10 Cheapest PhD Programs That Don't Require GRE/GMAT

Historically, passing a standardized test like the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) was a crucial step in applying to graduate school and getting your Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). But recently, many programs ?or even entire schools ?have stopped requiring the GRE and GMAT.

Now, there are many affordable PhD programs that don't require GRE or GMAT scores. Below, we will list 10 of the best available programs, with both online and on-campus options.

Why Some PhD Programs Don't Require GRE or GMAT

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the admissions process for many graduate programs began to shift. Admissions officers began to question the cost of standardized tests, whether they disadvantaged certain populations, and if they are even a good measure of a student's aptitude. Many schools began to reconsider whether one test was the best way to measure student success across the board.

Schools from top universities to small private colleges began offering PhD (no GRE) programs. Graduate admissions instead prioritize letters of recommendation, grade point averages (GPA), work experience, and professional experience over test scores.

Benefits of No-Exam PhD Admissions

There are many benefits to PhD programs that do not require GRE scores. The most obvious is that you can save money and time by bypassing the test. Since it takes time to prepare for the exam, take it, and then wait to submit your results, skipping the test makes it easier to finish your application on time.

GRE-optional programs also remove barriers for some students. It helps students who qualify for grad school but may struggle with test-taking, finances, or other challenges. Prospective students can instead focus on grades, writing a strong personal statement, and work experience.

How Much Do No-Exam PhD Programs Cost?

There are many universities that do not require GRE scores, and students have plenty of options, from business schools to healthcare. Both large public universities and smaller colleges offer programs to earn your PhD without GRE scores. Costs vary, and doctoral programs are known to be some of the most expensive in academia.

The cheapest program on our list is from Capella University. Tuition is between $555 and $570 per credit hour. In many cases, financial aid is available. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or talk to the financial aid office about your options.

Cheapest No GRE/GMAT PhD Programs

Many schools provide options for students who haven't taken the GRE or GMAT exams. Below are some of the most affordable options to consider.

1. Capella University

Capella University offers flexible online coursework, and tuition depends on your program. Students can enroll in one of three PhD programs: behavior analysis, psychology, or school psychology.

The psychology program includes four specializations: developmental, educational, general, or industrial/organizational. Even online, Capella students will have plenty of faculty support as they move through the program, from admissions to their dissertation.

• Estimated tuition cost: $555 to $570 per credit hour
• Financial aid: The Capella Progress Rewards scholarship offers $20,000 to help cover graduate tuition. Additionally, Capella offers a 10% military discount.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Liberty University Online

Liberty University offers many online PhD programs with a flat tuition rate. Available programs include:

• aviation
• English
• business administration
• criminal justice

For most programs, applicants must have a master's degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA. International students and non-native English speakers must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Other programs may have specific requirements, including a statement of purpose or writing sample.

• Estimated tuition cost: $610 per credit hour
• Financial aid: In addition to scholarships, Liberty offers tuition discounts to first responders, members of the military, and their families, Canadian students, and many others.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

3. Clemson University

Many of Clemson's PhD programs do not require GRE or GMAT scores. Tuition is program-specific. Doctoral programs are $733 per credit hour, but the College of Education's PhD programs are $552 per credit hour.

Some of the PhD programs Clemson offers include bioengineering, economics, genetics, and business administration. Full-time students can generally finish their degree in about four to five years.

• Estimated tuition cost: $552 to $733 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Graduate students should contact their department regarding financial aid. Eligible out-of-state grad students could pay in-state tuition rates.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Walden University

Walden University offers over 100 doctoral programs, but some of the cheapest include counselor education and supervision, criminal justice, and healthcare administration. Tuition is program-specific, and the calendar is broken into 11- to 12-week quarters.

Eligible students can enroll in tempo learning, a three-month subscription that allows them to complete as much coursework as possible within the timeframe. Traditional programs generally take about two years.

• Estimated tuition cost: $625 to $760 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Walden offers tuition discounts to families, alumni, military members, and law enforcement. Need-based grants are also available.
• Accreditation: HLC

5. Regent University

PhD students can choose from dozens of online programs at Regent, including:

• communication
• counseling and psychological studies
• renewal theology
• education
• government

Tuition is program-specific. There are many affordable options, but one of the cheapest is renewable theology at just $670 per credit hour.

Many programs are online, but some do require a one-week in-person study. Regent gives graduate students top-notch research experience to grow their knowledge and critical thinking skills, all through a Christian worldview.

• Estimated tuition cost: $670 to $995 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Regent students should fill out the FAFSA and look into both state and institutional scholarships and grants.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Concordia University Chicago

There are seven PhD programs offered at Concordia University in Chicago. Students must submit either GRE scores or Miller Analogies Test scores, but GMAT scores are not required.

