Ranked by cost, accreditation, and outcomes — with GRE-free vs. waiver-eligible programs clearly distinguished.
Which online MHA programs have permanently stopped requiring the GRE? In 2026, CAHME-accredited programs are dropping the test in growing numbers, led by public universities such as UNC Charlotte, USC Price, and the University of Washington. These are not temporary waivers; they represent permanent policy changes.
The landscape now includes three models: permanently GRE-free, test-optional, and conditional waivers tied to GPA or experience. The distinction matters because it determines whether you can apply test-free or must compensate with a strong academic record. Graduate salary data shows that skipping the GRE does not hold back career progression, and program costs remain comparable to GRE-required paths.
The programs below were selected based on a combination of cost, accreditation, graduate outcomes, and accessibility for working professionals. Each listing notes whether the program is permanently GRE-free, test-optional, or offers conditional waivers tied to GPA or experience. Because program-level earnings data is not yet available for most online MHA programs, we note institution-wide graduate earnings where reported and encourage readers to contact programs directly for the latest placement figures. All GRE policies reflect verified 2025-2026 admissions cycles; always confirm with the program before applying.
Cincinnati, OH · $26,000/yr
Best for: CAHME-seeking mid-career Ohio Valley professionals
The University of Cincinnati's online Executive MHA is both permanently GRE-free and CAHME-accredited, a combination that remains relatively uncommon among public research universities. Housed jointly in Allied Health Sciences and the Lindner College of Business, the program follows the NCHL competency model and includes an industry advisory board of regional health-system leaders. Its 40-credit, part-time structure is built for mid-career professionals who want to keep working while completing a capstone that culminates in a publishable research paper.
Chicago, IL · ~$11,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Research-minded learners near Chicago health systems
UIC's hybrid MHA gives students access to one of the largest public health research infrastructures in the Midwest while requiring no entrance exam. The 56-credit curriculum covers health finance, data analytics, quality management, and population health, and includes both a capstone project and a supervised preceptorship. Strong ties to Chicago-area health systems create practicum and employment pipelines that benefit online professional-track students even if they study from outside Illinois.
New York, NY · $37,000/yr
Best for: Aspiring executives wanting NYC immersion
NYU Wagner's online MHA pairs CAHME accreditation with a cohort-based, lock-step format delivered over seven semesters. Weekly live discussions and a required New York City immersion give online students direct exposure to one of the nation's largest health-care markets. The curriculum emphasizes AI in health care, data visualization, health equity, and evidence-based management, and test scores are entirely optional for admission.
New Brunswick, NJ · $24,000/yr (net price)
Rutgers' CAHME-accredited MHA is one of the few test-optional programs in the New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania corridor that also includes a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification. The 45-credit evening and hybrid format, combined with rolling admissions and two annual start dates, fits busy schedules. Faculty bring more than 300 years of combined industry experience, and a dedicated career counselor supports graduates targeting hospital, consulting, and health-policy roles.
Athens, OH · $22,000/yr
Ohio University's fully online MHA requires no entrance exam and holds CAHME accreditation, pairing strong credentials with practical flexibility. Students choose from four specializations and earn an embedded graduate certificate alongside the degree, a stackable model that delivers short-term career value before graduation. The program reports a 98 percent employment or continued-education rate among recent graduates.
Ogden, UT · ~$10,000/yr (est.)
Weber State's CAHME-accredited MHA uses a hybrid model with online coursework and evening classes, letting students finish in four semesters. Faculty include former hospital CEOs and administrators, and employer partners such as Intermountain Healthcare, HCA, and Kaiser Permanente regularly hire graduates. No GRE or GMAT is required, and the program reports 98 percent of graduates employed in health care at completion.
Chester, PA · ~$26,000/yr (est.)
Widener's MBA in Health Care Management blends AACSB-accredited business training with a required 360-hour administrative residency at partners like Penn Medicine and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. No GRE or GMAT is needed, rolling admissions run year-round, and the program reports 100 percent employment within 90 days of graduation. A hybrid or fully online format with seven-week course terms gives working professionals significant scheduling flexibility.
Weston, MA · $25,000 – $30,000/yr
Regis College's 100 percent online MHA weaves social justice into every course, making it a standout choice for students drawn to mission-driven health leadership. The program requires no GRE, can be completed in as few as 24 months, and is taught by active industry professionals. Regis positions graduates for roles across hospitals, clinics, government agencies, and insurance companies in the New England region and beyond.
