Top 10 MBA Programs That Accept the GRE in 2027

If you've already taken the GRE for another graduate program, or you'd simply rather prep for one test instead of two, you're not out of luck when it comes to business school. A solid number of MBA programs treat the GRE as an equal alternative to the GMAT, evaluating your quantitative and verbal scores just as closely as they would a GMAT score.

This article covers 10 MBA programs that accept the GRE, along with what you need to know about admissions, coursework, cost, and career outcomes so you can compare your options with confidence.

What Does It Mean for an MBA Program to Accept the GRE?

An MBA program that accepts the GRE treats your Graduate Record Examination score as a valid substitute for the GMAT during the admissions review. Some schools convert your GRE score into a comparable GMAT equivalent for internal scoring purposes, while others simply weigh both tests equally without conversion.

This policy matters most if you're applying to multiple types of graduate programs at once, since the GRE is accepted far more broadly across non-business fields. It also gives you flexibility to choose the test format that plays to your strengths, since the GRE leans more heavily on vocabulary and general reasoning while the GMAT emphasizes data interpretation and quantitative problem-solving.

Top 10 MBA Programs That Accept the GRE

These 10 programs all accept GRE scores as part of a complete MBA application, whether as a required component or an optional one. Here's what each one brings to the table.

1. University of North Texas

The G. Brint Ryan College of Business at the University of North Texas (UNT) accepts GRE scores directly, using UNT's dedicated GRE institution code so your results route straight to the admissions committee. Applicants who don't qualify for a GPA-based waiver submit either a GMAT or GRE score as part of a complete application.

UNT's online MBA covers 36 credit hours through the same curriculum used in its on-campus program, with concentrations available in strategic management, marketing, and finance. Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation backs the program, and its affordability has made it a frequent pick among students comparing public university MBAs.

2. Colorado State University

Colorado State's online MBA accepts both GMAT and GRE scores, converting GRE results into a comparable GMAT equivalent for evaluation purposes. Professional work experience carries significant weight in admissions decisions alongside whichever test score you submit.

Students choose from five start dates a year and can complete the 42-credit program in as little as 21 months, working through electives in areas like innovation, finance, and sustainable business. The program carries AACSB accreditation, a distinction held by less than 6% of business schools worldwide.

3. Florida International University

Florida International University’s (FIU) Professional MBA Online doesn't require a standardized test score for most applicants, but the program accepts and considers GRE results for those who choose to submit one, particularly if other parts of the application could use additional support. The Chapman Graduate School of Business built the program around working professionals who want a flexible online format.

You can complete the degree in as little as 18 months, with 21- and 33-month tracks also available depending on your pace. FIU's MBA is AACSB-accredited, and its Healthcare MBA concentration carries additional accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME).

4. Ball State University

At Ball State's Miller College of Business, GMAT and GRE scores are both weighed heavily in the admissions process, and you can choose whichever test fits your strengths. The online MBA offers five paths: a general track plus concentrations in business analytics, finance, healthcare administration, and logistics and supply chain management.

Delivered 100% online with no residency requirement, the program pairs certified instructional design with input from faculty who also teach on campus. Ball State's MBA holds AACSB accreditation, and many graduates report a salary increase within months of finishing the degree.

5. University of North Dakota

University of North Dakota’s (UND) Nistler College of Business & Public Administration doesn't require the GMAT for admission to its online MBA, and GRE scores are accepted for applicants who want to strengthen their file with a test result. Concentrations include business analytics, international business, government and business, and a distinctive aviation management track that reflects UND's aerospace program.

Courses run synchronously, giving you real-time interaction with faculty and classmates despite the fully online format. UND's MBA carries AACSB accreditation, placing it among roughly 6% of business schools worldwide with that recognition.

6. Wright State University

Wright State's Raj Soin College of Business accepts a GRE score as a direct substitute for the GMAT, and applicants with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher can skip testing altogether. Those in the 2.5 to 2.99 GPA range are admitted conditionally without a test score, while lower GPAs may require a minimum GMAT of 400 or an equivalent GRE result.

An Accelerated Business Essentials program lets students without a business background knock out foundation coursework in a compressed five-week format before starting core classes. Wright State's MBA is AACSB-accredited and has been recognized since 1979, with tuition among the lowest of AACSB-accredited programs in its Ohio region.

