Head to head
Esade Business School vs IE Business School
The Esade Business School and IE Business School Master in Management programs, compared side by side on the numbers that decide it — ranking, fees, salary, selectivity and class profile.
| Metric | Esade Business School | IE Business School |
|---|---|---|
| FT ranking 2025 | #24 | #27 |
| QS ranking 2025 | #12 | #7 |
| Tuition | €39,000 for the 2027-2028 cycle (one-year MSc, the intake now open) plus a €150 application fee; €37,500 was the 2026-2027 figure. A second year adds to that: CEMS MIM €55,200 in total, an Esade or partner-school double degree €60,300 | €51,200 |
| Salary (~3yr) | $117kFT 2025 | $95kFT 2025 |
| Employment rate | 91%3 months out | 88%3 months out |
| GMAT range | — | 605–755 (avg 660) |
| Duration | 15 months | 15 months |
| Class size | — | 639 |
| Average age | — | 24 |
| International | — | 91% |
| Female | — | 47% |
| Location | Barcelona, Spain | Madrid, Spain |
The short version
- On the Financial Times 2025 ranking, Esade Business School (#24) sits ahead of IE Business School (#27).
- On the FT weighted salary — pay about three years after graduation — Esade Business School leads at $117k.
- On tuition, Esade Business School is the more affordable option at €39,000 for the 2027-2028 cycle (one-year MSc, the intake now open) plus a €150 application fee; €37,500 was the 2026-2027 figure. A second year adds to that: CEMS MIM €55,200 in total, an Esade or partner-school double degree €60,300.
Rankings and salary are only part of the decision — fit with your target career, location, language, and cost of living usually matter more. Read each program in full before deciding.
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Frequently asked
Is Esade Business School or IE Business School ranked higher?
- On the Financial Times 2025 Masters in Management ranking, Esade Business School places #24 and IE Business School #27, so Esade Business School ranks higher. A few places on one table rarely settle the decision, though — programme fit, location and cost usually matter more than the gap.
Which is more affordable, Esade Business School or IE Business School?
- Tuition is €39,000 for the 2027-2028 cycle (one-year MSc, the intake now open) plus a €150 application fee; €37,500 was the 2026-2027 figure. A second year adds to that: CEMS MIM €55,200 in total, an Esade or partner-school double degree €60,300 at Esade Business School and €51,200 at IE Business School. Compare like for like before concluding — headline tuition can mix EU/EEA and non-EU rates — and add living costs in Barcelona versus Madrid, since the lower tuition is not always the cheaper city overall.
Which has higher graduate salaries, Esade Business School or IE Business School?
- Esade Business School reports the higher figure ($117k) against $95k at IE Business School. Both are measured about three years after graduation, so neither is a starting salary. Treat them as indicative: they reflect each cohort's industry mix and how the school surveys alumni as much as raw earning power.
Do you need the GMAT for Esade Business School or IE Business School?
- Esade Business School has an admission route that does not require a GMAT or GRE; IE Business School generally looks for around 605–755 (avg 660). Test policies change each cycle, so confirm the current requirement on each school's own admissions page before assuming you can skip it.
Should I choose Esade Business School or IE Business School?
- There is no universal winner. The right pick depends on your target career, where you want to live and work (Barcelona, Spain versus Madrid, Spain), the language of instruction, and your budget. Read both full profiles, weigh fit over a handful of ranking places, and if you are still torn, our admissions guide walks through building a shortlist you can defend.