San Antonio, TX · $23,000/yr
The University of the Incarnate Word's CAHME-accredited MHA serves working professionals through synchronous online and residential evening classes in a cohort format. No GRE or GMAT is required, and students complete 48 credit hours in 21 months, including Lean Six Sigma Green Belt training and a consulting-style capstone. Located in San Antonio's large health-care market, the program reports a 94 percent employment rate and offers military tuition discounts.
Montgomery, AL · $10,000 – $15,000/yr
Auburn University at Montgomery offers a CAHME-accredited online MHA through its AACSB-accredited College of Business, combining health-care leadership training with strong business fundamentals. The program features a 7-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio and faculty with decades of hospital executive experience. The GMAT is not required for qualifying students, and military-friendly benefits include Yellow Ribbon participation.
Morgantown, WV · $16,000/yr
West Virginia University's fully online MHA is designed for experienced health-care professionals and requires no GRE or GMAT. The 35-credit program allows students to complete internship hours with their current employer, an especially practical feature for those in rural or small-market settings across Appalachia and the Mid-Atlantic. Asynchronous 16-week terms and the option to waive up to five credits add further flexibility.
Washington, DC · $50,000 – $55,000/yr
Howard University's 100 percent online MHA emphasizes cultural competence, health equity, and evidence-based leadership, distinguishing it as one of the few HBCU-affiliated health administration programs at the graduate level. No GRE or GMAT is required, and the flexible virtual format targets working professionals aiming to address health disparities and improve organizational performance across hospitals, policy settings, and consulting.
Immaculata, PA · $24,000/yr
Immaculata University's online M.S. in Health Care Management is a compact, 30-credit program completable in five semesters with no entrance exam. Seven-week course blocks let students focus on one subject at a time, and a stackable graduate certificate adds incremental value. At roughly $730 per credit, it ranks among the more affordable private options in the Philadelphia and Mid-Atlantic corridor.
Galloway, NJ · $21,000/yr (net price)
Stockton University's MBA in Healthcare Administration and Leadership is a 42-credit hybrid program that blends online coursework with Saturday classes. No entrance exam is required for applicants with a 3.0 GPA or higher, and rolling admissions allow starts in fall, spring, or summer. The interdisciplinary curriculum is co-taught by business and health-science faculty, and a capstone in healthcare strategy integrates both perspectives.
San Marcos, TX · $17,000/yr
Texas State University's Executive MHA is a fully online, asynchronous program aimed at experienced health-care professionals seeking leadership advancement. No GRE is required, and the accelerated format has been recognized among the top 50 online MHA programs for affordability. Its public-university tuition rates make it one of the lower-cost options for both in-state and out-of-state students.
Rochester, NY · $23,000/yr
Roberts Wesleyan University offers a fully online M.S. in Health Administration grounded in servant-leadership principles. No GRE or GMAT is required, class sizes stay under 20, and the 40-credit program can be finished in 12 to 20 months. A 25 percent tuition discount for corporate partners and IACBE accreditation add practical and credential value.
Nashville, TN · $17,000/yr (net price)
Trevecca Nazarene University's online MHA follows a cohort model that moves students through one course at a time over 20 months. At $500 per credit and a total program cost of about $20,000, it is among the most affordable options on this list. No GRE is required, and the program includes 120 clinical hours plus a capstone project, blending classroom learning with hands-on application.
Arlington, VA · $5,000 – $10,000/yr
The University of Management and Technology offers a fully online, 45-credit MHA with rolling admissions and one of the lowest per-credit rates on this list at $390. No GMAT or GRE is required. The curriculum spans health economics, financial management, epidemiology, and a capstone analyzing health-policy issues. Military and veteran tuition discounts are available.
Mequon, WI · $36,000/yr
Concordia University Wisconsin's MBA in Healthcare Administration lets students choose online, live Zoom, or on-campus delivery for each individual course. No GRE is required, and eight-week terms with multiple annual start dates keep the 36-credit program moving. An optional healthcare internship and a stackable graduate certificate add experiential and credential flexibility.
Bronx, NY · $22,000/yr
The University of Mount Saint Vincent's online MBA in Healthcare Management can be completed in as few as 12 months with a total tuition of roughly $15,630. No GMAT is required, and seven-week course terms with four annual start dates keep the program moving quickly. The curriculum covers health-care finance, policy, law, and marketing, capped by a strategic management course.
Virginia Beach, VA · ~$20,000/yr (est.)
Regent University's M.A. in Organizational Leadership with a Healthcare Management concentration blends leadership theory with health-care-specific coursework across 33 credit hours. No GMAT or GRE is needed, and six start sessions per year provide near-continuous enrollment. The Executive Mentor Program pairs students with seasoned business leaders, and Regent is recognized as a Top 10 Military Friendly School.
