Explore Courses

MS in Business Analytics in USA Without GRE - Top Universities Here!

By Bulbul Sharma

Updated on May 21, 2025 | 0.8k+ views

Share:

The MS in Business Analytics is one of the most preferred courses for students who are looking to pursue their higher education in the USA in the field of data, business decision-making, and analysis. A total of 25 out of the top 50 Business Analytics universities in the world are from US, This means the USA is home to 50% top 50 universities for MSBA in the world.

Many top universities and institutions offer MS courses in the USA. Harvard University, Cornell University, Yale University, etc, are a few. While most applicants consider taking standardised exams like the GRE to apply for the programme, there are many recognised universities that allow students to apply for MS in Business Analytics in USA without GRE.

In this article, we will discuss the complete details about studying MS in Business Analytics without GRE and list the universities where the GRE score is not compulsory for international students. Check more about Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence at Yeshiva University.

MS in Business Analytics in USA Without GRE – Overview

Applicants must note that although the GRE exam is widely accepted by many universities in the USA, it is not compulsory for all. 

With time, many institutions have made GRE optional or have removed it as an eligibility requirement for certain courses, including Business Analytics

Hence, students who are not comfortable taking the GRE can still apply for MS in Business Analytics in USA without GRE, provided they meet the other required conditions.

Some of the most frequently asked questions by students are:

  • Is GRE compulsory for MS in Business Analytics in USA?
  • Can I apply for MS in Business Analytics without GRE?
  • What universities are offering MSBA without GRE in USA?

You would be glad to know, that the answer to all these questions is No. There are several top-ranked universities in USA that allow students to apply for their MSBA programme without the GRE score. These universities evaluate a candidate’s overall profile, including academic records, project work, statement of purpose, and in some cases, relevant work experience.

Universities Offering MS in Business Analytics in USA Without GRE

Here are some of the universities offering MSBA in USA without GRE requirement:

University Name Program Name GRE Requirement Program Duration
Babson College MS in Business Analytics Not Required 9 or 16 months
Pepperdine University MS in Business Analytics Not Required 12 months
Cornell University (Johnson School) MS in Business Analytics (Online) Not Required 16 months
University of Arizona (Eller College) MS in Business Analytics Not Required 10–16 months
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo MS in Business Analytics Waived for 2025 10 months
University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) MS in Business Analytics Not Required 1–2 years
Wichita State University MS in Business Analytics Not Required 1–2 years
Stevens Institute of Technology MS in Business Analytics Optional 1–2 years
University of Cincinnati MS in Business Analytics Waiver Possible 1 year
Boston University MS in Business Analytics Not Required 1–2 years

Source: Official University Website 

Eligibility Criteria for MS in Business Analytics in USA Without GRE

Even if GRE is not required, students have to meet other eligibility conditions for applying to MS in Business Analytics in USA:

  • A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
  • Official academic transcripts
  • English language proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS)
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP)
  • Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
  • Updated resume or CV
  • Some universities may also ask for an interview or a portfolio

Applicants must note that having previous experience in statistics, mathematics, or programming will be considered an added advantage during application evaluation.

How to Get Admission in MS Universities in USA Without GRE

Students who are planning to study in the USA for a Master of Science (MS) programme but do not wish to appear for the GRE exam must know that there are still multiple ways to get admission. There are many US universities, which now made the GRE just an optional, or even waived it off.  

One can follow the below-mentioned steps during the application process to get admission into MS universities in USA without GRE.

  1. Shortlist of Universities Offering MS Without GRE: The first and most important steps to get admission in MS in Business Analytics is to find the best-suited universities in USA that do not require GRE as any of their admission requirements. 
  2. Check Eligibility Criteria and Course Requirements: Every university has different conditions when it comes to offering admission without GRE. Some may require a minimum GPA, while others may focus on the relevance of your undergraduate degree or your work experience in the related field.
  3. Prepare Required Documents: Even though GRE is waived, applicants still need to submit all other important documents such as:
    • Academic transcripts from previous institutions
    • English language test scores (TOEFL/IELTS)
    • Statement of Purpose (SOP)
    • Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
    • Resume or CV with any research/project experience
      Some universities may also ask for video interviews or written essays in place of GRE to evaluate the candidate’s potential.
  4. Apply Before the Deadline: The application deadline is important aspects which many international students misses of. So, it is important for students to keep track of the application deadlines for MS applications. Most US universities have Fall and Spring intakes. Applying early increases the chances of selection and also helps in getting scholarships or funding opportunities in USA.
  5. Focus on Profile Strengthening: Since the GRE score is not being submitted, universities will evaluate the student’s profile more thoroughly. This includes the quality of SOP, LORs, academic consistency, and any hands-on experience in the chosen field. Hence, students should ensure their application stands out.

