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Many top US business schools offer an MBA without a GMAT. As we transition into a more practical approach to education, work experience, strong academic records, and extracurricular activities are prioritised over a single GMAT score. 

Here, we've covered a detailed comparison of MBA programs in the USA with GMAT requirements versus those without, allowing you to understand the key differences and benefits of each option.

Many US business schools offer an MBA without a GMAT, making the program more accessible. The top business schools in the US waiving off GMAT are:

We’ve discussed these MBA colleges in detail below:

MIT Sloan is one of the best universities for an MBA in the US, and you don’t need a GMAT score. A relevant UG degree like business and economics allows you to skip the GMAT. Some additional details about an MBA at MIT Sloan without a GMAT are:

Admission Requirements for MBA at MIT Sloan

Follow these admission requirements for applying to MIT Sloan:

• Valid academic transcripts from UG
• A business writing assessment 
• 5 years of work experience
• Cover letter
• 2 professional LOR
• TOEFL/ IELTS is not required

Overview of the MIT Sloan MBA Program

Schedule a free consultation call with our expert counsellors, and get started on your journey to MBA in the USA.

The Kellogg School of Business at Northwestern University waives off the GMAT if you have a GPA above 3.4. Some additional details about an MBA at Kellogg School of Management without a GMAT are:

Admission Requirements for MBA at Kellogg School of Business

Follow these admission requirements for applying to Northwestern University (Kellogg):

• Valid academic transcripts from undergraduate studies.
• A written essay as part of the application.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional work experience (or significant post-undergraduate work experience).
• A cover letter expressing your motivation for the program.
• Two professional letters of recommendation.
• A TOEFL score of 100 and an IELTS band score of 7.0 required

Overview of the Kellogg School of Business MBA Program

UC Berkeley’s Haas School offers a highly selective MBA program known for its rigorous curriculum and strong focus on leadership and innovation. Consistently ranked among the top 10 business schools in the world, Haas doesn’t need a GMAT score. Some additional details about an MBA at Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley without a GMAT are:

Admission Requirements for MBA at Haas School of Business

Follow these admission requirements for applying to Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley:

• A personal statement outlining your motivations and career goals.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of professional work experience.
• One to two essays that provide insight into your background and aspirations.
• Two letters of recommendation.

Overview of the Haas School of Business MBA Program

NYU Stern’s MBA program stands out for its location in New York City. Stern offers over 20 specializations, including FinTech and luxury marketing without GMAT. Some additional details about an MBA at NYU Stern School of Business without a GMAT are:

Admission Requirements for MBA at NYU Stern School of Business

Follow these admission requirements for applying to NYU Stern School of Business:

• Official transcripts from all colleges attended.
• A personal statement or statement of purpose.
• No minimum criteria for professional work experience.
• A cover letter.
• Two letters of recommendation.
• A TOEFL score of 100 and an IELTS band score of 7.0 required

Overview of the NYU Stern School of Business MBA Program

The Ross MBA boasts a high employment rate of 96% within three months of graduation, reflecting its strong corporate connections. You can pursue an MBA without a GMAT here. Some additional details about an MBA at Ross School of Business without a GMAT are:

Admission Requirements for MBA at Ross School of Business

Follow these admission requirements for applying to the Ross School of Business:

• Valid academic transcripts from undergraduate studies.
• A written essay as part of the application.
• At least 4-5 years of professional work experience.
• A cover letter detailing your career objectives.
• Two professional letters of recommendation.

Overview of the Ross School of Business MBA Program

UCLA Anderson provides an MBA without submitting GMAT scores. Some additional details about an MBA at UCLA Anderson without a GMAT are:

Admission Requirements for MBA at UCLA Anderson

Follow these admission requirements for applying to UCLA Anderson:

• Minimum of 5 years of professional work experience.
• A cover letter outlining your background and goals.
• Two letters of recommendation.
• A TOEFL score of 100 and an IELTS band score of 7.0 required

Overview of the UCLA Anderson MBA Program

Tuck’s MBA program requires a minimum of 2 years of professional work experience for an MBA without submitting GMAT scores. Some additional details about an MBA at Tuck School of Business without a GMAT are:

Admission Requirements for MBA at Tuck School of Business

Follow these admission requirements for applying to the Tuck School of Business:

• A personal essay addressing your goals and motivations.
• Minimum of 2 years of work experience.
• A cover letter.
• Two letters of recommendation.

Overview of the Tuck School of Business MBA Program

Boston University’s Questrom School of Business offers an MBA focusing on health sector management, digital technology, and social impact without GMAT. Some additional details about an MBA at Boston University without a GMAT are:

Admission Requirements for MBA at Boston University

Follow these admission requirements for applying to Boston University:

• Official transcripts from undergraduate studies.
• A statement of purpose explaining your career goals.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience.
• A cover letter.
• Two letters of recommendation.

