Best Online MHA Programs with No GRE Requirement for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What can I expect from an online MHA program with no GRE requirement?

You should expect a challenging curriculum that is built for working professionals. These programs focus on solving the real-world financial, operational, and ethical problems you'll face in a leadership role. Don't mistake the flexibility of an online format for a lack of academic rigor; the coursework is demanding.

Most top online MHA programs no GRE use a cohort model, where you move through classes with the same group of peers. This structure is excellent for building strong professional relationships. Other programs are self-paced, offering maximum flexibility to fit your schedule.

A critical part of the experience is virtual networking. Success requires actively engaging with your professors and classmates in discussions and group projects. This is how you build the professional connections that will serve your career long after you've graduated.

Where can I work with an online MHA program with no GRE requirement?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the largest employers of medical and health services managers include:

• Hospitals: Employing 30% of managers in state, local, and private facilities.
• Physician Offices: Making up 12% of management roles in private and group practices.
• Nursing and Residential Care Facilities: Comprising 9% of the job market for healthcare leaders.
• Government: Accounting for 7% of roles in public health departments and federal agencies.
• Outpatient Care Centers: Representing another 7% in a rapidly growing sector.

Beyond these core employers, MHA graduates are increasingly sought after in health technology, insurance, pharmaceuticals, and management consulting, where their expertise in operations and strategy is highly valued.

How much can I make with an online MHA program with no GRE requirement?

Salaries vary based on the industry sector, your experience, and geographic location, not on the program's GRE admission policy. As of May 2024, the median annual wages for medical and health services managers in the top industries were as follows:

• Government: $132,620
• Hospitals: $130,690
• Outpatient Care Centers: $106,990
• Offices of Physicians: $100,780
• Nursing and Residential Care Facilities: $99,250

List of the Best Online MHA Programs with No GRE Requirement for 2025

If you’re considering advancing your career in healthcare management, an MHA is one of the most direct paths to leadership roles. Many programs now waive standardized test requirements, making graduate study more accessible. In fact, some schools operate similarly to online colleges with weekly start dates, giving students the flexibility to begin their studies throughout the year without waiting for a traditional semester schedule.

1. University of California-Los Angeles Fielding - Online Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)

The University of California-Los Angeles prepares healthcare leaders to apply data-driven strategies and value-based care principles in complex health organizations. Students gain real-world experience through two on-campus immersions and a capstone project that addresses a current challenge within a partner institution.

• Program Length: 2 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 66 quarter credits
• Total Tuition: $62,700
• Accreditation: Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)

2. Ohio University - Online Master of Health Administration

Ohio University's online MHA instills a holistic perspective, preparing leaders to balance the mission of quality care with sound business obligations. The program offers unique flexibility through four distinct concentrations, allowing students to earn a graduate certificate while completing their degree.

• Program Length: 2 years
• Concentrations: Health Care Leadership ; Business Analytics ; Project Management ; and Quality Improvement
• Required Credits to Graduate: 36 credits
• Total Tuition: $24,840
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. The George Washington University - online Master of Health Administration (MHA)

The George Washington University's online MHA is designed to prepare executive-level leaders with a global perspective on healthcare structures. The curriculum is distinguished by its four required immersion experiences, including one on-site at a national or international health organization.

• Program Length: 2 to 4 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 45 credits
• Total Tuition: $87,525
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME)

4. Purdue University - Online Master of Health Administration

Developing healthcare business acumen and sharpening strategic planning skills are at the heart of this program from Purdue University. Tailored to early- and mid-career professionals, it provides a flexible pathway with stackable graduate certificates that allow students to build credentials with long-term value.

• Program Length: 2 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 40 credits
• Total Tuition: $30,000 (in-state); $34,000 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

5. Sacred Heart University - Master of Health Administration

An interdisciplinary curriculum designed for both clinical and non-clinical professionals anchors the graduate program at Sacred Heart University. With a strong emphasis on policy, strategic planning, and informatics, courses are delivered in asynchronous eight-week terms that provide working students with maximum flexibility.

• Program Length: 2 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 37 credits
• Total Tuition: $26,825
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME)

6. Methodist University - Online Master of Health Administration

Methodist University provides a curriculum focused on the strategies and tools needed to improve organizational performance in healthcare. The program prepares graduates to apply evidence-based knowledge and compete for mid- to senior-level leadership positions in a rapidly evolving system.