Applicants must note, that getting admission without GRE is possible, but requires proper planning and a strong academic and personal profile. Always check the official university portal and confirm the latest admission updates before submitting the application.

MS in Business Analytics Fees in USA

One can check the MSBA fees for top universities in USA which do not require GRE. 

University Name Program Name Tuition for International Students
Babson College MS in Business Analytics $1,874 per credit
Pepperdine University MS in Business Analytics $95,775
Cornell University (Johnson School) MS in Business Analytics (Online) $87,500
University of Arizona (Eller College) MS in Business Analytics $52,941 (10-month) / $70,055 (16-month)
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo MS in Business Analytics $37,389
University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) MS in Business Analytics Varies
Wichita State University MS in Business Analytics $832.25 per credit hour
Stevens Institute of Technology MS in Business Analytics $45,986
University of Cincinnati MS in Business Analytics $916 per credit hour
Boston University MS in Business Analytics $33,335 (12-month track) / $33,335 (16-month track)

Sources: University website

Download these useful guides to ace your GRE preparation

GRE  Quant Guides
GRE verbal Sample
GRE AWA sample

Career Opportunities After MS in Business Analytics in USA

After completing MS in Business Analytics, students can explore various job roles in the data and analytics domain. Some of the popular job titles include:

  • Data Analyst
  • Business Analyst
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Business Intelligence Analyst
  • Operations Analyst
  • Risk Analyst

Top companies such as Amazon, Google, Deloitte, EY, Accenture, PwC, and McKinsey recruit Business Analytics graduates for various positions. The average starting salary after completing MSBA ranges between USD 70,000 to USD 110,000 per year, depending on the job role and location.

Students pursuing the course on F1 Visa can also benefit from the STEM OPT extension, which allows them to work in the USA for up to 36 months after completing the degree.

Study Master Programs in USA

masters in data analytics and visualization

MS in Data Analytics and Visualization in USA

Dual certification - IIITB as well as Yeshiva University. End-to-end support for applications and visa./

Learn More
masters in data analytics in usa

MS in Data Analytics in USA

Dual certification - IIITB as well as Clark University. World Class Faculty Members & Industry Experts./

Learn More
masters in information technology in usa

MS in Information Technology in USA

GRE Waiver for IIITB learners. In-built IELTS prep to be provided by upGrad./

Learn More

Conclusion

GRE is not the only way to get admission into top Business Analytics programmes. With the changing admission requirements and a shift towards profile-based evaluation, many reputed institutions in the USA now offer MS in Business Analytics without GRE. This allows students to focus more on academic preparation and building a strong profile, instead of worrying about a standardised exam.

So, if you are planning to study Business Analytics in USA, and do not wish to appear for the GRE, you still have many universities where you can apply. Make sure to check the admission deadlines, eligibility conditions, and prepare your application documents well in advance.

Popular Study Abroad Destinations

Study in Canada

Study in Canada

Study in Canada & Save up to 20 Lakhs with upGrad Abroad/

Study in Canada
Study in Australia

Study in Australia

Study in Australia & Save up to 20 Lakhs with upGrad Abroad/

Study in Australia
Study in USA

Study in USA

Study in the USA & Save up to 20 Lakhs with upGrad Abroad/

Study in USA

FAQs

Is the GRE really required for MS in Business Analytics in the US?

Can international students apply for MSBA programs without taking the GRE?

What are some of the universities offering MS in Business Analytics without GRE?

Why are schools dropping the GRE requirement anyway?

What documents do I still need if I am not submitting a GRE score?

Will skipping the GRE lower my chances?

Are all universities using the same rules when it comes to GRE waivers?

When should I actually apply if I am skipping GRE?

What should I focus on if I’m not submitting GRE?

Important Study Abroad Articles

Pursue MBA in USA

Learn all about MBA programs in the USA/

MBA in USA

Scholarships for Students

Learn about types of scholarships, how to get a scholarship, their sources & a lot more.

Scholarships for Students

PNP Program Canada

Learn all about eligibility, documents, application process, cost & more./

Provincial Nominee Program Canada

Bulbul Sharma

Manager- Content @upGrad |124 articles published

Bulbul is a self-driven professional and an expert writer & editor. She has been a part of the ed-tech industry for the past 2 years now and is motivated to provide study abroad aspirants with factual...

Looking for Expert Advice?

+91

Download Your Free Copy Now

referer

Refer Your Friend & Earn upto ₹15000

Help your friend upgrade to a Global Career and earn rewards together.

Trending Searches

Editor's Pick

Australia

Canada

UK

USA

Exam

Other Countries

upGrad Abroad Logo
LinkedinFacebookInstagramTwitterYoutubeWhatsapp

Download our App

Bachelor programs

Top Destinations

Masters programs

Study Abroad Important Blogs