Kenosha, WI · ~$12,000/yr (est.)
UW-Parkside's online M.S. in Healthcare Administration requires no GMAT or GRE and delivers 37 credits across 13 self-paced courses. The curriculum emphasizes strategic decision-making, data analytics, and emerging health-care topics. Public-university pricing keeps costs low, particularly for Wisconsin residents.
Bristol, TN · $22,000/yr
King University's online MHA is a compact 30-credit program completable in about one year. No GMAT is required, and a portfolio-based comprehensive assessment replaces a traditional final exam. At $605 per credit, the program offers competitive pricing along with GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon benefits for military-affiliated students.
Kansas City, MO · ~$16,000/yr (est.)
Avila University's online MBA in Healthcare Administration is IACBE-accredited and requires no GRE or GMAT. The 30-credit program can be finished in about 12 months at $650 per credit, with textbooks integrated into the online platform at no extra charge. Eight-week asynchronous courses and multiple start dates keep the schedule flexible for working professionals.
UNC Charlotte, USC Price, and the University of Washington have all eliminated the GRE entirely from their MHA admissions process, meaning no applicant, regardless of GPA or background, will ever be asked to submit a test score.12 Yet a quick search for "no GRE MHA programs online" returns results that blend these permanently GRE-free programs with schools that still require the exam under certain conditions. Understanding the real differences between these three categories can save you weeks of preparation and hundreds of dollars in test fees when evaluating online master of health administration programs.
A permanently GRE-free program has removed standardized testing from its admissions requirements with no exceptions. You will not find an asterisk or a footnote. The University of Washington, for example, does not require the GRE and does not accept the GMAT, though applicants may optionally submit GRE scores if they believe the results strengthen their application. UNC Charlotte and USC Price's Executive MHA similarly list no required entrance exam.12 These programs evaluate candidates on transcripts, professional experience, personal statements, and letters of recommendation.
GRE-optional policies give every applicant the choice: submit scores if you have them, skip them if you do not. The distinction from GRE-free is subtle but real. In a GRE-optional model, admissions committees may still review submitted scores as supplemental evidence. This can benefit applicants whose undergraduate GPA does not fully reflect their academic ability, but it also means applicants with strong scores may gain a marginal advantage. Florida Atlantic University takes a version of this approach, not requiring the GMAT or GRE for qualified applicants while granting automatic waivers for those who hold an advanced degree.4
Conditional waivers are the category most likely to trip up applicants. These programs advertise GRE flexibility, but the waiver only activates when you meet specific criteria. Common triggers include:
If you do not meet the stated conditions, these programs still expect a GRE score. Samford specifies that required scores should include a combined Verbal and Quantitative total of at least 300 with an Analytical Writing score of 4.0, taken within the last five years.5
The practical difference comes down to one question: will you need to study for, register for, and pay for the GRE? If a program is permanently GRE-free, the answer is always no. If a program uses conditional waivers, the answer depends on your transcript, your resume, and your credentials. Misreading a conditional waiver as a blanket policy can delay your application by the time it takes to schedule a testing appointment, prepare, and receive scores.
So, is the GRE required for MHA programs in 2026? Increasingly, the answer is no. The trend across both CAHME-accredited and regionally accredited programs has moved decisively toward reducing or removing the standardized testing requirement. But "no GRE" is not a universal label. Read each program's admissions page carefully, check whether the waiver is automatic or conditional, and confirm whether your profile qualifies before you finalize your application list.
Not all "no GRE" policies are created equal. The three most common approaches differ in who qualifies, what conditions apply, and how much certainty you have before you start the application. Use the comparison below to identify which category fits your profile.
Removing the GRE from admission requirements does not weaken the academic rigor of a CAHME-accredited MHA program. The Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education evaluates programs on competency-based outcomes, faculty qualifications, and experiential learning, none of which hinge on whether applicants submitted standardized test scores.
CAHME accreditation focuses on what students can do after graduation, not how they performed on a single exam before enrollment. Programs must demonstrate that graduates meet defined competencies in healthcare finance, organizational behavior, health policy, and strategic planning. Faculty credentials, student advising structures, and capstone or residency experiences all factor into the accreditation decision. Whether a program requires the GRE, offers conditional waivers, or has dropped the test entirely has no bearing on these standards.
As of 2026, CAHME has accredited approximately 170 graduate programs in healthcare administration nationwide. Of those, only eleven offer fully online or hybrid delivery formats. Among the no-GRE and GRE-waiver programs ranked in this guide, several hold CAHME accreditation, including George Mason University, George Washington University, the University of Cincinnati, and Seton Hall University , programs that also appear among our affordable online MHA programs and fastest online MHA programs.
