Universidad Científica del Sur - UCSUR vs Technical University of Dortmund - TU Dortmund vs National University of Ireland Maynooth - NUIM vs Le Cordon Bleu Paris vs ISDI Madrid Digital Business School

Side-by-side comparison from 53 verified student reviews. Scan one row at a time — winners are highlighted

Quick verdict
Higher overall rating: SHL Schweizerische Hotelfachschule Luzern (4.80)
Universidad Científica del Sur - UCSUR: wins 0/5 categories
Technical University of Dortmund - TU Dortmund: wins 2/5 categories
National University of Ireland Maynooth - NUIM: wins 0/5 categories
Le Cordon Bleu Paris: wins 0/5 categories
ISDI Madrid Digital Business School: wins 0/5 categories
California State University, Dominguez Hills - CSUDH: wins 0/5 categories
SHL Schweizerische Hotelfachschule Luzern: wins 3/5 categories
Comparing
Best programme: Biology
Best programme: Data Science
Best programme: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Best programme: Culinary Arts
Best programme: Accounting and Business Finance
Best programme: Hospitality Management
Category ratings
Facilities
3.33
5.00
Win
3.59
4.40
Not rated
4.00
4.40
Location
3.33
4.14
4.06
4.70
Not rated
4.00
5.00
Win
Professors
3.67
4.43
4.28
4.60
Not rated
4.33
4.67
Win
Internationality
2.00
4.86
Win
3.94
4.60
Not rated
4.67
4.00
Student life
3.33
4.00
4.06
3.90
Not rated
3.67
5.00
Win
Value
2.67
4.29
4.11
3.90
Not rated
5.00
5.00
Accommodation
3.00
3.43
3.44
3.00
Not rated
4.33
4.33
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • +Practical, hands-on learning experiences
  • +Supportive and conducive learning environment
  • +Quality of teaching and faculty expertise
  • +Supportive international environment and integration
  • +Strong academic programs with theory-practice balance
  • +Excellent facilities and resources for study and well-being
  • +Excellent teaching quality and supportive faculty
  • +Diverse and inclusive campus with vibrant student life
  • +Strong range of facilities and programs, especially in humanities, social sciences, business, and science
  • +Exceptional teaching quality from passionate, experienced instructors
  • +Unmatched precision, emphasis on quality, and professional skill development
  • +Welcoming environment, strong support, and valuable alumni network

Nothing to show

  • +Supportive and accessible professors
  • +Engaging and challenging coursework
  • +Diverse and inclusive campus environment
  • +Practical, hands-on learning with real-world application
  • +Supportive, open, and diverse learning community
  • +Excellent career preparation and networking opportunities
Cons
  • -Administrative & management issues
  • -Outdated facilities & equipment
  • -Lack of academic support & career guidance
  • -Inadequate communication and administrative issues.
  • -Outdated facilities and lack of resources.
  • -Limited course variety and inflexible academic policies.
  • -Administrative and management issues are a major source of frustration.
  • -Outdated facilities and a lack of modern resources are frequently criticized.
  • -Inflexible and irrelevant curriculum often fails to engage students.
  • -Administrative and management issues cause frustration.
  • -Outdated facilities and lack of modern resources are disappointing.
  • -The curriculum feels irrelevant and disconnected from real-world needs.

Nothing to show

  • -Administrative and management issues are a recurring problem.
  • -Outdated facilities and resources are a common complaint.
  • -Lack of clear communication and support is a significant concern.
  • -Administrative and management issues cause confusion and frustration.
  • -Outdated facilities and technology hinder learning experiences.
  • -Lack of clear communication and support from staff is a recurring problem.
Rating summary
What students say

Overall, the university receives mixed ratings across its various aspects. Professors are the strongest area, earning a solid 3.67. Areas such as facilities, location, and student life are rated moderately well, all around 3.33. Accommodation sits slightly lower at 3.0. The university's weakest points are its internationality, with a rating of 2, and value for money, also at 2.67.

This institution demonstrates considerable strengths, particularly in its **Facilities**, earning a perfect 5. Professors and Internationality also received very high marks. Conversely, the weakest area evaluated was **Accomodation**, receiving a score of 3.43. Student Life and Value were rated solidly, with Location also performing well.

This university exhibits a strong academic profile, with professors receiving particularly high marks. Student life and location also score well, indicating a positive overall experience for many. However, facilities and accommodation represent areas for potential improvement, scoring notably lower than other assessed categories. Internationality and value are rated competently, rounding out a generally favorable, though not perfect, university assessment.

This university demonstrates exceptional strength in its **location** (4.7), **professors** (4.6), and **internationality** (4.6). Students are particularly impressed with the quality of instruction and the global environment. Conversely, **accommodation** stands out as the lowest-rated area at 3.0, suggesting room for improvement in this aspect. Student life and value for money also received moderate scores.

