MBA in USA without GMAT is offered across some of the top universities, on the condition that applicants fulfil some specific admission criteria. This includes excellent academic performance, high GPA, English proficiency, and professional experience in a related field. MBA universities in USA require a Statement of Purpose, and 1-3 Letters of Recommendation from academic and/or professional supervisors for admission to the program without GMAT.

A minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 (~83-86%) is usually required for admission to MBA without GMAT. Instead of GMAT, some universities accept scores of tests like Executive Assessment Test, GRE, MCAT, LSAT, or DAT. The MBA colleges in USA expect a GRE score of 300 or above from prospective students. A majority of the top MBA universities in USA admit students with a professional experience of 4-6 years or above in a relevant field. 

The average tuition fee of MBA in USA without GMAT is around 52,000 USD (42.97 lakhs INR). The tuition fee widely varies across universities and ranges from 25,000 to 80,000 USD (20.66 to 66.12 lakhs INR) and more. The program offers a high return on investment with graduates earning average salaries of up to 175,000 USD (1.44 crore INR) per annum. Graduates of MBA in USA work across leading companies like Amazon, Bank of America, Benjamin Moore & Co., Deloitte, H&M, and MetLife among others.
Also Explore: MBA Jobs in USA

MBA in USA Without GMAT: Top Universities

Though getting an MBA in USA without GMAT scores may seem difficult, there are still many universities offering GMAT waiver to meritorious students. Some of these institutes include University of Wisconsin, Babson college, University of Iowa, and more. Some of the top universities offering MBA in USA without GMAT and their respective admission requirements are as follows:

University/ Business School Admission Requirements Supporting Documents Criteria for GMAT waivers
Kellogg School of Management 3-4 years undergraduate degree Written essays (450 words) | Video essays of 20-25 minutes | Current CV and Career History | GRE score (Average score: Verbal: 162, Quant: 163) | 2 LORs | Virtual interviews GRE score (Average score: Verbal: 162, Quant: 163)
Sawyer Business School 4 years undergraduate degree or equivalent | GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 (83-86%) Goal statement | Resume | LOR from faculty member GRE and GMAT score waived for all eligible candidates with satisfactory academic scores 
Columbia Business School Bachelor’s degree | Executive assessment or GRE Professional resume | Multiple Essays of 300-500 words | Short answer questions | 1 LOR | Interview  Executive Assessment Test or GRE score (No bar)
New York Institute of Technology B.S. degree or its equivalent from an accredited institute | GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 (83-86%) Optional GMAT score for students with a low GPA GPA of 3.0 or above out of 4.0 (83-86%)
Colorado State University Undergraduate degree in a relevant field from a recognized institute Current resume | Leadership experience | Extracurricular activities | Language proficiencies | Professional development and service Have 8+ years of professional experience
Hult International Business School Bachelor’s degree or equivalent 3 or more years of work experience | 2 or more language proficiency (English plus one other language) 3+ years of work experience
Rutgers Business School Undergraduate degree with a GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 (83-86%) GRE or EA | 3 years of professional experience | Current Resume | 500 words essay | Completed Financial Affidavit of Support Take Executive Assessment Test
Golden Gate University Undergraduate degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.2 out of 4.0 (86-89%) SOP and Resume recommended for a GPA less than 3.0 out of 4.0 |  Cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 | Masters degree from a Regionally accredited US institute | Have 5+ years of mamagerial experience or 4+ years of millitary experience | Official GRE score (No bar)
DePaul University Undergraduate degree in a relevant field Essay explaining interest | Resume | Professional LOR | GRE scores of 293 and above | Interview GMAT is optional | Professional resume explaining work experience
University of St. Thomas Undergraduate degree in a relevant field 8 years of work experience | 9 years of management experience UG GPA of more than 3.3 out of 4.0 (89%)