• Program Length: 18 months
• Required Credits to Graduate: 36 credits
• Total Tuition: $19,620
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

7. Bellevue University - Master’s in Healthcare Administration

A cohort model that allows students to take one course at a time shapes the learning experience at Bellevue University. Taught by industry experts, the program emphasizes applied learning in quality management, health IT, and organizational design.

• Program Length: 2 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 36 credit hours
• Total Tuition: $24,480
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

8. Franklin University - Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA)

Franklin University's program prepares forward-thinking leaders to balance quality of care with fiscal responsibility in a complex system. The curriculum integrates skill-specific microcredentials, allowing students to build a unique portfolio of competencies in areas like global health and healthcare finance.

• Program Length: 14 months
• Required Credits to Graduate: 36 semester hours
• Total Tuition: $24,120
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

9. Weber State University - Executive Master of Health Administration (Online)

Designed for working professionals with executive ambitions, the accelerated online MHA at Weber State University can be completed in just 16 months. The curriculum highlights leadership, critical thinking, and relationship management, and students benefit from a single tuition rate regardless of residency.

• Program Length: 16 months
• Required Credits to Graduate: 39 credits
• Total Tuition: $35,000
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME)

10. University of Cincinnati Online - Master of Health Administration (Executive) - MHA

The University of Cincinnati's executive MHA is tailored for mid-career professionals seeking to advance into executive leadership. The program draws from both the College of Allied Health Sciences and the Lindner College of Business to provide a broad, value-driven educational experience.

• Program Length: 5 to 8 semesters
• Required Credits to Graduate: 40 semester credits
• Total Tuition: $30,160 (in-state); $30,760 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME)

How long does it take to complete an online MHA program with no GRE requirement?

Most online MHA programs can be completed in 18 to 24 months if you are studying full-time. For working professionals who choose a part-time schedule, a more common timeline is 30 to 36 months. The exact duration will depend on the program's specific credit requirements and the number of courses you take each semester.

Exploring Accelerated Timelines

For professionals who want to move into a leadership role more quickly, it's worth exploring your options. Some universities offer accelerated formats designed to get you back into the workforce with new skills faster. Finding the fastest online master of health administration programs can give you a competitive edge in a market with strong demand. The key is to balance speed with a curriculum that still provides the depth you need to succeed.

How does an online MHA program with no GRE requirement compare to an on-campus program?

When it comes to the things that matter most to employers, there is no difference. A quality online MHA program has the same rigorous curriculum, is taught by the same expert faculty, and results in the exact same degree as its on-campus counterpart. Most importantly, top accrediting bodies hold both formats to the identical high standard.

The primary difference is the delivery method. Online learning offers the flexibility to study around your work and family commitments, while on-campus programs provide a more traditional, structured classroom experience. The value of top online MHA programs no GRE is now widely recognized by employers, who care about the quality of the institution and the skills you gained, not how you attended classes. Some applicants also research what's the easiest healthcare administration degree to get into as a starting point before committing to a more advanced MHA track.

Networking in a Virtual World

The one area that requires a different approach is networking. In an online program, building relationships doesn't happen automatically by sitting next to someone in class. It requires a more intentional effort.

You can build a powerful professional network by actively participating in discussion forums, taking the lead on group projects, and connecting with classmates and professors on professional platforms. Many online programs also offer optional in-person immersion weekends, which are excellent opportunities to solidify those connections. Learning to network effectively online is a valuable skill in itself.

What is the average cost of an online MHA program with no GRE requirement?

The cost of an online MHA program varies widely depending on the institution. On average, you can expect the total tuition to be around $36,000. However, the full range is significant, with some programs costing as little as $20,000 and others exceeding $87,000.

When you're budgeting, remember to look beyond the advertised tuition. Be sure to factor in potential expenses like technology fees, online textbook access, and any travel costs for required on-campus immersions.

While it's tempting to focus on the lowest-cost option, it's critical to prioritize the quality and accreditation of the program. A slightly more expensive degree from a highly respected, accredited university will almost always provide a better return on your investment than a cheaper degree from an unknown school. Think of it as an investment in your future earning potential. For perspective, some students compare MHA tuition against benchmarks like MBA average GMAT scores, which also influence admissions requirements and long-term career outcomes.

What are the financial aid options for students enrolling in an online MHA program with no GRE requirement?

Several excellent options are available to help you fund your graduate degree. It's a common misconception that aid is only for undergraduate students; in reality, a strong financial plan can put a master's degree well within reach.

