Best Online MBA Programs in the Northeast for 2024

The Tepper Online Hybrid MBA program at Carnegie Mellon University accepts the GMAT, GRE, and Executive Assessment (EA), but test scores can be waived upon request. If an applicant has two or more years of professional work experience, the two required letters of recommendation can also be waived. The program allows students to take fully remote courses from anywhere in the nation. The business school has 125 faculty members and an average of 34 students per course. The median base salary for fall 2023 entrants increased from $111,000 before enrolling to approximately $150,750 within a year post-graduation. The program has five application deadlines throughout the year for interested candidates.

While a strong GMAT/GRE score enhances any application, University of Massachusetts–Amherst’s Isenberg School of Management’s online MBA program candidates can make a case for admission without submitting scores. Applicants can submit professional experience and academic accomplishments. Candidates may also complete a test score waiver application form before applying to the program. The school does require two letters of recommendation. Four months post-graduation, students report median base salaries of $183,920. The deadline to apply for fall 2024 is July 15.

The Katz PMBA experience at the University of Pittsburgh utilizes a “test-optional” admissions process for all of its programs––so applicants are not required to submit GMAT or GRE scores. The online program does require two letters of recommendation. Students report a median base salary of $69,700 before enrollment and $93,000 post-graduation. TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores are required for international students. The deadline to apply is July 1.

To apply for UMass–Lowell’s online MBA, no standardized testing is required except for international students, who must prove English proficiency via TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or TOEIC. Two letters of recommendation are also needed. The program has a rolling application process.

At Villanova, standardized test scores are required to apply, but waivers are available on a case-by-case basis. Three letters of recommendation are also needed, and international students must take the TOEFL exam. In total, Villanova’s business school has 224 faculty members. The deadline to apply for fall admission is July 15

Syracuse University’s 54-credit online MBA program takes a holistic approach when reviewing applications, considering professional and academic experience. Therefore, it does not require GMAT or GRE scores, but they can still be submitted. New students report a median base salary of $100,000 before entering the program, which increases to $125,000 after graduation. The university offers four application deadlines throughout the school year.

The University of Connecticut’s 42-credit, online MBA program is standardized test-optional. However, international applicants must submit English proficiency exams. The school also requires prospective entrants to submit two letters of recommendation. Each core course has an average of 48 students. Applicants should submit by July 24 for fall 2024 consideration.

To apply for the MaineMBA, applicants must submit GMAT scores, unless they meet criteria for a waiver. International students must submit English proficiency via TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo unless their prior degree was completed in English. No letters of recommendation are required. The average class size for core courses is 40 students. Graduates earn median annual salaries of about $109,000, four months post-program. Admission is on a rolling cycle.

At UMass–Dartmouth, GMAT scores are generally required to apply for its online MBA, but waivers are available. Two letters of recommendation are also required. International students must turn in TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores as proof of English proficiency. On average, there are about 18 students in each core course. The deadline to apply is on a rolling basis.

The 36-credit online MBA program at Saint Joseph’s University’s Haub School of Business has rolling admission deadlines. Non-native English speakers need to submit TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo scores. Standardized test scores are required for those with a 2.99 GPA or lower, no terminal degree, or no work experience. The program requires one recommendation letter for admissions but requests two. Students take 12 courses, including six core courses that make up the business administration certificate and six free elective courses.

Clarkson University’s online MBA program requires GMAT scores unless applicants have at least three years of full-time work experience, a Master’s degree, or a GPA of 3.3 or higher. English proficiency can be demonstrated with TOEFL, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo English Test scores. The program averages 13 students per core online course and requires two letters of recommendation. The business school has 52 faculty members, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Both of SUNY Oswego’s online MBA programs—Management and Healthcare Administration–require 36 credits to graduate. The program accepts TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo scores for international students. Standardized test scores are optional, but the program requires three letters of recommendation. On average, there are around 20 students per core online course. Students enter the program with an average of 9.6 years of work experience. The program has rolling admissions.

Lehigh University’s FLEX MBA program does not require GMAT or GRE scores but does accept them. International students must submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English proficiency exam scores. The minimum TOEFL score is 94. The school requires two letters of recommendation. Alumnis report base annual salaries of $125,000 four months after graduation. The business school employs 111 faculty members. The deadline to apply for the fall 2024 semester is July 15.

The Feliciano School of Business Online MBA at Montclair State University requires 36–39 credits to graduate. Standardized test scores and letters of recommendation are optional. On average, 44 students are enrolled in each course. Admission is rolling year-round.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute has rolling admission for its online MBA. The program has a test-optional admission policy, but three letters of recommendation are required. International students must submit proof of English proficiency. On average, there are about 35 students in each core course.

The University of Scranton’s online master of business administration does not view standardized testing as a criterion for admission, but international students must submit a TOEFL exam score. Two letters are also needed to apply for its rolling admission. On average, there are 12 students in each core class. After graduating, students report having median base salaries of $85,000.

New Jersey Institute of Technology’s online MBA program allows candidates with earned bachelor’s degrees and a minimum GPA of 2.8 from accredited institutions to waive its standardized testing requirement. Candidates with advanced degrees (master’s and PhD) may waive the requirement, too. TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores are required for non-native English speakers. The program requires one letter of recommendation. The deadline to apply for fall 2024 is August 1.

At the University of New Hampshire, test scores are optional but may be submitted to supplement applications or to be considered for department scholarships. International students must submit TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo scores. Two letters of recommendation are also required. Students can select one of six optional specializations. Four months post-graduation, students earn median annual salaries of $105,000. The deadline to apply for fall admission is August 1.

Saint Francis University’s online MBA program is a 36-credit program that does not require standardized test scores and is not open to international applicants. The program offers eight concentrations: accounting, finance, healthcare management, human resource management, information systems and project management, leadership and ethical management, marketing, and sports management. Core courses typically have 20 students.

Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania’s online MBA program does not consider standardized tests in the application process and does not require letters of recommendation. The program is 30 credits and can be complete in a single year. International students must submit English proficiency exams. The deadline to apply is rolling.