Available programs include exercise science, leadership, and educational technology leadership. Many programs offer specializations as well. Concordia University is a Christian college that equips students with the knowledge, research, and experience they need to make an impact.

• Estimated tuition cost: $711 to $945 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Graduate students should fill out the FAFSA to see what aid they are eligible for.
• Accreditation: HLC

7. George Mason University

George Mason offers several PhD programs, but the only one that does not require the GRE is a PhD in Education with a concentration in education leadership. Students will learn about theory and research in educational leadership, research methodologies, and specialized knowledge.

This program prepares students to work as educational leaders at the local, state, national, and international levels. Applicants must submit a resume, a goals statement, a transcript, and three letters of recommendation.

• Estimated tuition cost: $752.50 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, graduate assistantships, and tuition waivers are available.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. Sacred Heart University

Sacred Heart offers a part-time, online PhD in social work. Students research global issues in social and racial justice, including interdisciplinary research. The program prepares students to make a lasting impact in research, education, and community-based leadership.

Applicants should have a Master of Social Work degree, two years of post-master's work experience, letters of recommendation, and a writing sample. Starting in their second semester, students have the option to teach classes in either bachelor's or master's programs.

• Estimated tuition cost: $840 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and graduate assistantships are available for PhD students.
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

9. National University

National's Doctor of Philosophy in technology management is 100% online, and start dates are available year-round. National does not have an application fee, and there are no essays or exams. However, graduate students will complete a dissertation and a qualitative research project.

National offers six specializations, including computer science, engineering management, and data science. The program requires a minimum of 60 credit hours, but more may be needed for dissertation research.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,000 per credit hour
• Financial aid: National offers scholarships, needs-based tuition reduction, and the National University Key Grant.
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

10. University of California, Berkeley

University of California (UC) Berkeley lists 93 PhD programs, many of which either do not require the GRE or are test-optional. Options include anthropology, classical archaeology, epidemiology, and physics.

Applicants should have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university prior to applying; they should also submit letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose. Interested students can attend Berkley's virtual graduate diversity admission fair to learn more.

• Estimated tuition cost: $6,570 per semester
• Financial aid: Financial aid options include graduate fellowships, grants, and doctoral funding packages.
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

How We Rank Schools

It's possible to earn your PhD without GMAT or GRE scores, but we only wanted to list the highest-quality, affordable options. When we made our list, we factored in the following:

• Accreditation: All of our schools are fully accredited. That means they are periodically checked to ensure the programs are keeping up with strict standards.
• Affordability: Doctoral degree programs can get pricey, so we only included schools that offer tuition below $1,000 per credit hour. Financial aid is also available.
• Program reputation: All of our programs are recognized for their quality and led by expert faculty members who will prepare you to excel in your future career.

FAQs About PhD Programs Without GRE/GMAT Requirements

You may have been wondering not just ''Is the GRE required for PhD programs?'' but also about admissions requirements and whether all of this will be worth it. Below, we'll explore some the most common FAQs.

Do All PhD Programs Require GRE Scores?

No, not all PhD programs require GRE or GMAT scores. Our ten schools above are some of the most affordable and flexible, but many graduate degree programs have been reconsidering standardized tests. Depending on the school and the program, many students will not need to take the GRE exam for PhD programs.

Is a No-Exam PhD Worth It?

A PhD is a terminal degree. That means it is the highest level of education one can acquire. Such a high level of knowledge, research, and experience opens the door to some of the highest-paying leadership roles, and the GRE does not impact that in any way.

Enrolling in a no-exam PhD program is definitely worth the time, effort, and money you will put into it.

What Is the Easiest PhD Program To Get Into?

It's hard to pinpoint the easiest PhD program to get into because all PhD programs are rigorous and competitive. Many require not just a high GPA and letters of recommendation but work experience and a personal writing sample as well. Therefore, the easiest program will likely be something that aligns with your skills and experience.

What Are the Admission Requirements?

Nearly every PhD program requires students to have a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from an accredited university. They may also have GPA requirements and want students to include letters of recommendation or an essay. Some programs, like healthcare, may have more specific requirements, like active licensure. Make sure you have everything you need before applying.

Are There Online PhDs With No GRE Requirement?

Yes, there are online PhD programs that do not require standardized test scores. Some of these include: Walden University, Liberty Online, and Capella University. Depending on your degree, some online programs may still require in-person visits to complete hands-on labs, clinicals, or research.

Discover Online Doctoral Degrees

Earning a terminal degree is a huge accomplishment, and now there are many affordable options for doctoral programs that don't require the GRE or GMAT. Learn.org has more great programs featured on the website. Take a look and reach out to one today.