Is it Worth it? What is it actually worth?

So in my Pursuit of an MBA, I guess I haven't really researched what it's worth. So today I am gonna focus on just that. What is it really worth?

First start with PAY,
Let's say I do get the 120K salary, is it worth it to me?

Using this amazing spread sheet by Ryguy904 http://gmatclub.com/forum/103-t64239
it is estimated that it will take me 7 years post graduation or 2018 just to break even. That's with the great salary, great bonus, huge benefits package.

I was talking with my friend this past weekend, and with his near 6 figure salary now, it will take him 12-15 years to break even. He may even make less after he graduates than he would without an MBA. I'm sure it makes sense if you were making 28K right now and got a full ride, but for people who make decent salaries, how much do we really gain? (BTW I do know someone who makes 28k full time with a college degree.)

So as always some people are gonna benefit more than others.


But what if I don't get the 120K, reading on the Business Week forums I came across two links
http://media.www.harbus.org/media/storage/paper343/news/2007/09/04/Features/Alumni.Perspective-2946965.shtml

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/08_33/b4096080728337.htm

Both HBS alums, Both serving at warning that the well advertise salaries are not what most people are gonna get and that there are 2 realities. The first link is an article, the part that I find interesting is where he states that there are "HBS graduates" and "Harvard MBA's." Know the difference. The second of which is a book, which I plan to start reading as soon as I'm done with finals. Although I do take most comments with a grain of salt. I do find both very interesting.





Third, is if I do get everything I want, the MBA, the 120K, the bonus package, what kind of life will I leave. If I was to work consulting hours now, am I really that far from the 120K concidering I have OT pay and I have a life now. I have relatives who are consultants (one at McKinsey). I have the impression that the lifestyle is pretty tough:
First, I had to schedule an appointment with her just to talk about MBA.
Second, she left the industry, she said straight out, "you go and do it, do well at it, and leave. Consulting is a way up, not a career."