• Federal Loans: The first step for most students is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to access federal loan options for graduate school.
• Employer Tuition Reimbursement: Many healthcare organizations offer tuition assistance for employees, making this one of the most valuable funding sources for working professionals.
• Private Loans: Banks and credit unions offer private loans to cover any funding gaps left after exploring federal aid and employer contributions.
• Program-Specific Scholarships: Be sure to check the MHA department's website at each university you're considering, as they often have scholarships specifically for their students.

Factoring Future Benefits into Your ROI Calculation

When you calculate the return on your investment, don't just look at salary. A leadership role also comes with a more robust benefits package, which is a significant part of your total compensation. For clinical managers, strong health benefits are the norm.

This enhanced compensation is a key part of the degree's long-term value. For example, data shows that 77% of managers receive medical benefits, 71% receive dental, and 65% have vision coverage through their employer. Some students also evaluate aid options while considering schools like HBCU that offer healthcare administration, which may provide additional scholarships and community-focused support.

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in an online MHA program with no GRE requirement?

The admissions process for top online MHA programs no GRE is designed to evaluate your real-world potential, not your test-taking skills. While each university has its own specific criteria, most look for a similar set of qualifications.

You will typically need:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• A minimum number of years of relevant professional experience.
• Two to three letters of recommendation.
• A personal statement or essay explaining your career goals.
• An updated professional resume.

It's a common myth that you need a bachelor's degree in a health-related field. Many successful applicants come from business, tech, and other backgrounds.

Leveraging Your Experience: You're at the Perfect Age

In a holistic admissions review, your professional experience is your greatest asset. Admissions committees want to see that you have the maturity and practical knowledge to succeed in a leadership role. Your resume and personal statement are where you prove you have what it takes.

This is your opportunity to frame your career journey as a compelling story. Explain how your past experiences, even those outside of healthcare, have prepared you for this next step. With the average age of a health services manager being 45.9 years, you are not starting over; you are capitalizing on years of valuable experience. This is the exact profile that modern MHA programs are built to serve.

What courses are typically in an online MHA program with no GRE requirement?

A modern MHA curriculum is essentially a specialized business degree tailored for the unique challenges of the healthcare industry. You're not just learning theory; you're gaining a practical toolkit for leading complex health organizations.

Core coursework almost always includes:

• Healthcare Finance: Mastering budgeting, revenue cycles, and financial reporting for health systems.
• Health Law and Ethics: Understanding the legal and ethical frameworks that govern patient care and hospital administration.
• Strategic Planning and Marketing: Learning how to position a healthcare organization for growth and community engagement.
• Operations Management: Focusing on improving the efficiency, quality, and safety of clinical and administrative processes.
• Health Informatics and Data Analytics: Using data to drive decision-making and improve patient outcomes.

Curriculum Designed for Top Employment Sectors

This curriculum is intentionally designed to prepare you for leadership roles in the industry's largest employment sectors, like hospitals and physician offices. The skills you learn in finance and operations, for example, are directly applicable to managing the complex budgets and workflows of these environments.

The goal is to provide a comprehensive management framework. While other credentials, such as a fast track online nutrition degree, focus on the specifics of clinical care, the MHA gives you the high-level strategic perspective needed to manage the entire system.

What types of specializations are available in an online MHA program with no GRE requirement?

Beyond the core curriculum, many programs offer specializations that allow you to develop deep expertise in a specific area of healthcare management. This is an opportunity to align your degree with your career interests and target high-growth sectors of the industry.

• Health Informatics and Analytics: This specialization focuses on using data and technology to improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.
• Senior Services and Long-Term Care: This track prepares you to lead organizations that serve the aging population, a major growth area.
• Population Health: You'll learn to manage the health outcomes of entire communities by addressing systemic issues and promoting wellness.
• Healthcare Leadership and Strategy: This is a more generalist path focused on the high-level management and strategic direction of large health systems.

Aligning Your Specialization with High-Paying Sectors

Choosing a specialization is a strategic decision that can position you for roles in the most lucrative parts of the healthcare industry, such as government agencies and large hospital systems. A focus on data, for example, is becoming increasingly critical for all top-paying sectors.

For those with a background in tech or an interest in data, exploring accelerated health informatics master's programs online can provide a direct pathway to some of the most in-demand and well-compensated roles in the field. Aligning your education with market needs is the smartest way to maximize the return on your degree.

How to choose the best Online MHA Program with No GRE Requirement

Choosing the right program is the most important decision you'll make. Following a clear, strategic process ensures your investment of time and money pays off for your career.

