You can't generalize and assume that the primary value of an MBA is the school name and network.
Yes I can. MBA like all other degree serves as a signal for the HR. My uncle is a senior partner at a F500 company. He said everyone is getting MBA degrees and it's effectively worthless. This was said in 2010. MBA degree alone isn't sufficient to help you stand out from your peers. Getting an MBA from prestigious universities with good ties to the industry has tangible benefits because companies actively recruit from these schools. Places like UoP doesn't hold much value for people who are either trying to break into the industry or moving up the workforce ladder. It might make sense for people who are already well recognized and just needs a degree. Again, people in these positions usually don't need a degree or can get their degree paid for by the firm, basically negating any benefits conferred by UoP. You don't understand how valuable network is. I managed to get 4 job offers alone just from my alumni contacts. It's incredibly refreshing to cut through the bullshit that is indeed and monster.
Some people go to school to "learn", not just because their employer, or potential employer, requires it.
Yes. In fact, some people who want to just learn can go to MOOCs for free. If you think people get MBAs for self-fulfillment, then you have poor understanding of the purpose of MBA degrees.
What makes a MOOC any better than a tuition free online degree with UofPeople?
For one, you can tell that the courses are high quality at places like Edx or MIT OCW. You have the opportunity to learn from faculty who are either doing cutting-edge work or well exposed in the industry.
See this? This is taught by a guy who works as a quantitive analyst at a major firm called D. E. Shaw. He also happens to have his doctorate in math from UCLA. Who are the instructors at University of People? What are their credentials?
Are you sure UoP is free?
https://www.reddit.com/r/worldnews/comments/1ykqhd/university_of_the_people_a_tuitionfree_online/
Both have nominal fees, with the UofPeople degree offering limited capacities that allows one on one interaction with the professors. If completed, you get an accredited degree, which you can choose to put on your resume or withhold.
Again, this tells me you don't understand why people get MBAs. Also, if you're going to withhold a degree, then why even bother with the program?
The demands of the workplace is changing. In the face of automation, most places want their employees to be savy in technology. That means you should be equipping yourself with knowledge in Math and CS. MBA doesn't give that skill. Lot of guys that I know who work at IB are choosing to get CFAs instead of MBAs.
https://qz.com/42233/if-you-cant-get-into-a-top-five-mba-program-dont-even-bother/
Also, what qualifies as a "good place", and what makes University of the People "highly questionable"?
The degree is nationally accredited. Compare regionally accredited institutions and and national ones and you can come to an easy conclusion.
What do you actually know of their program?
I don't. That's why I know I should steer clear from it.
MBA is an investment, not just a personal enrichment. Some people in the industry also seems to think it's a waste of time and money (2 years).
https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/15doqt/mark_cuban_this_is_my_ama/