You really do need to look at what you're getting in return from a degree. As far as I can see there are only three things an MBA (or any degree, really) can gi

You really do need to look at what you're getting in return from a degree. As far as I can see there are only three things an MBA (or any degree, really) can give you: knowledge, a network, and high pedigree within the area you want to succeed. I would argue that you want at least two, ideally three of these factors present. Let's break it down: 1. Knowledge. Do you think the knowledge you'll be gaining in the program will be worthwhile to you immediately, in the long term, etc? What is the knowledge you want vs what you'll be getting, do they overlap enough (for example, most traditional MBAs don't focus on the problems that most start ups run into at first)? Is the knowledge your getting something you couldn't easily get on your own (for example is there a great professor from whom you want to learn, specialized knowledge that really requires classroom instruction, or is your learning style more suited to classroom instruction)? 2. Network. Is the network that is traditionally associate with the program a network that you want to be part of? Are many of them even in the field(s) you want to be in (linkedin has a good tool for this)? Is the network known to even be useful? Does the network include powerful people in the area of business you want to enter? Does the school leverage its network (i.e. do professors try to get internships at organizations, get important alumni to speak, etc)? 3. High pedigree. This one's pretty self explanatory. In the field you want to enter, will simply having a degree from this program open doors for you?