I think this may be context dependent. My impression is that a lot of people who are mid-career or changing careers get degrees that are online or otherwise don

I think this may be context dependent. My impression is that a lot of people who are mid-career or changing careers get degrees that are online or otherwise don't appear to be top tier, because they simply need to pass a requirement that they get a degree. I think teachers in particular, face requirements to get masters degrees. If you have a statutory or other rule that says you must get a degree, and it's basically a checklist item, then it's in your interest to go for the cheapest, easiest, most accessible option, and not worry about the pedigree or mystique.