The cost of B-school - a tough pill to swallow!

[southbaynic]

Is anyone else having a hard time justifying the cost of an MBA? I really want to go - I think it would be a great thing for me personally and professionally. However, it will wipe out all of my non-retirement account savings and give me $100k in debt on top of that. I am making close to 6 figures already, so the opportunity cost is high and it's not like the ROI is going to be great (but I don't want to stay in this field, which is one of the reasons I want to go).

Given that, I'm only considering top 15, full-time programs so I can get the most out it. But still, the thought of starting from scratch after working hard to save money for the past 6 years makes me a little queasy. Anyone else feel like this?

[beatthegmat]

Business School is definitely not for everyone--but if you do go, the only way it makes sense is by taking a long-term view of your career. Agreed, the cost is pretty substantial, but the knowledge/network/pedigree you gain could make you a better business person in the future as well as help you earn more.

I read a study a while back (sorry, lost the source--I think it was a RIT study) where two researchers concluded that getting an MBA is like earning an additional $500,000, post tax. And that was just earning the degree, not factoring in quality of school, etc.

Try to see how you feel when you factor in long-term gains! Good luck!

[southbaynic]

Thanks for the perspective. I still think it's a good choice for me, for reasons other than financial, but it's just getting over that initial mental hurdle of accumulating so much debt that's hard!

[beatthegmat]

Yeah, I would by crying too while writing those checks.

But I've never heard any MBA graduate look back and say it wasn't worth the money.

[money9111]

wish I made 6 figures pre-business school

[McKagan13]

I share your same fears, but like you am trying to switch careers. I currently make just under six figs, and will be tossing that aside to pursue a fulltime MBA this fall. I don't want to reiterate what was said above, but I used similar points to justify my choice. Additionally, $ aside, my goal is to be the best possible business leader I can be. I feel at this juncture, an MBA is one of the best options to propel me to my goal. Best of luck.

[erdehoff]

I've also been wrestling with the cost -- I've been a (low-paid) journalist for eight years, have no non-retirement savings to speak of and am looking to change careers. After considering the cost-benefit ratio very carefully for several months, I've decided it's worth doing, because income growth in my current field is dismal at best (I took a $16,000 pay cut when I last changed jobs, and while the change was a good one, that was a sizable enough hit that I'm on a pretty tight budget these days).

Still, I hope I qualify for some fellowships! Every little bit helps.