Overview of the Questrom School of Business MBA Program

Smith School of Business’s MBA program offered by the University of Marland offers a specialized track in Business Analytics and a STEM-designated MBA without a GMAT. Some additional details about an MBA at the University of Maryland without a GMAT are:

Admission Requirements for MBA at the University of Maryland

Follow these admission requirements for applying to the University of Maryland:

• An application essay.
• At least 2-5 years of work experience.
• A cover letter outlining your objectives.
• Two letters of recommendation.

Overview of the Smith School of Business MBA Program

Known for its focus on entrepreneurship, Babson College’s MBA program does not require GMAT scores for 2025 applications. Some additional details about an MBA at Babson College without a GMAT are:

Admission Requirements for MBA at the Babson College

Follow these admission requirements for applying to the Babson College:

• Transcripts from undergraduate studies.
• A personal statement or essay addressing your motivations.
• Minimum of 3-4 years of relevant work experience.
• A cover letter.
• Two professional letters of recommendation.

Overview of the Babson College MBA Program

Not only MBA, but top US MBA colleges also offer popular executive MBA/ EMBA programs without GMAT. Renowned schools like MIT, Kellogg, and NYU Stern are a few. Professionals with 3-7 years of work experience can apply for an EMBA. 

Some of the top B-schools offering EMBA without GMAT are as follows:

Suggested: EMBA programs without GMAT

You may wonder, “Which MBA is right for me?” The answer depends on your academic and career goals and personal circumstances.

The good news is that US business schools offer various types of MBA programs without GMAT that suit your needs. Some of them are:

To get a GMAT waiver for an MBA in the USA, you need significant work experience of 3-4 years, and strong academic records (GPA above 3.4). Each MBA college has specific requirements, and you must check their respective policies on the official website. 

You need to apply for the waiver either with the application form or separately. 

A GMAT waiver has made renowned MBA colleges more accessible to students globally, by also offering a fair opportunity. Different colleges also offer GMAT waivers based on extracurricular activities, so make sure to check that out as well.

The average cost of studying MBA in the US is approximately INR 76.30 lakhs while the cost of living varies by location. Although the cost of studying is high you can expect a very high ROI% after graduating from this college as the average salary may range from USD 80,000 (INR 66.85 Lakhs) to over USD 160,000 (INR1.3 Cr) per annum.

Tuition Fees

The average tuition fees in top MBA colleges in USA is INR 76.30 lakhs.

The following table provides an overview of average tuition costs at popular U.S. universities, helping you evaluate your financial options for studying abroad:

City-wise Cost of Living 

You can expect to spend INR 2-3 lakhs per year as an international student studying MBA in the US without GMAT.

The table below shows the average monthly costs in popular U.S. cities known for their educational and job opportunities, helping you plan your budget effectively.

As an international student, you can access multiple scholarships to pursue an MBA in the US without a GMAT. Top ones include the Mckinsey Award, MIT Sloan Master’s Fellowship, and others. These focus on work experience, academic excellence, and leadership qualities, helping to make advanced education more affordable and accessible for qualified applicants. 

List of scholarships for MBA in the USA with GMAT Waiver

MBA graduates in the USA typically earn salaries ranging from USD 80,000 (INR 66.85 Lakhs) to over USD 160,000 (INR 1.3 Cr) per year. Factors like industry, location, and individual experience significantly impact the average salary.

The table below summarises salary ranges for different industries.

GMAT is one of the most popular standardised tests in the world, but taking it comes at a steep cost. While its application fee of USD 275 (INR 22,500) can be a deterrent for many students, the costs don’t end there. You also have to spend 3-6 months preparing for the exam, purchase additional resources, and even get help from coaching centers.

Additionally, many students may be excellent with real-life business scenarios and case studies but may find standardised tests challenging. Waiving off the GMAT makes it more flexible for all kinds of students to pursue an MBA in the best B-schools in the US.

A good academic record, projects, certifications, and work experience can help you crack top MBA schools in the US without taking the GMAT. 

Here is why you should consider pursuing an MBA in the USA without GMAT:

• Time and Cost Savings: By skipping the GMAT, you save months of preparation and significant costs associated with the test and related study materials.
• Focus on Professional Experience: Many schools prioritize real-world business experience over test scores, allowing you to leverage your work history and achievements.
• Top Employers: Leading companies like Google, Amazon, Accenture, Deloitte, and Cognizant hire MBA graduates from the USA, even those without a GMAT score.
• Growing Demand in Management Roles: The financial management sector is projected to grow by 11% by 2026, ensuring a strong job market post-MBA without GMAT.
• High Employment Rate: The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment in management occupations will grow by 9% from 2020 to 2030, leading to nearly 907,000 new jobs.

Skipping the GMAT means saving valuable time and resources. This enables you to focus on building a professional portfolio, craft strong applications, and secure relevant recommendations. However, this path may still demand a stronger emphasis on work experience and career progression-so it’s essential to ensure your profile stands out. 

An MBA in the USA without GMAT is not only possible but increasingly accessible. Schedule a call with 小优视频 experts to learn more about the significant opportunities to advance in the global business environment.