Top 10 MBA Programs That Accept a Low GPA in 2026

Earning your Master of Business Administration (MBA) enables you to work in leadership and management positions across a broad range of sectors. MBA professionals work in finance, marketing, healthcare, information technology (IT), and more.

If you are interested in enrolling in business school but have a relatively low grade point average (GPA), you may be wondering about MBA programs that accept a low GPA. This article highlights ten master's degree programs with low GPA requirements and addresses questions related to the MBA admission process, standardized test scores, and online programs. Continue reading to learn how you can advance your career in business administration and leadership.

What Is a Low GPA for MBA Programs?

Most MBA programs' admission requirements state that prospective students should have a 3.0 cumulative GPA on their bachelor's degree transcripts. Some more selective programs require that students have a 3.5 GPA or higher. A relatively low GPA for MBA programs is a grade point average below 3.0.

Can You Get Into an MBA Program With a Low GPA?

Yes, you can get into an MBA program with a low GPA. Many quality graduate programs from accredited colleges and universities accept students who have relatively low undergraduate GPAs (e.g., 2.0 or 2.5 GPAs). If you have a relatively low GPA, you can showcase your other strengths to admissions committees by highlighting work experience and including positive letters of recommendation.

Admissions Criteria At Lower-GPA MBA Programs

Each school has its own admissions criteria for MBA programs, including those with lower GPA requirements. Generally speaking, schools require prospective students to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, complete an MBA application, and pay an application fee.

MBA programs with lower GPA requirements may also request letters of recommendation, a personal statement or optional essay, and standardized test scores such as the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).

Best MBA Programs With Lower GPA Requirements

The schools listed here represent some of the top business schools that accept students with lower GPAs, including multiple MBA programs that accept a 2.5 GPA. All of the following schools offer financial aid options.

1. Albany State University

Albany State University (ASU) is a mid-sized public school located in Albany, GA. ASU's MBA program is offered both online and on campus, with in-person courses scheduled on weekday evenings. Students can choose to follow a general MBA degree track or specialize in one of the following concentrations:

• accounting
• heathcare
• supply chain and logistics
• public administration

The graduate program is 30 credit hours and can be completed in one year.

• Estimated tuition cost: $196 per credit hour (in-state); $816 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Minimum GPA: 2.75
• Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)

2. University of Southern Indiana

The University of Southern Indiana (USI), based in Evansville, IN, is a public school that offers an online MBA. The program is conducted entirely online and consists of 30 credit hours. The program has six start dates throughout the year.

Core courses include leadership skills and innovation, financial management, and information systems and technology.

• Estimated tuition cost: $13,950 program total
• Minimum GPA: 2.5
• Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

3. Arkansas State University

Located in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University (A-State) has an online MBA program that full-time students can complete in 12 months. While most students in A-State's MBA program have a 2.5 minimum GPA, the graduate school will consider applicants who have lower average GPA scores on a case-by-case basis.

The 33-credit graduate program includes courses such as managerial economics, business analytics, and strategic marketing.

• Estimated tuition cost: $17,292 program total
• Minimum GPA: 2.5
• Accreditation: AACSB

4. Marshall University

Marshall University's School of Business offers an MBA program on its Huntington, WV, campus. Full-time students can earn their MBA degree in one calendar year; part-time enrollment is also an option.

Students who have earned lower than a 3.0 undergrad GPA must include two letters of recommendation during the grad school application process.

• Estimated tuition cost: $4,812 per semester (in-state); $11,060 per semester (out-of-state)
• Minimum GPA: 2.5
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

5. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a large nonprofit institution based in Manchester, NH, with an extensive online learning platform. SNHU offers an online MBA program with 17 specializations, including options such as engineering management, entrepreneurship, and project management.

Students can complete SNHU's MBA program on a full-time or part-time basis, and coursework is conducted entirely online. SNHU does not require prospective students to submit GRE scores or GMAT scores during the application process.

• Estimated tuition cost: $659 per credit hour
• Minimum GPA: 2.75
• Accreditation: ACBSP

6. East Tennessee State University

Located in Johnson City, TN, East Tennessee State University (ETSU)'s business school offers an online MBA. The online program is 33 credit hours, and full-time students can earn their MBA in one year. MBA students take courses such as data analysis, market strategy, and applied corporate finance.

