For a decade, private higher education institutions have been flourishing in France, Europe, and around the world. has long been resistant to private higher education institutions because this country is attached to free education and its elitist system of Grandes Ecoles – which does not mean that private higher education institutions are not elitist. Private schools are also multiplying in the secondary cycle but to a lesser extent. Why are private higher education institutions, particularly business schools, so successful? Are they worth the effort, in other words, is there a return on investment or is it a scam?
What are business schools?
Business schools are higher education institutions whose studies last between two and five years. These are private schools whose diplomas are not recognized by the State but by private companies. Some courses at these business schools are taken directly after the baccalaureate in two or three years, and others are selected after two years of higher education and award master’s degrees.
These schools are financed by the chambers of commerce and especially by the students who pay annual tuition fees of between 7,000 and 12,000 euros.
Are all business schools equal?
Although business schools are not recognized by the State, they are highly valued by companies, especially in countries where Anglo-Saxon culture is valued.
However, not all business schools enjoy the same recognition. Indeed, there are several major elements, both objective and subjective, that determine this recognition. What are these criteria?
- Seniority: the oldest business schools are generally the most recognized, such as ESCP Europe created in 1819, or Rouen Business School which was founded in 1971.
- The foreign university network: Business schools have the particularity of offering international university exchanges. Recognized business schools develop this network throughout the world and include prestigious universities in this network.
- The professional network: The best business schools have signed partnerships with companies with significant reputations.
- The selection competition: the more important the selection, the more the school is recognized.
- “Reputation”: This criterion is very subjective. It is the a priori that recruiters and employees in general have. This reputation is born from the dynamism that the school displays, its investments, the innovative options it offers and the alumni whose dazzling success has become famous.
Based on these criteria, it is possible to establish a ranking of the different business schools. While the top five is always held by the same schools, the ranking of the other schools is rather fluid. Indeed, the ranking can vary as soon as these schools merge, invest, become more selective, or conclude prestigious partnerships.
Are business schools popular?
Yes, and the trend is growing.
Business schools are increasingly popular for several reasons.
On the one hand, business schools offer relatively multidisciplinary training and, above all, internationally oriented courses. Business school students all spend at least one year abroad and do internships to gain professional experience and develop their network.
On the one hand, these are schools modeled on the American model, that is to say that selection by money, the spirit of performance, and the culture of success are specifically Anglo-Saxon characteristics. Many students and recruiters adhere to, or even favor, this model, a trend to which is added the corporatism that leads recruiters to favor students who graduate from business schools.
Yes, but they are not unanimous.
The first criticism is to question the quality of the teaching provided and the way of life.
Then, we can regret that business schools charge very high tuition fees. Selection by price is elitist. It allows to select students whose family has significant capital and to select students who take out a loan and who are already making a bet on the future. It is up to you to measure the risk …
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