Choosing the right business school is one of the most consequential decisions for your career trajectory. For many global MBA aspirants, the choice often comes down to weighing prestigious options across different continents. The Indian School of Business - ISB and UCLA Anderson School of Management represent two such compelling but distinctly different choices.
Both institutions have carved unique niches in the global business education landscape, with ISB positioned as "Number 1 B-school in India" according to FT MBA Global Ranking 2025 and "Number 5 Overall in Asia Pacific" according to Bloomberg Businessweek, while UCLA Anderson leverages its position in the innovation hub of California with its philosophy to "Think Fearlessly, Drive Change, Share Success." This analysis provides a data-driven comparison to help you make an informed decision based on the latest global MBA rankings.
ISB vs UCLA Overall Rankings: How They Stack Up
In the latest global rankings:
Indian School of Business (ISB) stands at number 27
UCLA Anderson School of Management is positioned at number 19
While UCLA holds a higher overall position, a deeper dive into specific metrics reveals interesting strengths for each institution. Rankings only tell part of the story, and as we'll see, both schools excel in different dimensions that might align better with different types of applicants.
ISB vs UCLA Salary Metrics: Investment Returns
Weighted Salary (US$)
ISB: $185,885
UCLA Anderson: $203,117
UCLA graduates earn approximately $17,000 more in weighted salary, representing a 9.3% premium. This reflects UCLA's strong positioning in the high-paying U.S. job market, particularly in the technology, entertainment, and consulting sectors dominant in California.
Salary Today (US$)
ISB: $186,238
UCLA Anderson: $200,948
The current salary figures reinforce UCLA's advantage in absolute compensation terms, though the gap remains proportional to the weighted salary difference.
Salary Percentage Increase
ISB: 247% (ranked number 1 for salary increase among all schools)
UCLA Anderson: 117%
This reveals perhaps the most striking difference between the two programs. ISB graduates experience a remarkable 247% increase in their salaries post-MBA, more than double the percentage increase of UCLA graduates. This reflects ISB's exceptional value proposition for career transformers, particularly those from the Indian subcontinent where pre-MBA salaries tend to be lower but post-MBA placement is strong.
ISB vs UCLA Employment Outcomes
Employed at Three Months
ISB: 95% (97%)
UCLA Anderson: 77% (98%)
Both schools demonstrate strong employment outcomes, with ISB having a higher immediate employment rate but UCLA showing slightly better numbers when including those with job offers. The figures in parentheses represent the percentage of graduates seeking employment who received job offers.
Careers Service Rank
ISB: Rank 19
UCLA Anderson: Rank 10
UCLA's career services are ranked higher globally, potentially reflecting stronger corporate relationships across industries. The career service departments play crucial roles in connecting students with potential employers through networking events, career fairs, and alumni connections.
ISB vs UCLA Value Considerations
Value for Money Rank
ISB: Rank 59
UCLA Anderson: Rank 86
Despite its lower overall ranking, ISB demonstrates significantly better value for money, making it a financially sound choice for budget-conscious applicants. This metric takes into account the total cost of attendance relative to salary outcomes and career progression.
Tuition and Total Cost Comparison
While not explicitly mentioned in the data, it's worth noting that:
ISB typically charges around $60,000 for its one-year program
UCLA Anderson's two-year program costs approximately $150,000-$180,000 for tuition and fees alone
The substantially lower total investment at ISB, combined with its strong salary increase percentage, contributes significantly to its value proposition, especially for those funding their MBA through loans.
ISB vs UCLA Academic Experience
Aims Achieved (%)
ISB: 85%
UCLA Anderson: 89%
UCLA performs slightly better in terms of students achieving their stated goals through the program. This metric reflects graduate satisfaction and the school's ability to deliver on promised educational outcomes.
Program Structure and Length
ISB: One-year intensive program (PGP - Post Graduate Programme in Management)
UCLA Anderson: Traditional two-year program (Full-Time MBA)
The program length represents a significant difference in approach. ISB's one-year model is designed for professionals with 2-24 years of work experience (averaging 4.4 years in the Class of 2025) and minimizes opportunity costs through an intensive academic experience. UCLA's two-year program allows for summer internships, more elective choices (115+ elective courses), and potentially deeper specialization across 15 different concentration areas. UCLA also offers 8 concurrent degree programs and opportunities for in-year internships alongside studies.
ISB vs UCLA Diversity and Career Progress
Sector Diversity Rank
ISB: Rank 80
UCLA Anderson: Rank 48
UCLA offers better diversity across industry sectors for post-graduation employment. This suggests graduates have more varied career paths across different industries, potentially offering more flexibility for career switchers targeting specific sectors.
Career Progress Rank
ISB: Rank 33
UCLA Anderson: Rank 48
ISB outperforms UCLA in terms of career advancement metrics, which measures the progression in seniority and company size. This suggests ISB graduates may climb the corporate ladder more quickly post-MBA.
