So being rather new, both in this process and in this community, I wanted to toss around a few ideas related to ROI of an MBA.
My situation: I'm 28 years old, male, American. I have worked in Non-profit finance for 4 years now. Recently purchased a business that I am managing part time. If I attend B-school part time, I would receive partial (75%) sponsorship and I can more than easily pay the rest. As you can see in my profile, I have an different mix of schools that I am planning applying to:
PT MBA: If I end up attending BC or NYU, having the firm pay for most of the education is a major plus. If I end up at NYU, I would most likely crash at my folks place over the weekends.
Pros: No loans, I can continue running my business and maybe buy a BMW
Cons: Longer time to complete the degree, if I want to shift to Investment Management, it will be an up hill battle with little support from the career offices, which means some crazy networking for jobs in Boston prior to graduation.
European B-Schools: If I end up at Oxbridge, IMD, all being 1 year programs, I would have to quit the job, sell the business and move out of Boston. But I think that I could switch to IM much quicker and comparatively easier because I would going full time to make a career shift. In terms of tuition payments, depending on how much my business sells for and UK/Swiss exchange rates I could end up paying the full tuition or partial payment/loan mix through the liquidity event of selling the business.
Pros: 1 year MBA, quick return to the job market. International experience, would like to work in the Middle East at an IM firm.
Cons: Selling the business (reduction of income stream), probably taking out some student loans, economy questionable for career changers.
So I think I have laid out my reasoning for applying to such an odd mix of schools. I now that many people here are thinking of the big three or the top ten but my background and goals are much different from many of you guys, so please bear that mind. Your input would be most appreciated.