Is a Master of Business Administration Still Worth It in 2026

I have been working in marketing for five years now and I am wondering if getting an MBA is the right move to advance my career. It is a huge investment of both time and money, and I am not sure if the ROI is still there in 2026.

I have seen some people say that experience is much more important than a degree these days, especially with how fast industries are changing. But then I see job postings for senior roles that still list an MBA as a preferred qualification.

I am looking at some online programs that are more affordable and allow me to keep working. Does an online MBA carry the same weight as a traditional one from a top-tier school? I am worried that I will spend all this money and not see a significant salary bump.

Has anyone here recently completed an MBA? Was it worth it for your career progression or do you wish you had focused on gaining more specialized skills instead?