Congratulations on your LBS admit! It is a very competitive program in Europe and they get lots of applicants!
There are several perspectives on rankings, reputation, and access to employment opportunities you get with each program.
If you are planning to go back to your home country and make a suppressed salary compared to other parts of the world, then getting a cheaper program or full scholarship would make the most sense, and frankly would be the most responsible thing to do. Keep in mind that Judge is not able to attract on campus employers quite as well as LBS and has a weaker MBA alum network, thus shifting more of the recruiting work on to you personally. Part of the stronger brand is that it helps you get that first job out of bschool.
I know a number of people head over to MBA to change industries, change countries of residency, etc and some choose to finance as much as 100% of their tuition and living expenses ($200K). The argument they have is that they make $20K right now but after the MBA, they can make $125K and be able to pay off $1-2K/mo in debt. Again, you have to match your experience to your financial abilities.
Some folks, myself probably included, did not really plan out their financial strategy (how to pay for school) in advance. I was lucky and got a full ride and then some but still had to borrow for living expenses. At the same time, I saw MBA as more than just another step in my career progression and just another step. For me, MBA was a monumental change and a staggering leap forward in terms of opportunities and self-improvement and personal growth. Frankly, even without a scholarship, if I could borrow money, I would have probably headed for an MBA anyway, but it is hard to tell now of course.
I hope this venting helps you with your question
BB.
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