Some AACSB-accredited online MBA programs have flexible GPA requirements. While many programs have a minimum GPA requirement for admission, they often consider applications holistically, taking into account various factors beyond GPA. Admissions committees may consider professional experience, letters of recommendation, personal statements, test scores (such as GMAT or GRE), and other relevant qualifications.
Flexibility in GPA requirements can be influenced by factors such as the applicant’s work experience, achievements, and the overall strength of the application. Some programs prioritize a well-rounded candidate with strong professional accomplishments, leadership skills, and a compelling statement of purpose, allowing for flexibility in GPA assessment.
It’s important for prospective students to review the admission criteria of specific online MBA programs they are interested in and to contact the admissions offices directly for detailed information. Program websites often provide insights into the holistic admission process and factors considered in addition to GPA. Applicants are encouraged to communicate openly with admissions advisors to understand how their unique qualifications will be assessed in the application process.
Recommended Online MBA Programs
10 Best Online MBA Programs with Flexible GPA Requirements
| School | Program | Accreditation | Length | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign – Gies College of Business | iMBA at Illinois | AACSB | 2-3 years, 72 credit hours | $332 per credit hour, $24,000 total |
| 2. | North Carolina State University – Poole College of Management | Jenkins MBA | AACSB | 21 months to 6 years, 40 credits | $57,298 in-state, $101,685 out-of-state |
| 3. | Auburn University -Harbert College of Business | Harbert Online MBA | AACSB | 2.5-6 years, 39 credit hours | $950 per credit, $37,050 total |
| 4. | University of Massachusetts Amherst – Isenberg School of Management | Isenberg Online MBA | AACSB | 2-4 years, 39-45 credits | $925 per credit, $34,225-$36,075 total |
| 5. | Washington State University – Carson College of Business | WSU Online MBA | AACSB | 22-29 months | $32,328-$46,696 total |
| 6. | University of Florida – Warrington College of Business | UF MBA Online | AACSB | 2-year and 1-year options | 2yr=$58,000 total 1yr=$48,000 total |
| 7. | University of Wisconsin-Madison – Wisconsin School of Business | Wisconsin Online MBA | AACSB | 2.5-3 years, 36 credits | $850 per credit, $31,000 |
| 8. | Arizona State University – W. P. Carey School of Business | W. P. Carey Online MBA | AACSB | 21-24 months, 57 credits | $66,266 total |
| 9. | Indiana University – Kelley School of Business | Kelley Direct Online MBA | AACSB | 2-3 years, 54 credit hours | $94,944 total |
| 10. | UNC Chapel Hill – Kenan-Flagler School of Business | MBA@UNC | AACSB | 18-36 months | $125,589 total |
1. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign – Gies College of Business
- Unique Feature: The iMBA program emphasizes experiential learning and includes a global capstone project.
- Tuition: Competitive tuition with financial aid options available.
- GPA Requirements: Flexibility in GPA assessment.
- Website: iMBA at Illinois
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s online MBA program, known as the iMBA, stands out for its innovative and accessible approach to business education. This program uniquely integrates a global capstone project, allowing students to apply their skills to real-world global business challenges. With a diverse faculty and a collaborative online learning environment, the iMBA emphasizes experiential learning, affordability, and flexibility in pacing, making it a distinctive choice for individuals seeking a high-quality, globally-focused MBA experience.
2. North Carolina State University – Poole College of Management
- Unique Feature: The NC State online MBA offers a flexible format with a blend of synchronous and asynchronous classes.
- Tuition: Competitive rates with potential for financial aid.
- GPA Requirements: Flexibility based on a holistic review.
- Website: Jenkins MBA
The North Carolina State University (NC State) online MBA program stands out for its unique combination of flexibility and interactive learning. Offering a blend of synchronous and asynchronous classes, the program allows students to engage with coursework on their own schedules while also participating in live, real-time sessions. NC State’s commitment to innovation is evident in its approach to distance education, providing students with a dynamic and collaborative online experience. The program’s emphasis on adaptability and cutting-edge learning methods makes it a top choice for those seeking a forward-thinking MBA education.
3. Auburn University – Harbert College of Business
- Unique Feature: The online MBA allows for customization with elective courses and concentrations.
- Tuition: Provides a value-for-money investment.