7. Missouri State University

Missouri State's online MBA asks applicants to submit GMAT or GRE scores even when they may qualify for a waiver, and the program's director reviews each case individually to decide whether testing can be set aside. Twelve graduate certificate options, including data analytics, forensic accounting, and international business, let you layer specialized credentials onto the core degree.

Faculty teach identical content to both online and on-campus students, so the format you choose doesn't change what you learn. The College of Business holds AACSB accreditation, placing Missouri State among a small share of business schools with that distinction, and the program has been recognized for affordability by multiple national rankings.

8. University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater's online MBA accepts GRE scores by converting them into a comparable GMAT figure, which the College of Business and Economics uses alongside your GPA in a standard admissions formula. As Wisconsin's largest business school, UW-Whitewater offers 13 specializations, from finance and marketing to IT management and supply chain management.

The fully asynchronous, 100% online format gives you flexibility to work through coursework on your own schedule, and many applicants qualify for admission without submitting test scores at all. UW-Whitewater's business programs carry both AACSB and AACSB Accounting accreditation, placing the school in the top 2% of business colleges worldwide.

9. Marshall University

Marshall University's Brad D. Smith Schools of Business requires the GRE or GMAT for most MBA applicants, with an exemption for those who already hold an accredited doctoral degree. The West Virginia public university emphasizes experiential learning through case studies and real-world projects, and students get direct access to business leaders through CEO panels and a speaker series.

Coursework spans core functional areas like finance, marketing, and organizational behavior, taught by faculty with varied academic and industry backgrounds. Marshall's business school holds AACSB accreditation, a distinction shared by fewer than 200 schools worldwide.

10. Angelo State University

Angelo State's Norris-Vincent College of Business accepts a GRE score equivalent to a 430 or higher GMAT for applicants who don't meet the program's standard GPA thresholds. A 3.0 GPA (or a 2.5 GPA paired with three years of business experience) waives the testing requirement outright, which covers a large share of working professionals who apply.

The online MBA can be finished in as few as 12 months, and Angelo State has been recognized nationally for both affordability and ease of access among online MBA programs. All business programs at Angelo State carry AACSB accreditation, and the college also holds accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university. We also weigh a few criteria specific to GRE-accepting MBA programs.

• Accreditation: Every program on this list carries recognized, program-specific business accreditation, most commonly from AACSB.
• Testing policy: Each school's current published policy on accepting or converting GRE scores is confirmed directly through admissions materials.
• Program flexibility: Online and hybrid delivery formats designed for working professionals are prioritized throughout the list.
• Affordability: Programs that keep total costs reasonable relative to their accreditation tier are weighted more favorably.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

What Will You Learn in an MBA Program?

Regardless of whether you submit a GMAT or GRE score, MBA coursework covers the same functional core: finance, accounting, marketing, operations, and organizational leadership. Case studies and team projects make up much of the coursework, culminating in a capstone course that asks you to apply everything you've learned to a real or simulated business challenge.

Many programs also let you choose a concentration, whether that's business analytics, healthcare administration, or international business, which shapes a portion of your electives around your career goals. Some schools build in additional foundation courses for students without an undergraduate business background, ensuring everyone enters core coursework with the same baseline knowledge.

How Long Does It Take to Earn an MBA?

Most programs on this list take between 12 and 24 months to complete, with your exact timeline depending on whether you need foundation coursework and how many courses you take per term. Students entering with an undergraduate business degree often move through the program faster, since they can skip leveling courses required of career-changers.

Part-time formats let you spread coursework out over a longer period if your schedule demands it, while accelerated online formats compress terms into seven- or eight-week blocks to help you finish faster. Programs with multiple start dates throughout the year also give you more control over when you begin, rather than waiting for a single fall intake.

How Much Does an MBA Cost?

Total tuition for the public university programs on this list generally runs between $10,000 and $30,000, with in-state residency often bringing costs down further at schools that charge different rates by residency status. Private universities and programs with additional resources or brand recognition tend to run higher, sometimes reaching $40,000 or more for the full degree.

Fees for technology, orientation, and course materials can add several hundred to a couple thousand dollars on top of published tuition figures, so it's worth requesting a full cost breakdown from any program you're seriously considering. Some schools also offer pay-by-the-course billing, which can make budgeting more manageable than facing the full program cost upfront.

Financial Aid for MBA Programs

Financial aid can meaningfully reduce what you pay out of pocket for an MBA, especially when you combine federal loans with support from your employer or the military. Here's a look at some of the main options worth exploring.

