Best MBA & EMBA Programs That Don't Require GMAT/GRE

The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) traditionally serves as a gatekeeper for admission into graduate business programs, assessing candidates' analytical, reasoning, and aptitude skills.

Nevertheless, many aspirants seek MBA programs that forego the GMAT requirement to simplify their educational journey.

These No-GMAT MBA pathways are transforming business education, presenting an alternative to achieving a notable degree.

With the increasing call for more accessible MBA routes, such programs are witnessing a surge in popularity.

This article aims to shed light on the foremost No-GMAT MBA programs for 2024, delving into their characteristics and benefits.

Best No-GMAT MBA and eMBA Programs for 2024

As 2024 looms, many esteemed business schools are unveiling No-GMAT MBA programs.

These offerings are not merely about circumventing examinations; they pledge to impart quality education enriched with unique features such as specialized concentrations and adaptable course lengths.

1. The University of Charleston

Nestled in Charleston, the University of Charleston's MBA curriculum extends across 12 to 16 months and is accessible in both hybrid and online modalities.

The program offers business analytics, healthcare management, and management specializations, allowing learners to customize their educational trajectory according to their passions.

Emphasizing hands-on problem-solving, collaborative efforts, and communication prowess, the program equips graduates for various leadership positions.

The investment is roughly $380 per credit hour, about $45,600 for the full program.

2. West Liberty University

West Liberty University's online MBA offering is celebrated for its flexibility and streamlined nature.

It kicks off with a no-cost four-week MBA primer course, paving the way for students to expedite their studies with a management focus, potentially completing the journey in a mere 12 months through the Accelerated Track, which involves engaging in two courses every seven-week term.

The Standard Track offers a more measured pace, allowing for completion in one year and eight months at a single course per term.

With a tuition rate of $495.00 per credit hour, West Liberty's MBA program is synonymous with value.

3. Shepherd University

Shepherd University's MBA program accommodates students with varying preferences, offering both in-person and entirely online learning experiences.

With a faculty renowned for accreditation and emphasizing in-demand competencies, the program is lauded for its tailored approach, adaptability, and economic feasibility.

The 2022-2023 academic year tuition is $500 per credit hour, augmented by a modest graduate program fee of $45 per semester for part-time enrollees and $70 per semester for those attending full-time.

4. Concord University

Concord University's comprehensive Master of Business Administration (MBA) program avails its students of the flexibility to opt for either a fully online or a hybrid format.

Spanning pivotal business sectors such as accounting, finance, and marketing, the curriculum is delivered in swift 8-week sessions, accommodating full-time completion within one year or part-time over two years.

For the 2023-2024 academic period, the tuition is $543 per credit hour, affirming the program's commitment to affordability.

5. Utah State University

Utah State University's globally recognized online MBA program is competitively priced at $488 per credit, with a 36-credit curriculum that students can navigate through within one or two years.

Endowed with AACSB International accreditation, the program hones problem-solving and leadership capacities, priming students for the forefront of business leadership.

Participants develop proficiency in enhancing business efficiency, innovative product market placement, and sophisticated market insight, arming them with the tools to address the intricacies of the contemporary business environment.

6. The University of Utah

The MBA Online program at The University of Utah curates a comprehensive educational landscape with average tuition costs at approximately $67,200 or between $1,350 to $1,400 per credit hour.

Celebrated for its AACSB accreditation and prestigious national ranking within the top 15, The University of Utah prides itself on its innovative offerings and commitment to fostering an environment of inclusivity and teamwork.

The program instills crucial business competencies alongside opportunities for networking and professional growth, ensuring its graduates emerge ready to thrive in the competitive business field.

7. Syracuse University

Syracuse University showcases its online Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) program, which encompasses 54 credits and can be completed in as little as 24 months.

Regularly updated to stay abreast of the shifting business landscape, this AACSB-accredited program entails an overall tuition cost of approximately $101,088, with various financial assistance options at hand.

Crucially, this program champions accessibility by forgoing the GMAT score requirement for entry, offering ambitious business frontrunners a clear path to distinction.