- GPA Requirements: Considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Website: Harbert Online MBA
The Auburn University online MBA program distinguishes itself through its emphasis on customization and flexibility. This program allows students to tailor their MBA experience by offering a variety of elective courses and concentrations, aligning with their individual career goals. The online format accommodates the needs of working professionals, providing a convenient pathway to advanced education without the requirement of relocation. Auburn’s commitment to individualized learning and practical customization makes its online MBA program uniquely adaptable for diverse professional aspirations.
4. University of Massachusetts Amherst – Isenberg School of Management
- Unique Feature: Accessible admissions process and a curriculum designed for working professionals.
- Tuition: Cost-effective with various payment plans available.
- GPA Requirements: Considered in a holistic review.
- Website: Isenberg Online MBA
The University of Massachusetts Amherst’s online MBA program, offered by the Isenberg School of Management, stands out for its accessibility and commitment to providing a comprehensive business education. The program is designed for working professionals, offering a flexible format that allows individuals to balance academic pursuits with their existing careers. UMass’s emphasis on a holistic approach to business education, incorporating sustainability and ethics, sets its online MBA apart, ensuring students receive a well-rounded and socially conscious learning experience. The program’s dedication to inclusivity and personalized support contributes to its uniqueness and appeal for a diverse range of students.
5. Washington State University – Carson College of Business
- Unique Feature: The WSU online MBA offers a customizable curriculum with a broad range of electives.
- Tuition: Competitive rates with potential financial aid.
- GPA Requirements: Holistic review of applications.
- Website: WSU Online MBA
The Washington State University (WSU) online MBA program distinguishes itself through its innovative and customizable approach to business education. With a curriculum that emphasizes practical skills and real-world applications, WSU’s program allows students to tailor their learning experience through a diverse range of electives. The program’s flexibility, blending synchronous and asynchronous components, accommodates the schedules of working professionals while fostering a dynamic and interactive online community. WSU’s commitment to providing a relevant and personalized educational journey makes its online MBA uniquely positioned for those seeking a comprehensive and adaptable business education.
Recommended Online MBA Programs
6. University of Florida – Warrington College of Business
- Unique Feature: Innovative online MBA program with dedicated career services.
- Tuition: Competitive rates.
- GPA Requirements: Holistic review with flexibility.
- Website: UF MBA Online
The University of Florida’s online MBA program distinguishes itself through its innovative approach to online learning and strong commitment to student success. Known for its integration of cutting-edge technology and a comprehensive curriculum, the program offers a dynamic and engaging educational experience. The emphasis on real-world applications, coupled with dedicated career services, ensures that students are well-prepared for the challenges of the business world. The University of Florida’s online MBA program uniquely combines flexibility with quality, providing students with a top-tier education that aligns with the demands of the contemporary business landscape.
7. University of Wisconsin–Madison – Wisconsin School of Business
- Unique Feature: Emphasizes strategic leadership and integrated business disciplines in a flexible online MBA program.
- Tuition: Competitive rates.
- GPA Requirements: Holistic consideration of applications.
- Website: Wisconsin Online MBA
The University of Wisconsin’s online MBA program, offered by the Wisconsin School of Business, stands out for its emphasis on strategic leadership and integrated business disciplines. The program provides a flexible and accessible platform for working professionals, allowing them to pursue an advanced business education without the need for relocation. Known for its commitment to academic excellence, the program uniquely blends global perspectives with practical applications, ensuring students acquire a well-rounded understanding of contemporary business challenges. The University of Wisconsin’s online MBA program is distinguished by its holistic approach, combining flexibility, academic rigor, and a global outlook for a comprehensive business education.
8. Arizona State University – W. P. Carey School of Business
- Unique Feature: Focuses on technology and innovation in business for a cutting-edge learning experience.
- Tuition: Competitive tuition with a strong return on investment.
- GPA Requirements: Considered flexibly in the admission process.
- Website: W. P. Carey Online MBA
The Arizona State University (ASU) online MBA program stands out for its innovative and forward-thinking approach to business education. With a focus on technology and innovation, the program provides a cutting-edge learning experience that prepares students for the challenges of the modern business landscape. The emphasis on fostering an entrepreneurial mindset and creative problem-solving distinguishes ASU’s online MBA, creating a dynamic and engaging learning environment. Leveraging ASU’s global reputation and extensive resources, the program uniquely positions students for success by offering a comprehensive and contemporary business education.