Some healthcare systems and administrative fellowship programs specifically screen for CAHME-accredited degrees when hiring. When a standardized test score is absent from your application file, the accreditation status of your program becomes even more important as an external quality signal. Fellowship programs at major health systems often list CAHME accreditation as a requirement or strong preference, and HR departments at hospitals and health plans may use it as a filter when reviewing resumes.
Regional accreditation from bodies like the Higher Learning Commission, SACSCOC, or Middle States remains the baseline requirement for any legitimate graduate degree. This institutional accreditation ensures the university meets broad academic and financial standards. CAHME accreditation sits on top of that as a programmatic layer specific to healthcare management education. Both matter, but CAHME is the credential that tells employers your MHA curriculum was reviewed by professionals in your field.
Tuition for no-GRE MHA programs varies dramatically depending on whether a school is public or private, and whether you qualify for in-state rates. The table below shows published graduate tuition figures alongside each institution's effective net price, which is drawn from federal data reported to the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard, 2023). One important caveat: the net price figure is an institution-wide average that reflects undergraduate and graduate financial aid patterns across the entire university. It is a useful approximation for comparing affordability, but it is not a program-specific quote. Always confirm current MHA tuition directly with the program before enrolling.
| School | State | Public or Private | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Effective Net Price (Institution-Wide) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weber State University | UT | Public | $9,066 | $18,679 | $10,258 |
| University of Illinois Chicago | IL | Public | $17,550 | $27,748 | $10,974 |
| University of Wisconsin-Parkside | WI | Public | $10,184 | $20,811 | $11,772 |
| Auburn University at Montgomery | AL | Public | $9,136 | $19,558 | $13,224 |
| West Virginia University | WV | Public | $11,412 | $29,538 | $15,634 |
| Avila University | MO | Private | $10,800 | $10,800 | $16,053 |
| Texas State University | TX | Public | $8,997 | $16,377 | $16,805 |
| Trevecca Nazarene University | TN | Private | $10,537 | $10,537 | $16,813 |
| Florida Institute of Technology | FL | Private | $16,860 | $16,860 | $18,405 |
| Campbellsville University | KY | Private | $9,920 | $9,920 | $19,341 |
| Regent University | VA | Private | $17,869 | $17,869 | $19,923 |
| Stockton University | NJ | Public | $17,262 | $24,264 | $20,670 |
| Ohio University | OH | Public | $9,720 | $17,712 | $21,637 |
| University of Mount Saint Vincent | NY | Private | $15,940 | $15,940 | $21,696 |
| King University | TN | Private | $16,073 | $16,073 | $22,347 |
| University of the Incarnate Word | TX | Private | $22,650 | $22,650 | $22,775 |
| Roberts Wesleyan University | NY | Private | $15,580 | $15,580 | $23,130 |
| Immaculata University | PA | Private | $12,780 | $12,780 | $24,258 |
| Rutgers University | NJ | Public | $23,241 | $37,689 | $24,406 |
| University of Cincinnati | OH | Public | $14,902 | $26,674 | $25,648 |
| Widener University | PA | Private | $28,004 | $28,004 | $25,759 |
| Regis College | MA | Private | $17,910 | $17,910 | $27,477 |
| Concordia University-Wisconsin | WI | Private | $13,260 | $13,260 | $36,201 |
| New York University | NY | Private | $42,726 | $42,726 | $37,050 |
When you bypass the GRE, the trade-off is clear: you save time and anxiety now, but how does that choice affect your paycheck later? The good news is that across no-GRE MHA programs, graduates consistently land in the top tier of healthcare earners.
Earnings data at the program level, one and four years after graduation, is not yet widely reported for most of these schools. However, broader institutional outcomes for federal aid recipients give a useful yardstick. Across the ten ranked programs, median annual earnings approximately ten years after starting range from about $56,000 to $83,000, with most landing in the $65,000 to $75,000 range. That places early- and mid-career pay well above the national median for all occupations.
Median debt at graduation typically falls between $15,000 and $27,000. In practice, that means a graduate's annual earnings often exceed their total student debt within the first year or two of work. When you compare a debt load of $20,000 against an earnings trajectory that can quickly reach $70,000 or more, the return on the degree quickly becomes tangible.
Nationally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $117,960 for medical and health services managers. The top 10% earn more than $216,750, and even the entry point at the 10th percentile is $67,900. With employment projected to grow 23% through 2034, adding over 142,000 new jobs and generating roughly 62,100 openings per year, the profession offers both stability and upward mobility.