Types of MBA in USA Without GMAT

MBA in USA is offered across several top universities without GMAT scores, subject to demonstration of distinct admission requirements. The universities offer various types of MBA programs in USA without GMAT score. These programs are as follows:

  • Full Time MBA
  • Tech MBA
  • Dual Degrees

Following are the significant factors considered by the universities and business schools in USA that do not require GMAT scores:

  • Supplementary entrance exam scores like GRE score of 300 or above, Executive Assessment Test and others
  • Work experience of 5-8 years
  • Outstanding previous academic scores with GPA of 3.0 or above out of 4.0 scale (83-86%)

Note: In some universities, GMAT scores are optional, but highly recommended.

Executive MBA in USA without GMAT

Professional students or students planning to acccelerte their MBA program can choose to pursue executive MBA in USA without GMAT. Executive MBA is USA is available for professionals with at least 8-10 years of experience. Many B-schools may also need you to have at least 15 years of experience. It is therefore significant for prospective students to thoroughly explore the application requirements of executive MBA courses in USA. Some of the top colleges in USA offering executive MBA in USA without GMAT scores are as follows:

MBA in USA Without GMAT: Admission Requirements

Each university has a specific set of requirements that must be fulfilled by international students to get into an MBA program without GMAT scores. Some of the common admission requirements for the application process of MBA in USA without GMAT score are as follows:

  • Academic transcripts
  • GPA of 3.5 or above out of 4.0 (89-90%)
  • English proficiency test score:
    • TOEFL iBT score of 80+ or equivalent
  • Statement of Purpose for MBA
  • Resume (preferably 1-page)
  • 2-3 LOR for MBA (as per university)
  • 2 years of professional experience or more (Average: 5-8 years or above)

MBA in USA Without GMAT: Application Deadlines

A majority of the MBA programs in USA without GMAT scores accepts applications on a first-come-first-serve basis. Following are the application deadlines of MBA in USA without GMAT across some of the top universities:

University Application Deadlines
Kellogg School of Management Round 3: April 5, 2023
Sawyer Business School Fall: July 15, 2023 | Spring: December 1, 2023 | Summer: April 1, 2023 (Priority), then rolling
Columbia Business School August 2023 Entry: April 5, 2023
New York Institute of Technology Rolling application based on seat availability
Colorado State University International Deadline: May 1, 2023
Hult International Business School Round 3: February 16, 2023
Rutgers Business School Round 3: March 15 (Deadline for International Application) 
Golden Gate University Rolling admission | Fall Term Start: September 4, 2023  
DePaul University Applications accepted throughout the year for Fall term
University of St. Thomas Fall: Round 1: April 3, 2023 | Round 2: June 30, 2023 | Final Deadline: August 30 | Spring: Round 1: October 30, 2023 | Round 2: November 30, 2023 | Final Deadline: January 30, 2023 | Summer: Round 1: March 30, 2023 | Round 2: April 30, 2023 | Round 3: May 30, 2023

Note: These are only a few among the numerous universities in USA offering MBA without GMAT. The program is available across universities in part time, evening and online modes.

MBA in USA Without GMAT: Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for MBA in USA without GMAT ranges between 25,000 to 80,000 USD (20.66 to 66.12 lakhs INR) and above. The tuition costs for MBA in USA without GMAT across some of the popular universities are as follows:

University Total Tuition Fees (USD) Equivalent Tuition Fee (INR) 
Kellogg School of Management 78,276 64.71 lakhs
Columbia Business School 80,472 66.18 lakhs
New York Institute of Technology 39,960 32.86 lakhs
Colorado State University 43,035 35.39 lakhs
Rutgers Business School 25,364 20.85 lakhs
Golden Gate University 75,000 61.68 lakhs
DePaul University 42,189 34.69 lakhs
University of St. Thomas 58,680 48.25 lakhs

Also Check: Cost of Living in USA

Following are some of the basic differences between the cost of living in USA vs India:

