Head to head
IE Business School vs University of Mannheim Business School
The IE Business School and University of Mannheim Business School Master in Management programs, compared side by side on the numbers that decide it — ranking, fees, salary, selectivity and class profile.
| Metric | IE Business School | University of Mannheim Business School |
|---|---|---|
| FT ranking 2025 | #27 | #28 |
| QS ranking 2025 | #7 | #26 |
| Tuition | €51,200 | No tuition for EU/EEA students + €194/semester student contribution |
| Median salary | $95k | $120k |
| Employment rate | 88% | 98% |
| GMAT range | 605–755 (avg 660) | — |
| Duration | 15 months | 24 months |
| Class size | 639 | — |
| Average age | 24 | — |
| International | 91% | — |
| Female | 47% | — |
| Location | Madrid, Spain | Mannheim, Germany |
The short version
- On the Financial Times 2025 ranking, IE Business School (#27) sits ahead of University of Mannheim Business School (#28).
- On graduate salary, University of Mannheim Business School leads at $120k.
- On tuition, University of Mannheim Business School is the more affordable option at No tuition for EU/EEA students + €194/semester student contribution.
- Geographically they are a different bet entirely: IE Business School in Spain, University of Mannheim Business School in Germany.
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 IE Business School or University of Mannheim Business School ranked higher?
- On the Financial Times 2025 Masters in Management ranking, IE Business School places #27 and University of Mannheim Business School #28, so IE 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, IE Business School or University of Mannheim Business School?
- Tuition is €51,200 at IE Business School and No tuition for EU/EEA students + €194/semester student contribution at University of Mannheim Business School. Compare like for like before concluding — headline tuition can mix EU/EEA and non-EU rates — and add living costs in Madrid versus Mannheim, since the lower tuition is not always the cheaper city overall.
Which has higher graduate salaries, IE Business School or University of Mannheim Business School?
- University of Mannheim Business School reports the higher graduate salary ($120k) against $95k at IE Business School. Treat headline salary figures 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 IE Business School or University of Mannheim Business School?
- IE Business School generally looks for around 605–755 (avg 660); University of Mannheim Business School generally expects a GMAT or GRE. 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 IE Business School or University of Mannheim Business School?
- There is no universal winner. The right pick depends on your target career, where you want to live and work (Madrid, Spain versus Mannheim, Germany), 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.