allegro-cpa wrote: I am saying that the MBA COULD be overrated.  I mean, look at the LAW degrees out there, they cost an arm and a leg and you end up with a low paying job after 150k in debt.  I'm hoping the expensive MBA is not the same way, I don't know yet and have not invested money in one, yet.  CPA is cheap - only a couple thousand.  CFA - a few thousand.  MBA - could be over 100k unless you get a scholarship.  I think the smart thing to do would be to get a really high GMAT, and get the scholarship ( at least 70%) to cover the tuition.  Otherwise, it could be just a whole bunch of debt for nothing. I'm talking about schools between top 15- 50, they could all just be expensive and no return on investment.  The only usefulness I see is building connections and networks with the program.  And it all depends on your individual situation. Plus if your in accounting, I don't know what an MBA will do for you anyway, unless your an exec in an accounting firm.  MBA maybe better for marketing and finance people.  Maybe the MBA looks good for you in accounting in that your a team player? You don't need an MBA to do taxes or auditing thats for sure.

What about someone who needs the 150 hours?  Wouldn't an MBA be good then?  When I graduate from my undergraduate accounting program, I will have roughly the amount of accounting credits needed to take the exam in NY, but I will lack 21 business credits since NY requires 36.  Would an MBA be good in my situation?

I'm going to be straight up.  If you have an accounting degree, and you're deciding to go for MBA, it is not going to give you the ROI you may be fooled into thinking prior to graduating from the program.

What young people don't realize is that there are many students in the MBA programs who have a nonbusiness background such as software, engineering, medicine, etc.  Or they have tons of experience and they need MBA to refresh their knowledge/skills.  These people have a higher chance of making substantial salaries after graduating. 

Also, if you don't have many years of experience in anything, you will find yourself disappointed upon graduation with an MBA.