When you frame no-GRE MHA programs within that national picture, the ROI argument strengthens. Graduates from these programs are entering a field where the earnings ceiling is high and demand is robust. The short-term savings from avoiding test prep and fees are just the start; the long-term payoff is driven by career placement, not by how you got into the program.
There is no evidence that graduates from GRE-requiring MHA programs out-earn those from no-GRE alternatives. Federal outcomes data treats all completers equally, regardless of admissions test policy, and salary trajectories are shaped by factors like program accreditation, professional network, and labor market conditions. CAHME accreditation, which many of these programs hold, is a far more reliable signal of program quality and employer recognition than a standardized test requirement.
Most MHA graduates see meaningful salary growth between their first and fourth years after completing the degree, with mid-career earnings often climbing 20% or more as graduates move into senior leadership roles. However, program-level earnings broken out by post-completion year are not yet available for the top no-GRE MHA programs in our ranking. Institution-wide data from the U.S. Department of Education offers a broader reference point for long-term return on investment.
Applying to a no-GRE online MHA program means proving your potential through more than just test scores. This shift emphasizes your academic record, professional achievements, and readiness for graduate-level work. The absence of a GRE requirement does not lower the bar; it simply changes how you meet it.
Program websites are your primary source for accurate, up-to-date admissions criteria. Admissions pages often include a dedicated section on testing requirements, waiver conditions, and documentation needed. Look for phrases like “GRE not required,” “test-optional,” or “GRE waiver available.” If the details are unclear, contact the admissions office directly. They can clarify whether a waiver applies to your situation, such as a qualifying GPA, prior graduate degree, clinical license, or years of healthcare management experience, and what alternative materials to submit.
GRE flexibility must not compromise academic quality. Confirm that the program holds CAHME accreditation, which ensures it meets national standards for healthcare management education. CAHME’s website lists accredited programs, but individual school pages also highlight this credential. If accreditation status is hard to confirm, reach out to the program directly. Additionally, professional organizations like the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) publish guidelines on what to look for in a quality MHA. Reviewing curriculum maps, faculty bios, and student outcomes on program websites gives you a clearer picture of what the degree delivers.
No-GRE policies may not apply to international candidates automatically. Most programs require proof of English proficiency through TOEFL or IELTS scores, even if the GRE is waived. Credential evaluation, often through services like WES or ECE, is standard for transcripts earned outside the U.S. Verify these requirements on each program’s international admissions page. Admissions offices can explain how your prior coursework translates and whether any additional documentation is needed to demonstrate readiness.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) provides median pay, projected growth, and typical entry-level education for medical and health services managers. This helps you weigh the return on investment of any MHA program, with or without a GRE. School websites and professional associations, like ACHE, complement BLS data with industry salary surveys and career trajectory reports. Rely on these authoritative sources rather than generalized rankings when deciding whether a no-GRE program aligns with your career goals.
"Online" gets used loosely in MHA marketing, and the gap between a genuinely asynchronous program and one that still requires campus visits or fieldwork can catch applicants off guard. Before enrolling, confirm exactly what a program means by "online," because the answer affects how feasible the degree is for someone working full time, raising kids, or living hours from the nearest airport.
Several no-GRE programs deliver the entire curriculum remotely with no in-person component at all. UIC's online MHA runs 100% asynchronous, letting students move through two 8-week courses at a time over roughly 16 months. Maryville University and Columbia College SC1 both explicitly advertise no campus visits required, and UNT Health Science Center's online MHA2 follows the same fully remote model for coursework, though it layers in a practical requirement discussed below. Texas State's Executive MHA also runs entirely online in 8-week terms.3
Even fully online programs frequently require supervised fieldwork completed locally. UNT Health Science Center's cohort model requires a full-time internship at an approved health services organization under a qualified preceptor, meaning students need access to a suitable healthcare employer near where they live, not just a laptop and Wi-Fi.
Students wanting to finish faster have options. UIC's online track runs about 16 months for full-time students, while the University of Illinois system's newer online MHA targets an 18-month completion for mid-career healthcare professionals enrolled full time. These accelerated tracks sit at the front edge of typical online MHA timelines, so readers prioritizing speed above all else should compare these timelines directly against our fastest MHA programs page, since eligibility for accelerated pacing typically hinges on full-time enrollment and prior healthcare coursework.
Below are answers to the questions prospective students ask most often about earning a Master of Health Administration without submitting GRE scores. Each answer draws on the program data, accreditation details, and cost figures discussed earlier in this guide.
