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.
| Metric | London Business School | Imperial College Business School |
|---|---|---|
| FT ranking 2025 | #10 | #47 |
| QS ranking 2025 | #2 | #9 |
| Tuition | £52,950 — the 2026-intake figure, the latest LBS publishes; no 2027 rate is out yet | £47,000 for the August 2027 intake — the same fee for UK and international students |
| Salary (~3yr) | $123kFT 2025 | $85kFT 2025 |
| Employment rate | 92%3 months out | 95%3 months out |
| 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 the FT weighted salary — pay about three years after graduation — London Business School leads at $123k.
- On tuition, Imperial College Business School is the more affordable option at £47,000 for the August 2027 intake — the same fee for UK and international students.
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 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 — the 2026-intake figure, the latest LBS publishes; no 2027 rate is out yet at London Business School and £47,000 for the August 2027 intake — the same fee for UK and international students 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 figure ($123k) against $85k at Imperial College 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 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.