This. MBAs are a dime a dozen, and other online programs even more so. If you need it as a resume filler for what is essentially another grunt level position slightly up the food chain, then fine, those programs are designed for precisely that. But the serious mojo doesn't accrue unless you have an in-person MBA from a "big name" school, a law degree or you're seriously juiced into the network.

Online programs are used to "game the system". Companies put barriers to climbing the ladder to filter out applicants based on whatever education metrics they want to lay down. Someone saw a profit opportunity to let people check those boxes without actually taking the time to go to school, network and be on campus. But never assume that the corporate overlords are blind to that game. That checked box will get you past the bot scanning applications, but they'll still hire their drinking buddy from Wharton, who knows less than zero about the business, before ever considering someone with an online degree from Wherever U. That's the secret about MBAs.