Gender and International Diversity
Though not explicitly listed in the ranking data, diversity considerations include:
ISB: Typically 30-35% female students, highly diverse within the Indian context but less internationally diverse with approximately 5-10% international students
UCLA Anderson: Approximately 35-40% female students and roughly 30-35% international students, reflecting more global diversity
Diversity in the classroom enriches the learning experience by bringing varied perspectives to discussions and case analyses.
Environmental Considerations
Carbon Footprint Rank
ISB: Rank 23
UCLA Anderson: Rank 8
UCLA demonstrates a stronger commitment to environmental sustainability, ranking among the top schools in this dimension. This reflects not only institutional values but potentially the integration of sustainability concepts throughout the curriculum.
ISB vs UCLA Faculty and Academic Strengths
Faculty Quality and Research Output
Both schools boast impressive faculty credentials but with different models:
ISB leverages a "portfolio faculty model" with 70+ resident academic scholars supplemented by 200+ visiting professors from elite global institutions like Wharton, Kellogg, and London Business School. ISB ranks #1 in India and #52 globally in the Financial Times Research Ranking 2024.
UCLA Anderson maintains a traditional resident faculty model with strong research credentials, particularly in finance, entrepreneurship, and marketing, supporting its STEM-certified MBA program.
Academic Focus Areas
ISB: Strong research capabilities through 5 dedicated research centers (including the Centre for Analytical Finance and Thomas Schmidheiny Centre for Family Enterprise) and 5 research institutes (including ISB Institute of Data Science and Bharti Institute of Public Policy).
UCLA Anderson: Offers 15 specializations including Technology Leadership, Investment Management, Corporate Finance, Entertainment, Real Estate, Global Management, Marketing Analytics, Brand Management, Healthcare, Accounting, and Sustainability.
ISB vs UCLA Alumni Network and Influence
Alumni Reach and Engagement
ISB: Over 16,000+ alumni across all programs (ISB PGP, ISB PGP MAX, ISB PGP MFAB, and ISB PGP PRO) with particularly strong networks in India (78%), USA (7%), Southeast Asia (6%), Europe (5%), Middle East (2%), and South Africa (2%). ISB has produced 800+ alumni at CXO level/top leadership positions and 1,000+ alumni entrepreneurs or in family businesses.
UCLA Anderson: Approximately 42,000+ alumni across 75+ countries with 40+ global alumni chapters, providing exceptional connections in the U.S. West Coast tech ecosystem, venture capital, and entertainment industries.
The geographic concentration and industry influence of alumni networks can significantly impact post-graduation opportunities, especially in regions and industries where personal connections matter.
ISB vs UCLA Post-Graduation Employment Profile
Industry and Function Placement
UCLA Anderson Employment by Industry:
Technology: 25.8%
Consulting: 27%
Financial Services: 13.9%
Consumer Products: 9%
Entertainment: 8.2%
Healthcare: 6.7%
Real Estate: 3.7%
Energy: 1.5%
Hospitality: 1.1%
Others: 3.1%
UCLA Anderson Employment by Function:
Management Consulting: 27%
Product Management: 13.1%
Investment Banking: 7.9%
Product Marketing: 7.1%
Brand Management: 6.7%
Corporate Strategy: 6.7%
Corporate Finance: 5.2%
Others: 26.3%
ISB Industry and Function Shifts:
Career Changers: 74% function shift and 70% industry shift for the class of 2024
Top recruiting industries: Consulting & Professional Services (37%), Technology (21%), and BFSI (10%)
Top functional areas: Consulting (14%), Sales & Marketing (13%), Finance (13%), General Management/Strategic Planning (11%)
ISB vs UCLA : Who Should Choose Which Program?
Consider ISB if:
You're seeking maximum salary percentage increase (247% - ranked #1 globally)
Career progression to senior roles is your priority (Career Progress Rank #33)
Value for money is a critical factor (Value for Money Rank #59)
You're targeting leadership roles in Asian markets, particularly India
You have budget constraints but want a globally recognized MBA
You prefer to complete your MBA in one intensive year
You have entrepreneurial ambitions focused on emerging markets (ranked number 1 in India and number 20 globally by PitchBook for alumni entrepreneurs)
You want to leverage India's growing economy and business opportunities
You're looking for a school with proven success in career transitions (70%+ industry shift rate)
Consider UCLA Anderson if:
Higher absolute salary is your goal ($203,117 weighted salary)
You want access to diverse sectors, particularly in tech and entertainment
Strong career services is important (Career Service Rank number 10)
Environmental sustainability aligns with your values (Carbon Footprint Rank number 8)
You're targeting roles specifically in the U.S. West Coast
You prefer a two-year program with summer internship opportunity
You're interested in the venture capital ecosystem
You value international diversity in the classroom
You want to leverage the innovation ecosystem of Southern California
You're targeting consulting, product management, or investment banking roles
Campus Location and Lifestyle
Campus Environment
ISB: Two state-of-the-art campuses (Hyderabad and Mohali) operating as a single entity with the same world-class program design and delivery. Both campuses have received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification by the Indian Green Building Council.
UCLA Anderson: Integrated within UCLA's renowned campus in Los Angeles, providing access to broader university resources including electives at other UCLA schools and cross-campus collaborations.