Cost of Living in USA vs India

MBA in USA Without GMAT: Scholarships

International students pursuing MBA in USA without GMAT can avail a range of scholarships to study in USA. These scholarships or fellowships cover full or partial tuition fee of the students. Some of the popular scholarships for MBA in USA without GMAT are as follows:

Scholarship Eligibility Award Amount
McKinsey Award Meritorious students from underrepresented groups Sponsorship of 2,500 USD
Donald P. Jacobs International Scholarships Meritorius 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
MIT Sloan Master's Fellowships Academic excellence | Professional achievements | Potential to enhance the MIT Sloan community Variable fellowships for 1st and 2nd year

Also Explore: MBA Scholarships in USA

MBA in USA without GMAT: Placements

Students completing MBA in USA without GMAT earn similar salaries like students enrolling with GMAT scores. Graduates are paid based on their merit, skills and internship or related experience. Following are the salaries of the MBA graduates of some of the universities offering the program without GMAT:

Institute Average Salary of MBA Graduates (USD) Equivalent Salary of Graduates for Indians (INR)
Columbia Business School 175,000 1.44 crore
New York Institute of Technology 84,580 69.74 lakhs
Colorado State University 127,395 1.04 crore
Rutgers Business School 106,372 87.71 lakhs
DePaul University 75,000 61.84 lakhs

A graphical comparison between the average salary of the MBA graduates of US universities accepting students without GMAT scores is provided below:

MBA in USA Without GMAT Salary by Institute
Also Explore: MBA Jobs in USA

The requirements for MBA admission in USA are dynamic. There may be remarkable changes each year or session depending on several factors. Applicants are hence suggested to ensure that they go through the requirements of the b-school they choose to apply for. Additionally, various universities offer case-specific GMAT waivers where each individual is judged for their skill set and the admissions committee decides whether he/she can be offered a GMAT waiver or not. In such cases, you must contact your university and enquire about the same.

FAQs

Ques: Is GMAT mandatory for MBA in USA business schools?

Ans: No, the requirement of GMAT for admission to MBA in USA varies with schools. There are schools that have GMAT score as an optional requirement for MBA program, while others do not require GMAT scores. Instead, students need a GPA of 3.0 or above out of 4.0 (83-86%), professional experience of up to 15+ years and scores of other exams like Executive Assessment Test, GRE, MCAT, LSAT and more.

Ques: Can I pursue MBA in USA without GMAT at the top universities?

Ans: Yes. Some of the top universities and their business schools do consider applications for MBA in USA without GMAT. Some of these top universities are as follows:

  • Northwestern University – Kellogg School of Management
  • Columbia University – Columbia Business School
  • Hult Business School
  • Suffolk University – Sawyer Business School
  • University of Phoenix

Ques: Do US universities charge extra fees for granting GMAT waivers?

Ans: No. US universities that grant GMAT waiver do not charge extra fees. Instead, the applicants are required to meet certain eligibility criteria to be eligible to apply for the waiver.

Ques: What GPA is required for MBA in USA without GMAT?

Ans: Incoming MBA students at the top 50 business schools in USA have GPAs ranging from 3.2 to 3.73 out of 4.0 (87 to 93%). Mentioned below are the average GPA score of universities offering MBA in USA without GMAT.

University GPA Requirement (Out of 4.0) Equivalent in Percentage
Northwestern University 3.6 89-90%
Suffolk University 3.0 83-86%
University of Phoenix 2.5 79-80%
Pace University 3.0 83-86%
University of Delaware 2.8 83%
University of St. Thomas 2.75 82%

Ques: What exams can I take instead of GMAT for MBA in USA?

Ans: Many US universities accept GRE score instead of GMAT. Some universities also accept LSAT and MCAT scores instead of GMAT. Students need to successfully complete Executive Assessment Test for admission to MBA in a few universities in USA. Applicants must check with their universities about the tests accepted instead of GMAT at the time of admission.