1. Verify Programmatic Accreditation. This is your non-negotiable first step. The program must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME).
2. Evaluate the Curriculum for Relevance. Make sure the coursework is modern and includes essential skills in data analytics, health finance, and strategic operations.
3. Research Faculty Expertise. Look for instructors who have recent, real-world experience leading healthcare organizations, not just academic credentials.
4. Assess Networking and Career Services. A top program will have a powerful alumni network and dedicated career services to support your job search after graduation.

Why CAHME is the Gold Standard

Think of CAHME accreditation as an industry-backed seal of approval. It is the quality signal that top hospitals, health systems, and consulting firms look for when they hire new leaders. This independent body verifies that a program's curriculum, faculty, and student outcomes meet the highest professional standards.

Choosing one of the many non-accredited online MHA programs no GRE is a significant financial risk. Employers may not recognize the degree, which could nullify your entire investment. Sticking to CAHME-accredited programs is the single best way to ensure your degree will be respected and valued in the job market.

What career paths are available for graduates of an online MHA program with no GRE requirement?

An MHA is a versatile credential that prepares you for a wide range of senior-level management roles across the industry. While titles vary by organization, they typically fall into several key categories of leadership.

• Clinical Manager: You'll oversee the daily operations of a specific clinical department, such as nursing, surgery, or physical therapy.
• Practice Administrator: This role involves managing the business side of a physician's office, group practice, or outpatient clinic.
• Health Information Manager: You will be responsible for managing and securing patient data and healthcare information systems.
• Healthcare Consultant: In this path, you'll work with various healthcare clients to help them solve complex operational and strategic challenges.

Salary Expectations for Key Roles

These leadership roles come with significant earning potential. For example, the average salary for a clinical manager is over $106,000, with top earners in the 90th percentile making more than $155,000 annually. States with the highest employment levels, like California and Texas, offer thousands of these high-paying management opportunities.

Leadership Roles in Behavioral Health Settings

A particularly fast-growing area is the behavioral health sector. As the need for mental health services expands, there is a corresponding demand for skilled administrators to manage clinics, treatment centers, and outreach programs. The MHA provides the perfect skill set to lead in this mission-driven field. For those interested in the clinical side of this work, some leaders even pair their MHA with credentials from the shortest clinical mental health counseling master's programs online.

What is the job market for graduates of an online MHA program with no GRE requirement?

The job market for healthcare leaders is excellent. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for medical and health services managers will grow by 29% between 2023 and 2033. This rate is much faster than the average for all occupations, signaling a robust and sustained demand for skilled administrators.

While the market is strong, it's also competitive. The best opportunities will go to candidates who have a high-quality, accredited degree and a clear understanding of where the industry is heading. Your MHA is the credential that gets you in the door for these top-tier roles.

Managing the Future of Care: The Rise of Home Health

One of the biggest drivers of this job growth is the demographic shift of an aging population. This trend is fueling explosive demand for healthcare services delivered outside of traditional hospitals, particularly in home health settings.

As more care moves into the home, the industry needs skilled managers to lead these new, complex operations. These leaders will be responsible for everything from managing budgets to coordinating care teams. This creates a need for a larger support workforce, and some leaders even find it useful to understand credentials like a fast track online home health aide certification to better manage their teams. This long-term trend ensures that the demand for MHA graduates will remain strong for decades to come.

Here’s What Graduates Have to Say about Their Online MHA Program with No GRE Requirement

Other Things You Should Know About Online MHA Programs with No GRE Requirement

Do I need a clinical background to get into an MHA program?

You do not need a clinical background to be accepted into an MHA program. Many successful students come from business, technology, marketing, and other non-clinical fields. Admissions committees value the diverse perspectives and skills these candidates bring to the healthcare industry.

Are online MHA programs respected by employers?

Online MHA programs from accredited universities are highly respected by employers. When hiring, organizations care about the quality of the institution and whether the program is CAHME-accredited, not the delivery format. The degree you receive is the same as the on-campus version.

Can I specialize in a specific area of healthcare administration?

Many online MHA programs offer specializations. Common options include Health Informatics, Senior Services and Long-Term Care, Population Health, and Healthcare Leadership. A specialization can help you target specific high-growth career paths within the healthcare industry.

What is the difference between an MHA and an MBA in Healthcare Management?

An MHA focuses exclusively on the business of healthcare, with a curriculum centered on health policy, ethics, and patient care models. An MBA in Healthcare Management is a broader business degree with a healthcare concentration, covering general business topics like marketing and supply chain alongside healthcare courses.