8. Eastern New Mexico University

Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) distinguishes itself with a fully online MBA program that underscores exceptional adaptability and the prospect of completion within one year.

This program offers remarkable affordability, with tuition fees starting at a mere $310.50 per credit hour.

Accredited by the ACBSP, ENMU's MBA curriculum covers an extensive array of business disciplines, with a pronounced focus on fostering managerial generalist skills, making it a prudent investment in your future, beginning at just $320 per credit hour.

9. Highlands University

New Mexico Highlands University introduces an online MBA program that can be completed in a year. The program's competitive tuition rate is $525 per credit hour.

Consisting of a 36-credit hour curriculum, the program allows students to tailor their learning to meet their needs.

The curriculum addresses fundamental aspects such as marketing management, financial accounting, and business ethics.

What sets this program apart is eliminating the GRE/GMAT prerequisite and providing customized one-on-one advising support.

10. Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Worcester Polytechnic Institute's Business School rolls out a tech-centered online MBA program. It strongly emphasizes analytical, operational, and marketing acumen, augmented by tangible project experiences.

Notably, the WPI MBA dispenses with the GRE or GMAT requirement for admission, widening the gateway for a varied student demographic.

The tuition fee per credit for the MBA in Business Administration stands at $1,250, plus additional fees, including the Student Organization Fee and an optional Health and Wellness Fee.

11. Babson College

Babson College's Part-Time Online MBA program is structured in a fully online synchronous format, offering remarkable flexibility.

Typically extending over three to four years, this program dispenses with the need for GMAT/GRE scores for its 2023 intake.

The curriculum, comprising 18 core and 27 elective credits, encourages students to apply their learning to actual business scenarios via global organizational partnerships.

This program is valued at $1990 per course credit, with scholarship opportunities readily accessible.

12. Washington State University

Washington State University lays out its Online MBA program, delivering a flexible 100% online format that waives the GMAT requirement for eligible candidates.

This program proposes four distinct concentrations, a general MBA option, and an elective international field study.

Moreover, stackable certificates can be sought within the MBA curriculum or as separate credentials, facilitating a personalized educational journey.

The tuition rate is pegged at $652 per credit hour, rendering it accessible to aspiring MBA aspirants.

Navigating the No-GMAT MBA Terrain: Benefits and Considerations

Prospective MBA candidates increasingly gravitate towards No-GMAT programs for their open-door policies and adaptable frameworks.

These programs eliminate the obstacle of standardized testing, broadening entry for a diverse array of candidates.

Yet, it's imperative to balance the advantages against possible challenges.

Advantages of No-GMAT MBA Programs:

• Accessibility: No-GMAT programs broaden entry for a diverse array of candidates, including those who might not perform well in standardized testing environments.
• Flexibility: The absence of the GMAT requisite offers added flexibility, simplifying the path for working professionals and those with demanding schedules to pursue an MBA.
• Inclusivity: By forgoing the GMAT, these programs promote a more inclusive ethos and welcome a more varied student demographic.
• Alternate Pathways: They provide alternative educational routes, enabling candidates to showcase their preparedness through professional experience, academic accomplishments, and other credentials.

There are some challenges to non-GMAT MBA programs.

These challenges include:

• Requirement for Strong Credentials: Without GMAT scores, candidates may need to highlight other significant qualifications, such as substantial work experience or notable academic records.
• Intensified Competition: The allure of No-GMAT programs can lead to a larger pool of applicants, intensifying the competition for spots.
• Diverse Admission Standards: Each program may adopt unique admission criteria, necessitating thorough research and preparation by applicants to meet specific program demands.
• Comprehensive Evaluation: Admission success in these programs relies on a comprehensive assessment of a candidate's qualifications, underscoring the importance of demonstrating readiness through varied means, not just standardized tests.

Welcoming the No-GMAT Era

The array of No-GMAT MBA programs offers many choices for those aspiring to leadership in the business sector, ranging from flexible online formats to specialized concentrations.

With their diverse pricing and accessibility, they cater to a broad spectrum of students. Begin your journey to business leadership with these innovative educational opportunities.