I have what many would consider a prestigious MBA from a very well known university and I also have about 27 industry certifications. I cannot in good conscience recommend to most people that they get an undergraduate or masters degree, even if in a STEM or business discipline. The math no longer works whatsoever. The opportunity cost of that degree along with the increased earnings over the past 18 years BARELY beats the scenario where I could have just put that cash into an index fund and come out about scratch even. That was when my MBA cost $78,500, not the $168,000 it costs today.
The certifications were far more useful getting me from minimum wage to top-5% income over the course of 2-3 years in my early 20s. Back then universities discouraged certs and of course the world now revolves around them.
....but its ridiculous how many there are here...