Student Life and Activities
ISB: Rich student life with Graduate Student Association (GSA) led by student-run Graduate Student Board (GSB) managing clubs, events, and activities. Supports married students with single-bedroom furnished apartments and provides day-care facilities for families.
UCLA Anderson: Vibrant student community with 50+ student organizations across Professional, Identity, and Interest Clubs, providing leadership experience and specialized networking opportunities.
Lifestyle Considerations
ISB: Relatively lower cost of living, campus-centered experience with comprehensive facilities
UCLA Anderson: Higher cost of living in Los Angeles, but access to cultural, recreational, and professional opportunities of a major global city with regular global immersion experiences
The living environment during your MBA can significantly impact your overall experience, stress levels, and networking opportunities outside the classroom.
Admission Process and Financial Considerations
Admission Cycles and Requirements
ISB: Operates a unified admission process for both campuses with multiple rounds. Requirements include bachelor's degree, valid GMAT/GRE scores, minimum 24 months of work experience by March 31 of joining year, and TOEFL/IELTS if education was not in English. The Class of 2025 has 816 enrolled students with an average age of 26 and average work experience of 4.4 years.
UCLA Anderson: Offers three application rounds with deadlines typically in October (Round 1), January (Round 2), and April (Round 3). The program awards approximately $18 million in fellowships annually, with 60% of students receiving fellowships and 80% receiving some form of financial aid.
ISB vs UCLA Financial Considerations
ISB: Approximately 25% of students receive scholarships across multiple categories including Merit, Diversity, Need-cum-merit, and donor-supported scholarships. Special scholarships are available for students planning careers in social impact, NGOs, or public sector.
UCLA Anderson: Substantial financial aid offerings with 60% of students receiving fellowships and 80% receiving some form of aid. The program awards approximately $18 million in fellowships annually.
Both schools maintain rigorous admissions standards, but the application volume at ISB makes it statistically more difficult to gain admission for many candidates. ISB has also made progress in gender diversity, with 47% female students in the Class of 2025, a 7% increase from the previous year.
The choice between ISB and UCLA Anderson ultimately depends on your personal career objectives, financial considerations, and geographic preferences. ISB offers exceptional ROI with dramatic salary increases, making it ideal for career transformers, particularly those focused on Asian markets. The one-year program structure also minimizes opportunity costs, creating a compelling total value proposition.
UCLA Anderson provides higher absolute salaries, better sector diversity, and stronger U.S. market access, particularly in the innovation-driven industries of the West Coast. Its two-year structure, though more expensive, allows for more exploration and potentially smoother career transitions through internship opportunities.
Both institutions have earned their places among the global elite of business education, and a thoughtful analysis of your own priorities is essential to making the right choice between these two outstanding options.
FAQs About ISB vs UCLA Anderson
Which school is better for career changers? ISB shows a dramatically higher salary percentage increase (247%), making it potentially more valuable for career switchers, with 74% of graduates changing functions and 70% changing industries in recent classes.
Which program offers better value for money? ISB ranks significantly higher (rank 59 vs rank 86) in value for money, largely due to its lower tuition costs, one-year format (lower opportunity cost), and strong salary outcomes.
Which school has better employment rates? ISB has slightly higher immediate employment rates (95% vs 77%), though both schools perform well by the three-month mark.
Which school is better for U.S. job placement? UCLA Anderson naturally offers stronger placement opportunities within the U.S. market, particularly in California-based industries with leading companies like Amazon, Apple, Google, and Disney regularly recruiting.
How do the admission requirements compare? Both schools are highly selective. ISB requires a minimum of 24 months work experience, while UCLA has no minimum requirement but values quality experience. The class profile at ISB has an average work experience of 4.4 years compared to a typical 5 years at UCLA.
Which program is better for entrepreneurs? ISB ranks number 1 in India and number 20 globally (PitchBook) for producing venture-backed founders, with 750+ alumni entrepreneurs and 13+ unicorns. UCLA Anderson has stronger connections to the U.S. venture capital ecosystem, while ISB offers better access to emerging market opportunities, particularly in India's startup scene.
How do the alumni networks compare? UCLA Anderson has a larger alumni base (42,000+) with particular strength in the U.S., while ISB has a rapidly growing network (16,000+) with exceptional influence in India (78% of alumni) and increasingly across Asia.
Which program better serves women and underrepresented minorities? Both schools have made significant strides in diversity. ISB has shown remarkable progress with 47% female students in the Class of 2025 (a 7% increase from the previous year), while UCLA Anderson has strong diversity initiatives across Professional, Identity, and Interest Clubs.
How do the specializations compare between the two schools? UCLA Anderson offers 15 formal specializations including Technology Leadership, Entertainment, and Sustainability, while ISB provides a more personalized approach with "Custom Learning Journey" tailored to individual career aspirations through elective choices.
What are the differences in teaching methodology? ISB employs a unique "portfolio faculty model" combining 70+ resident faculty with 200+ visiting professors from top global institutions, while UCLA Anderson leverages its permanent faculty and focuses on experiential learning through capstone projects with Fortune 500 companies.