Hi everyone,


I have admits for the 2023 Part-time MBA intake at Mannheim and FSFM (Frankfurt School) and would like to know what differences you see between them.


For me the following issues play a role in the decision:


- Reputation of each MBA program (e.g. is the private university reputation in Germany really a con for FSFM, while the location a clear pro?)
- Target industries (do you see very big differences here?)
- Program/ROI (Mannheim 90 ECTS x Frankfurt 60 ECTS: 50% more credits seem relevant, or do you think differently?)


My motivation to pursue an MBA is to strenghten my CV in order to manage an industry or role transition, and to build a good support network in Germany (I speak German but studied abroad).

Thanks in advance!

[Edited by DeDe on Mar 19, 2023]

Because the part-time MBA is closer in age and experience to the full-time MBA cohort than to the EMBA cohort, I suggest comparing the two schools (using the FT global MBA ranking). The Mannheim MBA is far superior to FSFM in almost every dimension (including salary and student quality), and benefits from the reputation of Mannheim University as arguably the top full-service business school in the country and certainly one of the top universities. FSFM is especially attractive to graduates of EBS, the private university for banking and law. Both EBS and FSFM are relatively easy to get in, while Mannheim and the other universities in Baden-Wuerttemberg are well known as being among the most selective in the country (as reflected by the higher-than-average use of the numerus clausus there: only Berlin, Hamburg and Saarland are higher).  

FSFM was founded by and for the city's banks, as the Bankakademie. It remains heavily focussed on the banking industry, stock markets, and the professional services and tech firms that serve them. Mannheim is more widely based around manufacturing, IT and professional services. This really does reflect the nature of these schools, even through the two cities are just 47 minutes away from each other. 

TL;DR: I think most people would be better served by Mannheim. 

[Edited by Duncan on Mar 19, 2023]