Getting any degree, let alone an MBA degree, these days is expensive. The good news is that many employers offer tuition reimbursement for employees who take courses related to their work, so a part-time or distance-learning program may be financially attractive.

For those who choose a full-time program, the most common way to finance is through federal and private student loans. Federal loans will get you part of the way there, but most students will also need to look into private loans. Some schools may also offer scholarships, but these are somewhat rare.

While it is possible to work part-time during a full-time program, it is not typically advisable. You may earn some money during the summer, although many of the internships that MBA students take pay little or nothing.

When planning for your MBA degree, you’ll want to take into account tuition, books, and living expenses, which can be quite high in places like New York, Boston, and San Francisco. Most people who try to decide if an MBA is worth it will put together a spreadsheet incorporating lost earnings for the two years of the program, financing costs, and expected earnings after the degree is complete.