professional experience. Choose former supervisors or coworkers who can speak about your strengths and contributions to past teams.
Put Effort Into Your Essays: Your personal essays are an opportunity to stand beyond your resume. A solid admissions essay does more than just rehash your work experience. It explains why you’re a good fit for that program and calls out unique experiences that make you stand out from the crowd. Check out our guide to grad school application essays for some tips.

Frequently Asked Questions About MBAs and the GMAT

Is there a difference between test-optional MBA programs and MBA programs offering GMAT waivers?

Yes. Test-optional MBA programs simply don’t require GMAT scores, and you don’t need to meet any prerequisites to skip the test. On the other hand, schools offering GMAT waivers often require you have a minimum undergraduate GPA or a certain amount of years of professional experience.

Keep in mind that test-optional MBA programs and those offering waivers are often both called test optional, so it’s important to compare their admissions requirements carefully.