9. Indiana University – Kelley School of Business
- Unique Feature: Online MBA emphasizes teamwork and experiential learning, includes a global business immersion experience.
- Tuition: Competitive tuition rates.
- GPA Requirements: Considered flexibly in the admission process.
- Website: Kelley Direct Online MBA
The Indiana University Kelley School of Business online MBA program is distinguished by its emphasis on teamwork and experiential learning. The program integrates a global business immersion experience, allowing students to gain firsthand insights into international business practices. Renowned for its esteemed faculty, the program leverages cutting-edge research and industry expertise, contributing to a dynamic and relevant educational experience. With a commitment to innovation and a global perspective, the Kelley School’s online MBA uniquely prepares students for leadership roles in a rapidly evolving business landscape.
10. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Kenan-Flagler Business School
- Unique Feature: MBA@UNC combines a rigorous curriculum with immersive global experiences.
- Tuition: Potentially higher cost, justified by program quality and reputation.
- GPA Requirements: Considered in a holistic review.
- Website: MBA@UNC
The UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School’s online MBA program, known as MBA@UNC, is distinguished by its combination of a rigorous curriculum and immersive global experiences. The program emphasizes real-world applications of business concepts and offers a dynamic, interactive learning environment through live virtual classes. MBA@UNC stands out for its commitment to developing leadership and communication skills through experiential learning opportunities. The program’s comprehensive support services, including career coaching and networking events, contribute to its uniqueness, positioning it as a competitive choice for those seeking a top-tier online business education.
What is a flexible GPA policy?
When a school has flexible GPA requirements, it means that the institution considers a range of factors beyond the applicant’s Grade Point Average (GPA) in the admissions process. Instead of strictly adhering to a fixed GPA threshold for admission, schools with flexible requirements take a more holistic approach to evaluate an applicant’s overall qualifications. This approach recognizes that an individual’s academic history is just one aspect of their candidacy and considers other factors such as work experience, letters of recommendation, personal statements, test scores, and achievements.
Flexible GPA requirements acknowledge that applicants may bring diverse strengths and experiences to the academic community, and a lower GPA in isolation does not necessarily reflect an individual’s potential for success in a program. This flexibility allows admissions committees to assess each applicant on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the entirety of their qualifications and potential contributions to the academic community.
In summary, schools with flexible GPA requirements aim to create a more inclusive and holistic admissions process, recognizing that academic achievements should be considered within the broader context of an applicant’s skills, experiences, and aspirations.
Why does GPA matter to MBA programs?
Grade Point Average (GPA) is a commonly considered factor in MBA admissions for several reasons:
- Academic Capability Assessment: GPA serves as a quantitative measure of an applicant’s academic performance. MBA programs seek students who have demonstrated the ability to excel in a rigorous academic environment, as this often indicates readiness for the challenges of a graduate-level business curriculum.
- Predictor of Success: Historically, GPA has been used as a predictor of academic success in future studies. Admissions committees may use GPA as a tool to gauge an applicant’s likelihood of thriving in the MBA program.
- Benchmark for Comparisons: GPA provides a standardized metric that allows admissions committees to compare applicants from different educational backgrounds and institutions. It serves as a common ground for evaluating academic achievements.
- Program Rankings and Accreditation: Maintaining high admission standards, including GPA requirements, contributes to the overall academic reputation and rankings of MBA programs. Additionally, accreditation bodies such as AACSB often emphasize the quality of admitted students, including their academic achievements.
- Employer Expectations: Some employers may consider GPA when recruiting MBA graduates. While professional experience and skills gained during the MBA are crucial, a strong academic record can be an indicator of a candidate’s dedication and work ethic.
It’s important to note that while GPA is a significant factor, MBA programs typically use a holistic admissions approach. Admissions committees consider various elements, including work experience, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and standardized test scores (such as GMAT or GRE), to gain a comprehensive understanding of an applicant’s qualifications and potential contributions to the program. The MBA programs in our ranking have flexible GPA requirements, considering a broader set of criteria to assess applicants.
Related:
Best Online MBA Programs that Accept Transfer Credits
Best Online MBA Programs That Don’t Require Work Experience
