Shahid Mustaq Murshed Study Abroad Content Specialist
Study Abroad Content Specialist
Each year, thousands of Indian students choose the USA for their MBA studies. Did you know that many top US universities now offer MBA programs without requiring the GMAT? This makes it easier for professionals with strong work experience or academic records to apply. In fact, over 30% of MBA programs in USA allow admissions without GMAT, focusing on other aspects like your resume, work achievements, and leadership skills.
Eminent business schools like Kellogg School of Management, Sawyer Business School, and Columbia Business School offer MBA in USA without GMAT. Regarding the other requirements for admission to US MBA without GMAT, you will need the following:
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (83-86%)
- SOP for MBA in USA
- 1-3 letters of recommendation from academic and/ or professional supervisors
- GRE score of 320 or above
Also read: Why Study in USA?
MBA Universities in USA Without GMAT
Many top b-schools in USA offer GMAT waivers to meritorious students for admission to their MBA programs. Some of the top universities for MBA in USA without GMAT and their respective tuition fees, GMAT waiving criteria and rankings are as follows:
| QS Global MBA Ranking | University | GMAT Waiver Criteria | MBA Tuition Fees/ year in USD |
|---|---|---|---|
| #8 | Columbia Business School | Executive Assessment Test or GRE score (No bar) | 88,300 |
| #11 | Kellogg School of Management | GRE score: Verbal: 162, Quant: 163 | 56,168 |
| #141-150 | Rutgers Business School | Executive Assessment Test | 33,722 |
| #151-200 | Colorado State University - College of Business | 8+ years of professional experience | 27,362 |
| #251 | Sawyer Business School | GRE and GMAT score waived for all eligible candidates with satisfactory academic scores | 53,940 |
Other Universities for MBA in USA Without GMAT
There are some more universities that offer MBA in USA without GMAT, but not ranked in QS Global MBA rankings. Here is the list of those.
| University | GMAT Waiver Criteria | MBA Tuition Fees/ year in USD |
|---|---|---|
| New York Institute of Technology | GPA of 3.0 or above out of 4.0 (85%) | 44,100 |
| Hult International Business School | 3+ years of professional experience | 45,300 |
| Golden Gate University | Cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 | Masters degree from a Regionally accredited US institute | Have 5+ years of managerial experience or 4+ years of military experience | Official GRE score (No bar) | 13,080 |
| DePaul University | Professional resume explaining work experience | 35,760 |
| University of St. Thomas | GPA of more than 3.3 out of 4.0 (89%) | 15,600 |
1 Year MBA in USA Without GMAT
If you are looking for 1-year MBA options without GMAT in the USA, then here is a list of institutions worth checking out:
- Bryant University
- The University of Findlay
- University of the People
- Goizueta Business School
- Babson College
- University of Vermont
- Mercy College
- Clarkson University Graduate School
Also read: One Year MBA in USA
Executive MBA in USA Without GMAT
If you have more than 5-6 years of experience and want to do an MBA but within a year, an EMBA or Executive MBA is USA can be a good choice. The good news is that you can get into an EMBA without GMAT in the following universities.
- Stern School of Business
- Anderson School of Management
- Marshall School of Business
- MIT Sloan School of Management
- Ross School of Business
- McDonough School of Business
MBA in USA Without GMAT Admission Requirements
Each university has a specific set of requirements that must be fulfilled to get into an MBA program without GMAT scores. The common admission requirements for the MBA in USA without GMAT are as follows
- Academic transcripts
- GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale (83-86%)
- English proficiency test score:
- TOEFL iBT: 80
- IELTS: 6.5+
- Resume (preferably 1-page)
- Statement of purpose for MBA
- 2 years of professional experience or more (Average 5–8 years or above)
- Outstanding GRE score of 320+
- 2-3 LOR for USA (as per university requirement)
Scholarships for MBA in USA Without GMAT
International students pursuing MBA without GMAT can avail a range of scholarships to study in USA. These scholarships or fellowships cover the full or partial tuition fees, cover the living and traveling costs. A few of the popular MBA without GMAT in USA scholarships are as follows:
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Award Amount |
|---|---|---|
| McKinsey Award | Meritorious students from underrepresented groups | Sponsorship of 2,500 USD |
| Donald P. Jacobs International Scholarships | Meritorious international students pursuing 2 year MBA | Variable amount |
| Stern School of Business Dean’s Scholarship | Limited number of meritorious admitted students | Full tuition fee |
| Columbia Business School Board Fellowships | Incoming students with exceptional academic and professional potential | Full tuition fee award, renewable for the 2nd year |
Advantages of Studying MBA in USA Without GMAT
Studying an MBA in USA can be a tough decision to make. The things that can help you back your decision are job prospects and how MBA in USA is better. Some reasons for studying MBA in America without GMAT are:
- Option to work in top organizations like Google, Amazon, Accenture, Deloitte, Cognizant, among others
- The demand for financial managers is likely to increase by 11% by the year 2026.
- The employment rate within 3 months of graduation is 82.8% as per US News and world reports
- According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in management occupations is expected to grow 9% from 2020 to 2030, resulting in about 906,800 new jobs.
- No need to spend on GMAT registration (approx. 23,000 to 26,000 INR) or take time off for studying
- Without GMAT scores, the application process is faster, helping you start your MBA sooner.
The average annual salary after MBA in USA without GMAT ranges from INR 70 lakhs to INR 1.45 crore annually for graduates from top business schools. An MBA in USA without GMAT can be a game-changer for Indian students seeking world-class education and global career opportunities. By focusing on your professional achievements, building a strong application, and targeting universities offering GMAT waivers, you can achieve your MBA goals without the need for standardized testing.
FAQs
Ques: Are there US universities offering MBA programs without GRE or GMAT?
Ans: Yes, several universities in the USA offer MBA programs without GRE or GMAT requirements. Schools like Columbia Business School, MIT Sloan, and Kellogg School of Management provide GMAT waivers or accept alternatives like work experience and academic performance. These programs are great for professionals with strong resumes looking to bypass standardized tests.
Ques: In the USA, do most MBA colleges accept the GRE or GMAT?
Ans: Yes, most MBA programs in the USA accept either the GRE or GMAT as part of their admission process. However, many schools now provide flexibility by accepting either a test or offering waivers based on work experience, leadership roles, or academic achievements.
Ques: Is GMAT easier than CAT?
Ans: This depends on your strengths. The GMAT is more reasoning-focused, with a predictable pattern and relatively straightforward questions. CAT is tougher for many because of its unpredictability and higher difficulty in sections like Quantitative Aptitude. If you’re good at logical thinking and data analysis, the GMAT might feel easier.
Ques: Can I go to Harvard without GMAT?
Ans: Yes, Harvard Business School does allow GMAT waivers for its MBA program, but only in exceptional cases. You’ll need to demonstrate a strong academic background, significant work experience, and leadership potential to be considered without a GMAT score.
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