Nothing to show

This university garners excellent marks overall, particularly excelling in **Internationality** (4.67) and **Value** (5). Accommodations and Professors also received strong ratings, both at 4.33. The weakest area identified is **Student Life**, scoring 3.67, suggesting room for improvement in campus engagement and activities compared to other aspects. Facilities and Location were rated a solid 4.

This institution shines with perfect scores in Location, Student Life, and Value, indicating a highly desirable and worthwhile experience. Professors also receive exceptional marks. Conversely, Accomodation, while still strong, is the lowest-rated area, alongside Internationality, suggesting minor room for improvement in these specific aspects. Facilities are rated very well, contributing to an overall positive picture.

Reviews summary
Highlights

Two positive reviews highlight a comfortable and discovery-driven academic environment with strong practical application. The average rating is 3.6/5, with approximately 40% positive feedback and no negative feedback.

With an average rating of 4.4/5 from 10 reviews, student feedback is ~100% positive. Recurring themes highlight academic quality, supportive professors, and excellent facilities. No negative feedback was provided.

With a 4.06/5 average rating, ~78% of 18 reviews are positive, praising contemporary amenities, lively campus, teaching quality, and diverse course offerings. No negative feedback was recorded.

Students highly praise the exceptional quality of teaching and knowledgeable instructors. Facilities are noted as impeccable and the learning environment welcoming, contributing to professional and personal growth for ~100% of reviewers.

Nothing to show

All three student reviews are positive, giving an average rating of 4.33/5. Students highlighted supportive and excellent professors, engaging courses, and a positive overall experience, with particular praise for diversity and inclusiveness.

All six reviews are positive, with an average rating of 4.83/5. Students praise the practical learning, real-life application, and supportive environment, highlighting career preparation and skill development.

Rating distribution
5★
20%
40%
32%
60%
0%
33%
83%
4★
20%
60%
47%
40%
0%
67%
17%
3★
60%
0%
21%
0%
0%
0%
0%
2★
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
1★
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
Most useful review
Most liked

Nothing to show

Nothing to show

Nothing to show

Student in 2013

I really enjoyed my time at LCB! I've found that my skills when I entered the work force were much higher than others. I think though there was a big portion missing in recipe development and composition. True- we did learn it through memorizing the recipes, but we really were missing classes on how different ingredients affect the final textures.. how you can change them... etc. That I still am not an expert in .. and I create recipes! Ouf! Also, I don't know if you still do a month of sugar work... but that really wasn't necessary and should be either cut or minimized to just 2 lessons. It's such a niche skill to know that I would have really preferred more technical skills. I loved the old location. The "rumors" I'm getting about the new location are that it's not as good, unfortunately - that i's become more of a money focused/marketing machine. I really hope that this image can be fixed as I love LCB and enjoyed my time there! Oh also - there should be more help for students to get jobs and featuring old students accomplishments - from cookbook launches to new bakeries so that current and old students can support them.

Nothing to show

Nothing to show

SHL - where Learning and Life comes together

I really value SHL Schweizerische Hotelfachschule Luzern for its dynamic learning environment, where you truly learn by doing. The programme is built around hands-on experience, allowing you to grow through practice rather than just theory. The teachers are incredibly diverse - with strong and different but complementing personalities - which I find inspiring, and the same goes for the students — my (BSc) class includes people from all over the world, from Mexico to the Cayman Islands to South Africa. Both faculty and students are remarkably hospitable, inclusive, and genuinely welcoming, creating a strong sense of community. SHL also stands out for being innovative and constantly improving its programme to stay relevant and up to date. The school’s location and views are stunning, and the cuisine is exceptional — with a different concept each day, ranging from Scandinavian hygge to soul food to Abudala potatoes. There are always events happening, which makes campus life active and engaging. Since I am not originally from Switzerland and don’t even speak German, I really value how SHL and its network have been supportive in helping me integrate here. From guidance on internships to daily life advice, the community helps me feel at home. Because I’m not entirely sure what I want to do in the future, I especially appreciate that SHL opens many doors after my studies — whether in HR, culinary arts, restaurant management, accounting, or finance. The programme prepares you broadly and gives you the flexibility to explore different directions within the hospitality industry and beyond. Another thing I deeply appreciate is the internship system. The contracts provided by SHL give students a sense of security and ensure fair standards, making me feel supported and protected. At SHL, you learn everything — from cooking, cleaning, and serving to leadership, accounting, and beyond. This holistic education prepares you not only for a successful career in hospitality but also for life itself. Of course, the programme is challenging, but that’s what makes it so rewarding. It builds resilience, confidence, and real-world skills. The teachers are also empathetic and truly listen, offering guidance and encouragement every step of the way. Overall, SHL gives you the knowledge, experience, and mindset to enter the hospitality world fully prepared — and it does so in a warm, multicultural, and motivating environment.

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Review our Privacy Policy for more details.
Close