IIM vs Harvard – Fees, Salary, Which is Better & Reddit Insights (2025)
If you’re evaluating the decision between Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM A) or Harvard Business School (HBS) at Harvard University — covering topics like IIM vs Harvard fees, IIM vs Harvard which is better, IIM vs Harvard salary
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Institutes at a Glance
- IIM Ahmedabad (IIM A): One of India’s top business schools, strong domestic network and placements.
- Harvard Business School (HBS): Globally renowned MBA program at Harvard University, massive brand value and global exposure.
Fees Comparison – IIM vs Harvard Fees
Let’s compare typical cost structures:
| Institution | Typical Fee / Total Cost |
|---|---|
| IIM (older top campuses, 2-yr full-time PGP) | Approximately INR 21-26 lakhs (for 2-year program) per recent data. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3} |
| Harvard Business School (2-yr MBA) | Around USD 236,804 (~INR 1.9-2 crore) as published for recent years. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4} |
So clearly: the financial investment for Harvard is much higher than for IIM Ahmedabad (and other IIMs) for Indian residents. If cost is a major factor, IIM has a clear edge.
Salary & ROI – IIM vs Harvard Salary
Another key dimension: what you earn after graduating.
| Institution | Reported Salary / 3-yrs After Graduation |
|---|---|
| IIM Ahmedabad | Reported ~$219,467 (USD) for IIM A alumni in recent ranking. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5} |
| Harvard Business School | Average ~$256,731 (USD) for Harvard MBA graduates 3 years out. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6} |
Thus, Harvard graduates tend to have higher average salary figures in global USD terms. But one must factor in cost, geographic placement (India vs global), currency, tax, and living costs to assess return on investment.
Which is Better – IIM vs Harvard Which is Better?
There’s no one-size answer: “which is better” depends heavily on your goals, finances, geography, and career aspirations.
When Harvard could be better
- If you seek a global career, international mobility and brand recognition worldwide.
- If you have financial backing (or scholarships) to afford the higher cost.
- If you are willing to move/relocate, and leverage the global alumni & network that Harvard offers.
When IIM could be better
- If you intend to build your career in India (or Asia) and want strong local networks and placements.
- If cost is a constraint and you want a very strong ROI in local context.
- If you prefer to avoid relocation and want to leverage the Indian business environment.
In short: If global mobility + brand is your priority → Harvard; if cost-effectiveness + Indian business ecosystem is your priority → IIM.
What Reddit Says – IIM vs Harvard Reddit
On forums like Reddit you’ll find candid discussions. For example: > “Now if you ask me if I wanna get an mim or a mba, I would want an MBA, will need 4-5 year experience tho for Harvard or any mba.” :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8} These reflect realistic admits, expectations about work experience and comparing value. It emphasises that top foreign MBAs like Harvard often require several years of work experience, and many users question whether the cost justifies the ROI given one’s personal context.
Deep Dive: IIM Ahmedabad (IIM A)
IIM Ahmedabad stands out in India for its legacy, strong alumni in consulting/finance, rigorous admission via CAT and strong placements domestically.
Strengths
- A leading B-school in India; strong domestic brand.
- Relatively lower cost compared to international MBAs.
Limitations
- Less international exposure (faculty, student body) compared with top US schools. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
- If you plan to work globally (outside India), brand may not carry as much as Harvard in some markets.
Deep Dive: Harvard Business School (HBS)
Harvard offers unparalleled global brand, alumni, research, and career mobility – but at a very high cost.
Strengths
- Global recognition and network across industries and geographies.
- High average salaries and placement outcomes. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Limitations
- Much greater financial burden (tuition + living + relocation) for many applicants from India. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
- Competition is intense; returning to India may reduce differential advantage compared with staying abroad.
IIM vs Stanford – A Quick Note
Since you asked, how does IIM stack against Stanford Graduate School of Business (Stanford GSB)? While detailed comparison is outside the scope of this post, some key points:
- Stanford (like Harvard) offers very strong global brand and extremely high average salaries, strong startup ecosystem etc.
- IIM offers cost-effective Indian advantage; for India‐based career the ROI may be superior.
- Your choice here depends whether you want to tap India’s market or international markets – similar logic as Harvard vs IIM.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the fee difference — IIM vs Harvard fees?
A: The tuition/cost of a top IIM full-time program is roughly INR 21-26 lakhs (for two years) in recent data. Meanwhile, Harvard’s 2-year MBA cost is around USD 236 k (~INR 1.9-2 crore). So IIM is far less expensive. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
Q2: Do Harvard grads earn more than IIM grads — IIM vs Harvard salary?
A: Yes in global USD terms, Harvard MBA graduates show higher average salaries (~USD 256k) compared to IIM Ahmedabad (~USD 219k) in recent rankings. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
Q3: Which is better — IIM vs Harvard which is better?
A: It depends entirely on your goals. If you aim globally and can afford cost, Harvard may be better. If you aim in India (or want cost-effective ROI), IIM may be better.
Q4: What do Reddit users say about IIM vs Harvard Reddit?
A: Reddit comments show aspirants recognise high cost and work-experience expectations for Harvard, and weigh whether Indian B-schools like IIM deliver better value in context. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
Conclusion
In summary: both IIM Ahmedabad and Harvard Business School are world-class institutions, but they serve somewhat different applicant profiles and career goals. If your target is a high-cost investment with global brand and mobility, Harvard may be right. If you are looking for strong value, cost-effectiveness, and a career based in India (or Asia), IIM Ahmedabad offers a compelling proposition. Ultimately, choosing “which is better” comes down to your finances, geographic ambitions, work experience, and long-term career path.