Hays is better than Phoenix, just because its not Phoenix. I think raquetcat is in an industrial/manufacturing setting. He might just be looking for a degree to check a box to move up. However, those that get it from Phoenix look like they are trying take a short cut. I'd stick with CSU, but I don't know where he lives or where he wants to go.
If that's the case, he should check with HR to see if there are pay scale differences for MBA's, and if so, what schools qualify for the increase. They probably have a list.
There is no pay raise with an MBA. If you want to get to director of ops/manufacturing/supply chain you usually need a masters. Those that have the masters have a much better shot at a good manager job because you already have the qualification. The name of the school matters on your résumé because there is association with how serious you took it or if you're trying to ease your way in. There is the thought "that MBA costs more, so they probably took it more seriously".
Most of that is true, but some companies will offer a flat rate increase for an approved masters degree.
But, yes, there is a correlation between cost, admittance standards, ranking and what kind of job you want with the degree.
If you just want to be a manager, then CSU is fine. If you want to be an exec, aim higher.
There are better schools out there doing some really innovative things in the online space. Indiana, UNC, and Carnegie Mellon offer online versions of their upper level MBA degrees that are better than anything discussed in this thread. I've considered a joint MBA/MS from Indiana, because the program sounds really neat, but that would be a novelty at this point.
