Perhaps this is rude....

[MD_AJIBULU]

I'm an all numbers person. I do get personal gratification from learning, but there are much cheaper ways to get that other than classes.

Now that I'm looking at master's programs, I'm looking at the jobs I could promote to next. There are far fewer positions that require the MA/MS but that could change shortly due to an ongoing massive reorg. Many of the jobs require the ubiquitous MBA. There was an onsite MBA program at my employer, so that means tons of competition. The WGU MBA looks easy while I feel I am unable to complete the GA Tech OMSCS. The WGU MBA is just $3k and I could get it for free thanks to my employer, so the only cost is time. In the end, I'd have to be convinced that it's likely I will recover the time and money spent on a master's degree.

You're so right about the time/money equating to the value added in the workplace. The area that I currently live has a strong population of banking companies. The area I intend to move has far more nursing related gigs and government (state/local) employers. What they have of mortgage banking jobs is primarily origination (not my specific experience) so I'm certain I'll need to pursue an MBA just to get in the door anywhere - for the money I would want to make to live there.