• Direct Unsubsidized Loans: These federal loans are available to graduate students regardless of financial need and come with a fixed interest rate set by the federal government.
• Employer tuition assistance: Many employers offer partial or full tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing a graduate business degree, particularly when the coursework connects to your current role.
• Assistantships: Graduate assistantship positions, when available, provide a tuition reduction or stipend in exchange for research or teaching support.
• Scholarships: Merit- and need-based scholarships are offered through individual business schools, professional associations, and outside organizations supporting graduate business students.
• Military and veteran benefits: GI Bill benefits, along with Yellow Ribbon Program funding at participating schools, can cover a substantial portion of tuition for eligible service members and veterans.

How to Choose the Right MBA Program

Test policy is one piece of the puzzle, but a few other factors matter just as much when you're comparing programs. Here's what to weigh as you narrow down your options.

GRE Score Requirements

Some programs set a minimum GRE score or an equivalent GMAT conversion threshold, while others simply consider whatever score you submit as one factor among several. Checking a program's published score expectations before you apply helps you gauge whether your current GRE results are competitive or whether a retake makes sense.

Concentration Options

A concentration in finance, healthcare administration, or business analytics can sharpen your resume for a specific career path, while a general MBA keeps your options broader. Matching a program's concentration list to your career goals narrows the field to schools that actually support where you want to go next.

Program Format and Pace

Asynchronous online programs let you complete coursework whenever fits your schedule, while synchronous formats build in real-time class sessions that require more consistent availability. Your work schedule and learning preferences should guide this choice, since a mismatch here can make an otherwise strong program harder to finish.

Accreditation and Career Alignment

AACSB accreditation carries the most recognition among employers, though ACBSP and other program-specific accreditors are respected in many industries and regions. Considering how much accreditation tier matters in your target career field can help you weigh that factor appropriately against cost and convenience.

Career Outlook With an MBA

An MBA can open doors across a wide range of leadership roles, and financial management is one field where the degree consistently pays off. Financial managers, who oversee an organization's financial reporting, investment activities, and long-term planning, earn a median annual wage of $166,570, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with employment projected to grow 10% through 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.

That growth points to steady demand for professionals who can pair financial expertise with broader strategic thinking, exactly the kind of combination an MBA is built to develop. Many financial managers move into the role after several years in accounting, financial analysis, or a related field, and a graduate business degree can help accelerate that transition.

FAQs About MBA Programs That Accept the GRE

Choosing between the GRE and GMAT, or deciding whether either test is worth retaking, raises a few practical questions. Here are answers to some of the ones that come up most often.

Is the GRE Easier Than the GMAT for Business School?

Neither test is universally easier, since the GRE and GMAT measure different strengths. The GRE tends to favor applicants with strong verbal and general reasoning skills, while the GMAT places more weight on data interpretation and quantitative problem-solving, so the better choice depends on where your own skills are strongest.

Do Business Schools Prefer the GMAT Over the GRE?

Most schools that accept both tests state that neither is preferred, and some convert GRE scores into a GMAT equivalent specifically to keep the comparison fair. A small number of highly quantitative programs, such as those focused on finance or analytics, may lean toward GMAT scores because of the test's heavier emphasis on data interpretation.

Can You Retake the GRE If Your Score Isn't Competitive?

Yes, the GRE can be retaken as often as every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous 12-month period. Many programs consider your highest score across all attempts, so a retake can meaningfully improve your application if your first score fell short of a program's typical range.

Does a Low GRE Score Disqualify You From an MBA Program?

A single low score rarely disqualifies an applicant outright, since most programs weigh test scores alongside GPA, work experience, essays, and recommendations. Some schools also offer a waiver process for applicants whose overall profile is strong even if their test score falls below a typical range.

How Old Can GRE Scores Be for MBA Admission?

Most programs accept GRE scores from within the last five years, matching the standard validity window set by the Educational Testing Service. If your scores are close to expiring, it's worth confirming a program's specific cutoff before you apply, since a few schools use shorter windows.

Discover MBA Programs

Choosing the GRE over the GMAT doesn't limit you to a narrow slice of MBA programs, since many accredited schools weigh both tests equally or don't require either one at all. Browse programs through Learn.org and connect directly with schools to compare admissions requirements, concentrations, and accreditation before you apply.