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.
Every program below admits students without a GRE or GMAT score, though the fine print differs: some are permanently test-free, while others waive the exam only when applicants meet a GPA or experience threshold. Each card notes published tuition, delivery format, and current CAHME accreditation status. Where federal data does not yet report program-level earnings, that gap is stated plainly rather than estimated.
New York, NY · $43,000/yr
Best for: Cohort learners targeting Northeast health systems
New York University's Wagner Graduate School of Public Service describes its online MHA as CAHME-accredited and builds it as a cohort program with a required on-site immersion in New York City. The 45-credit curriculum runs across seven lock-step semesters, pairing online coursework with weekly live discussion. Test scores are optional for admission, and the university reports a single-digit acceptance rate, making NYU one of the more selective entries here. Program-level earnings for the MHA are not yet published in federal data.
Cincinnati, OH · $15,000/yr
Best for: Mid-career managers seeking part-time executive study
The University of Cincinnati describes its executive MHA as CAHME-accredited and delivers it 100% online for working health professionals in the Ohio Valley and beyond. Its 40-credit, competency-based curriculum draws faculty from both Allied Health Sciences and the Lindner College of Business. No GRE or GMAT is required, though applicants need a 3.0 GPA and at least two letters of recommendation. An industry advisory board keeps coursework aligned with what employers actually expect of new leaders.
Arlington, VA · $5,000 – $10,000/yr
Best for: Budget-focused self-starters wanting fully online study
The University of Management and Technology is a private, fully online institution in Arlington, Virginia, with rolling admissions and one of the lowest published rates among the programs here at $390 per credit. Its 45-credit MHA blends health economics, finance, law, and organizational behavior with electives in managed care and global health. No GMAT or GRE is required, and military and veteran discounts are available. The program is not currently listed as CAHME-accredited, which applicants should weigh against its price.
Athens, OH · $10,000/yr
Ohio University's online MHA is a part-time, 36-credit program that students can finish in about two years while continuing to work. The university reports a 98% employment or continued education rate for recent graduates and lets students stack an embedded graduate certificate onto the degree. No GRE or GMAT is required. The program is in candidacy status with CAHME rather than fully accredited, a distinction worth checking before you apply.
Washington, DC · $35,000 – $40,000/yr
Howard University's MHA is a 100% online program from a historically Black university with deep roots in health policy and health equity. The curriculum centers on cultural competence, evidence-based decision-making, and leadership of diverse organizations. No GRE or GMAT is required, and the format is designed for working professionals nationwide. The next cohort starts in fall 2026, with applications due May 8, 2026.
Chester, PA · ~$28,000/yr (est.)
Widener University offers a business-forward route into health leadership: an AACSB-accredited MBA in Health Care Management rather than a traditional MHA. Students complete an administrative residency of at least 360 hours and choose between hybrid or fully online study in 7-week terms. The university reports 100% employment within 90 days of graduation. No GMAT or GRE is required, and rolling admissions means multiple entry points each year.
Galloway, NJ · $17,000/yr
Stockton University's MBA in Healthcare Administration and Leadership is a 42-credit, two-year degree that mixes online coursework with Saturday classes. It is a public option in New Jersey for students who want a business-centered credential with real health management depth. Applicants with a 3.0 GPA or higher are not required to submit test scores, and some prerequisites can be satisfied through work experience. Rolling admissions allow fall, spring, or summer starts.
Mequon, WI · $13,000/yr
Concordia University Wisconsin gives students unusual control over format: each course can be taken online, over live Zoom, or on campus. Its 36-credit MBA in Healthcare Administration covers management, finance, and public policy with an optional healthcare internship. No GRE is required, and the 2.8 GPA minimum keeps the door open to applicants without a strong standardized test record. Multiple start dates and 8-week terms are built around working adults.
Monroe, LA · ~$9,000/yr (est.)
The University of Louisiana Monroe awards a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in the Administration of Health, a public-sector alternative to a traditional MHA. The 36-credit program is delivered fully online in eight-week terms and shares coursework with the university's health sciences programs. No GMAT or GRE is required, and conditional admission is available at a 2.5 GPA. Pay-by-the-course tuition is $500 per credit.
Norfolk, VA · $15,000 – $36,000/yr
Old Dominion University's Master of Healthcare Administration is a hybrid program built around CAHME core competencies, with courses in health policy, leadership, and organizational change. Admission rests on a personal essay and an interview rather than standardized test scores. The university sets a 3.0 GPA minimum and asks for three letters of recommendation. Virginia residents pay $510 per credit, making it one of the more affordable options for in-state students.
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, including online MPA programs in Mississippi. 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.
Many online MHA programs no longer require the GRE. A growing number of schools have dropped the exam permanently, while others offer conditional waivers or treat it as optional. In 2026, applicants can find fully GRE-free options alongside programs that waive the test for candidates who meet minimum GPA thresholds, hold clinical licensure, or bring several years of healthcare work experience.
A no-GRE program never considers GRE scores for any applicant. A GRE-optional program lets you submit scores if you want, but does not penalize you for skipping. A GRE-waiver program requires the exam by default but will waive it when you satisfy specific conditions, such as holding a 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA, completing prior graduate coursework, or documenting a set number of years in professional healthcare roles.
Yes. Removing the GRE from admissions does not affect a program's eligibility for CAHME accreditation. Several programs featured in this guide hold full CAHME accreditation, including George Washington University's MHA. Others, such as Ohio University's online MHA, have achieved CAHME candidacy status, while High Point University completed its CAHME site visit in spring 2026 with a decision expected by mid-fall 2026. Accreditation standards focus on curriculum quality, faculty credentials, and student outcomes, not standardized test policies.
Tuition varies widely. Among the programs reviewed here, total costs range from roughly $30,000 at more affordable public institutions to approximately $90,000 at George Washington University, where per-credit tuition runs about $2,000. Application fees are typically modest (Ohio University charges $50, for example). Always confirm whether quoted tuition includes fees, technology charges, or residency travel costs before comparing programs.
No reliable evidence supports that conclusion. Career outcomes in health administration are driven primarily by CAHME accreditation standing, practicum quality, professional networking, and individual work experience. Programs that drop the GRE still maintain rigorous admissions reviews through GPA requirements, professional references, goal statements, and experience benchmarks. Graduates of accredited no-GRE programs compete for the same hospital, health system, and consulting roles as their peers from GRE-required programs.
Yes. Most no-GRE online MHA programs accept international applicants. Expect additional requirements such as English-language proficiency exams (TOEFL or IELTS), transcript evaluation through a credential assessment service, and, in some cases, documentation of professional healthcare experience. Visa and residency rules may also apply if the program includes on-campus immersions. Contact each school's international admissions office to confirm eligibility and any supplementary materials.
Absolutely. The online MHA programs in this guide are designed with working professionals in mind. Most offer asynchronous coursework, evening synchronous sessions, or weekend immersions that let you maintain a full-time healthcare role. Programs like George Washington University and Purdue University deliver instruction entirely online. Part-time tracks are common, typically stretching the degree to three years so you can balance clinical or administrative responsibilities with graduate study.
Many do, though requirements differ. Some programs, such as George Washington University's MHA, expect roughly two years of relevant work experience. Others set no experience minimum and welcome recent graduates from any bachelor's discipline. If you lack healthcare experience, look for programs that pair classroom learning with extensive practicum placements, giving you the supervised hours needed to enter the field competitively upon graduation.
