Is MIT EMBA worth $250K at this stage or am I just buying a gold star?

I realize this may come off as tone-deaf. I’m already in a very blessed spot professionally and financially. Not posting this to flex or farm outrage. I’m trying to sanity-check whether this is strategic… or just ego

I'm considering MIT Sloan for their EMBA program.

Context:

• Early 40s
• ~$800K total comp (base + bonus + long-term incentive)
• Senior executive at global 2000
• Multiple exec roles over the last decade
• Existing graduate degrees, but from non-brand-name schools

On paper, I don’t need the degree.

All-in cost will be roughly $250K by the time tuition, travel, and everything else is factored in. That’s real money, even at my comp level.

What I’m actually trying to solve for:

• Positioning for C-suite at F500 or a PE-backed platform
• Stronger global credibility
• Access to a sharper peer network
• And if I’m being completely transparent… validation. The “cherry on top.”

I’m trying to separate ego from strategy.

Is this a smart capital allocation decision?
Or am I just buying a brand to check a box?

At this stage, boards and PE firms tend to care about outcomes, P&L, scale, exits. But does “MIT Sloan” materially shift perception at that level? Especially if your prior degrees aren’t from top-tier institutions?

For those who’ve done MIT Sloan EMBA (or similar) in your 40s while already senior and highly compensated:

• Did it materially change your trajectory?
• Did it unlock doors you realistically couldn’t access before?
• Did the network justify the price?
• If you were already on a strong path, would you do it again?

Not looking for a flex. Genuinely trying to make a rational decision here.

Appreciate candid perspectives.