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30 Dec 2025, 14:02
Kudos
Bookmarks
Hi everyone,
I’ve been admitted to LBS and IESE and would really appreciate some advice. I know both are really good programs.
Profile: retail background, targeting EU and retail/e-commerce. From South America, EU passport, plan to stay in Europe post-MBA.
Costs: IESE offered a 20% scholarship. LBS offered no aid, so attending LBS would mean taking a loan for almost double o what i will in IESE ( LBS has a 123k pounds tuition + London living expenses vs IESE 114k euro).
LBS
• Stronger global brand and alumni reach
• London location (always been a personal dream becuase i love the city)
• Good academics, but perceived as less intense
IESE
• Strong cultural fit and very collaborative community
• Excellent academic reputation; enjoy the case method
• Native Spanish speaker
• Lower cost and better lifestyle in Barcelona
My key question is about ROI. Given that I’m not targeting finance or consulting, does LBS justify the significantly higher cost?
Would love to hear thoughts, especially from alumni or those in retail/e-commerce.
Thanks in advance
I’ve been admitted to LBS and IESE and would really appreciate some advice. I know both are really good programs.
Profile: retail background, targeting EU and retail/e-commerce. From South America, EU passport, plan to stay in Europe post-MBA.
Costs: IESE offered a 20% scholarship. LBS offered no aid, so attending LBS would mean taking a loan for almost double o what i will in IESE ( LBS has a 123k pounds tuition + London living expenses vs IESE 114k euro).
LBS
• Stronger global brand and alumni reach
• London location (always been a personal dream becuase i love the city)
• Good academics, but perceived as less intense
IESE
• Strong cultural fit and very collaborative community
• Excellent academic reputation; enjoy the case method
• Native Spanish speaker
• Lower cost and better lifestyle in Barcelona
My key question is about ROI. Given that I’m not targeting finance or consulting, does LBS justify the significantly higher cost?
Would love to hear thoughts, especially from alumni or those in retail/e-commerce.
Thanks in advance
30 Dec 2025, 14:37
Kudos
Bookmarks
Hey! Congratulations on your admits!
I feel since you have the EU passport/work permit, it makes sense to take IESE rather than trying to go to the UK, esp taking into consideration the cost differential. If you were looking to work in London or Finance, then perhaps there are some strong reasons but with more general outlook and retail/ecommerce (areas that usually represent about 5% of the graduating class), it is a much more niche area.
I feel since you have the EU passport/work permit, it makes sense to take IESE rather than trying to go to the UK, esp taking into consideration the cost differential. If you were looking to work in London or Finance, then perhaps there are some strong reasons but with more general outlook and retail/ecommerce (areas that usually represent about 5% of the graduating class), it is a much more niche area.
31 Dec 2025, 07:09
Kudos
Bookmarks
Congratulations on getting into two of Europe’s most prestigious programs! This is a "high-class problem" to have, but the financial delta you're describing—effectively double the loan for LBS—is a significant factor that deserves a cold, hard look at the numbers.
Given your background and goals, here is an analysis to help you decide if the "London Dream" is worth the price tag.
[hr]
1. Financial Comparison & ROI
The most striking difference is the Cost of Attendance (CoA) vs. Expected Salary.
The ROI Reality: In Finance or Strategy Consulting, LBS has a slight edge in "ceiling" salary. However, in Retail and E-commerce, the salary gap between the two schools narrows significantly. Amazon, Zalando, and Inditex recruit heavily from both. You are looking at a €60,000+ debt difference that could take years to pay off, while the starting salaries in retail won't differ by nearly that much.
[hr]
2. Strategic Fit: Retail & E-commerce
3. Cultural & Personal Factors
4. The Decision Framework
Ask yourself these three questions:
If you were going for Private Equity, I’d say go to LBS and take the loan. But for Retail and E-commerce, especially as a native Spanish speaker with an EU passport, IESE is the smarter financial move. You get a world-class education, a 20% discount, a lower cost of living, and access to the same major recruiters.
Given your background and goals, here is an analysis to help you decide if the "London Dream" is worth the price tag.
[hr]
1. Financial Comparison & ROI
The most striking difference is the Cost of Attendance (CoA) vs. Expected Salary.
| Metric | London Business School (LBS) | IESE Business School |
| Total Tuition | ~£123,000 (~€148,000) | €114,000 |
| Scholarship | £0 | €22,800 (20% off) |
| Net Tuition | ~€148,000 | €91,200 |
| Cost of Living | Very High (London) | High (Barcelona) |
| Post-MBA Avg. Salary (Retail/Tech) | ~€110,000 - €125,000 | ~€95,000 - €110,000 |
[hr]
2. Strategic Fit: Retail & E-commerce
- IESE Advantage: You are a native Spanish speaker. This is a massive "unfair advantage" in Europe for retail. Spain is the home of global giants like Inditex (Zara), Mango, and Puig. Your ability to navigate both the academic case method and the Spanish corporate world puts you in the top tier for these companies.
- LBS Advantage: London is the European hub for E-commerce and Retail-Tech (Farfetch, Ocado, and the major tech giants' European HQs). If your goal is specifically "big tech e-commerce," LBS’s proximity to these HQs is an asset for networking.
3. Cultural & Personal Factors
- The "London Dream": You mentioned loving the city. While LBS is a 15–21 month program, a career is 30 years. You can always move to London after IESE. In fact, many IESE grads land roles in London. Does living there as a student justify a €60k premium when you could live there later as a high-earner with less debt?
- The Case Method: Since you enjoy the case method, IESE’s academic rigor will be more rewarding. LBS is more flexible and "choose-your-own-adventure," which is great for social life but less structured for deep academic immersion.
4. The Decision Framework
Ask yourself these three questions:
- Where do I want to be on Day 1 after graduation? If the answer is "specifically at a UK-based startup," LBS wins. If the answer is "a global retail leader anywhere in the EU," IESE is just as strong.
- How much does "Brand" matter to me? LBS is a top-5 global brand. IESE is a top-10. In Retail, this distinction is often negligible compared to your specific work experience.
- Debt Stress: Will a significantly higher loan restrict your career choices? (e.g., forcing you into a high-paying job you hate just to service the debt).
If you were going for Private Equity, I’d say go to LBS and take the loan. But for Retail and E-commerce, especially as a native Spanish speaker with an EU passport, IESE is the smarter financial move. You get a world-class education, a 20% discount, a lower cost of living, and access to the same major recruiters.
CASTINDA95