• Estimated tuition cost: $22,176 program total
• Minimum GPA: 2.5
• Accreditation: AACSB

7. University of Arizona Global Campus

The University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC) has an online MBA program that accepts a 2.0 GPA. Coursework is conducted completely online, and courses are delivered in five- or six-week sessions. UAGC's online program curriculum covers subjects such as business management, global economics, human resources, and finance.

• Estimated tuition cost: $740 per credit hour
• Minimum GPA: 2.0
• Accreditation: International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)

8. Lynn University

Located in Boca Raton, FL, Lynn University is a small private school that offers an MBA program that can be completed online or in person. U.S. News & World Report ranked Lynn University among the top MBA programs in 2024. Students can choose from 10 degree specialization options:

• aviation
• entrepreneurial management
• healthcare
• financial valuation and investment
• hospitality
• leadership and management
• human resources
• international business
• marketing
• sports management

Lynn University's MBA program is designed for working adults and can be completed in one year.

• Estimated tuition cost: $750 per credit hour
• Minimum GPA: 2.75
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

9. Walden University

Walden University is headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, and specializes in distance learning. Walden University's online MBA program is self-paced and can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. Many students earn their degree in 15 months or fewer.

The 50-credit program includes courses such as dynamic leadership, managerial finance, and improving business performance.

• Estimated tuition cost: $25,700 program total
• Minimum GPA: 2.5
• Accreditation: HLC

10. National University

Based in San Diego, CA, National University offers a self-paced MBA program through its online learning platform. The online curriculum includes 10 courses, such as innovation and marketing, business operations management, and financial management.

Students can choose to concentrate their MBA degree in one of eleven specialization options, including supply chain management, leadership studies, and behavioral economics.

• Estimated tuition cost: $869 per credit hour
• Minimum GPA: 2.5
• Accreditation: ACBSP

How We Rank Schools

We use the following criteria when choosing which schools to highlight, from accreditation status to grade point average minimums.

• Accreditation: All schools are regionally accredited institutions. Many of the MBA programs listed here also feature additional accreditation from industry organizations, like the ACBSP.
• Minimum GPA: The listed programs are MBA programs that accept below a 3.0 GPA or are open-admissions.
• Program reputation: Factors that affect an MBA program's reputation include accreditation status, experienced faculty, graduation rate, and any special awards or recongition.

Tips for Getting Into an MBA Program With a Low GPA

Many schools recognize that academic performance is not the only indicator of an MBA student's capacity for success. These graduate schools take a more holistic approach to the admissions process. You can showcase your strengths in other ways, such as including:

• leadership skills in professional experience
• volunteer service
• extracurricular activities
• letters of recommendation
• high GRE or GMAT scores

FAQs About MBA Programs With Low GPA Admissions

In this section, we answer questions about the MBA admissions process, from work experience to online programs.

Can I Get an MBA With a 2.0 GPA?

Yes, you can still earn your MBA with a 2.0 GPA. You can apply to MBA programs that accept a 2.0 GPA, but be sure to read their admission requirements. Some MBA programs that have a 2.5 GPA or higher requirement are open to applicants with lower scores; in those cases, the MBA programs require supporting documents like letters of recommendation or a personal statement.

Does Work Experience Make up for a Low GPA?

Work experience can help make up for a low GPA. Many schools recognize that an academic record is not the only reflection of a person's ability to succeed. Your real-world professional experience, including any management, leadership, or entrepreneurial skills, can help round out your MBA program application.

Should I Take the GRE or GMAT If I Have a Low GPA?

Some MBA programs require standardized test scores from prospective students who have earned a relatively low GPA. Other programs do not require GRE or GMAT scores, regardless of your GPA. Earning a high GMAT score or a high GRE score can certainly help make your application more appealing to admissions officers.

Are Online MBA Programs More Flexible About GPA?

Online MBA programs are not necessarily more flexible about grade point averages. Many online programs are as selective as their on-campus counterparts, like the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business's program. However, there are many MBA programs, both online and in person, that accept students who have low GPAs.

Explore MBA Programs

If you would like to learn more about online MBA programs, reach out to Learn.org's partner schools for more information. Discover which degree pathway best supports your business career goals.