In the long run, IE would be a better investment. A recent ranking by return on investments rated IE at the top of the list, and Cranfield 2nd place. The total cost of the programs differed by about $5,000 (Cranfield is cheaper,) but the kicker is the average post-MBA pay increase - $50,500 for Cranfield and, wait for it....

$96,500 for IE.

Seems to me a no-brainer, as even if you saw that average pay increase you'll more than recoup that differential (including the 6.5k scholarship,) in less than a year.

And in terms of reputation, rankings, etc. - IE, hands down.

Hi there. Actually the difference will be of ?25k... that's what keeps me thinking... but I agree on all the rest...
Thanks a lot for your opinion. That really matters for me...

I wouldn't neccessarily base your decision on average pay upon graduation. That obviously depends how "average" you are in comparison to the rest of the student body at either school.

Also, for what it's worth.. Financial Times says the "weighted salary" coming out of Cranfield is $127,004 compared to $132,925 at IE. That's American dollars.. but as you can see, it's pretty close. So... judging by the numbers someone else posted, I guess IE students are just a lot poorer coming in!

Still, I would think more about what each individual school has to offer you. For example, how important is it to you to get experience in a Spanish-speaking country? For me, it's a top priority, so I'd choose IE hands down. But if you want to work in England upon graduation it would make sense to study there and network with UK companies.

What industry are you interested in working in? Which school has better connections in your field of interest? Which offers the curriculum that lines up best with your interests?

If all of those things are equal, and its substantially cheaper to go to Cranfield I would definitely go with that school. I can't imagine that the return on investment is that much different.. they're both among the best programs in the world..

However, you might tell IE about your scholarship offer at Cranfield and see if they will match it, or at least offer you something. If you are a competitive candidate they may be willing to offer you a scholarship; sometimes it is just a matter of asking at the right time. Since it is late in the admission process IE may have unclaimed 2009 scholarship money that they could reassign to you. This strategy worked for me at a U.S. school that I had applied to (I ended up declining them anyway, though, because in the end I decided being in Spain was my priority.)

Well Sally, I'm on my way to IE, so who knows... we might meet there :)

Anyway, I just tought IE is a better school (at leat more reputated one) and will give me a great education. And my priority would be to work somewere in Europe but specially in my homw country or in Spain, so IE is just better known for that.

So see you and thanks for sharing your ideas with me and help me decide :)

Sally,

Which Spanish business school are you attending?

I am applying to schools for 2010, so we'll see.. I'm applying to IE, IESE, ESADE, EADA and Carlos III. So... i will be going to one of those!

Sally - what if you want to network outside UK and Spain?

Would you say you cannot go wrong with any of these schools and it is down to personal preferences/circunstances?

If not UK or Spain, where do you want to network? I think location is important and it's always easier to network in a place when you're physcially there.

I would definitely agree that picking a school does come down to personal preferences and circumanstances. All of the programs mentioned here have a lot to offer, but its up to each person to decide what's right for him or her. In the end, I ended up choosing IE. I start in November!

Hi all,

I am also admitted to IE IMBA November 2010 intake. I would love to go to that school and for me to be in Spain is an added value too. I have some spanish knowledge and I would like to improve it.

I also want to work in Spain post MBA, or at least in Europe (I am from a non-EU country). Could you share your info or experiences on how IE MBA degree would open the doors in Spain for someone who needs a work permit. What I've heard is that schools career services is maybe the weakest thing it has.

Thanks in advance for your responses.

Back to the original question - IE or Cranfield:
Beware of basing you decision purely on stats, at this stage you may want to pay more attention to details about the school that suit you! e.g. at IE it's compulsory to learn Spanish and speak it fluently before you graduate, at Cranfield you're less than an hours commute to London and entrepreneur b-students starting their businesses are offered office space and support.

I didn't know the entrepreneural support in London. Is that something specific to Cranfield?

Magnet --

You make it sound like the opportunity to learn Spanish is a negative :P It is not "compulsory" that you become fluent at IE. I believe you may be required to take a beginners-level Spanish course during your first term, but after the classes are optional. I believe it would make sense to take advantage of all the language instruction that is available... however, I know there are a lot of students who don't....

Also, for those interested in entrepreneurship, I would check out IE's "Venture Lab" and vast elective course line up...

That said, I know nothing about Cranfield, but I'm sure it offers some excellent opportunities as well.

Sally

no definitely meant it as a bonus to learn a new language!! :)