Head to head

London Business School vs Imperial College Business School

The London Business School and Imperial College Business School Master in Management programs, compared side by side on the numbers that decide it — ranking, fees, salary, selectivity and class profile.

London Business School
Imperial College Business School
FT ranking 2025
#10
#47
QS ranking 2025
#2
#9
Tuition
£52,950
£47,000
Median salary
$123k
$85k
Employment rate
92%
95%
GMAT range
640–730
Duration
12–16 months
12 months
Class size
405
Average age
23
International
92%
Female
52%
54%
Location
London, UK
London, UK

The short version

  • On the Financial Times 2025 ranking, London Business School (#10) sits ahead of Imperial College Business School (#47).
  • On graduate salary, London Business School leads at $123k.
  • On tuition, Imperial College Business School is the more affordable option at £47,000.

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.

Frequently asked

Is London Business School or Imperial College Business School ranked higher?
On the Financial Times 2025 Masters in Management ranking, London Business School places #10 and Imperial College Business School #47, so London 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, London Business School or Imperial College Business School?
Tuition is £52,950 at London Business School and £47,000 at Imperial College Business School. Compare like for like before concluding — headline tuition can mix EU/EEA and non-EU rates — and add living costs in London versus London, since the lower tuition is not always the cheaper city overall.
Which has higher graduate salaries, London Business School or Imperial College Business School?
London Business School reports the higher graduate salary ($123k) against $85k at Imperial College 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 London Business School or Imperial College Business School?
London Business School generally looks for around 640–730; Imperial College 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 London Business School or Imperial College Business School?
There is no universal winner. The right pick depends on your target career, where you want to live and work (London, UK versus London, UK), 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.