Hi OP you would get a much more meaningful answer if you are more specific with your questions and provide more information on your background. In general, career prospects are decent imo if you consider the type of qualifications they are looking for (no degree).

I would like to contradict your belief that MFA only cares about paper grades. They make you go through all these rounds of tests/AC so that they can judge your capability more holistically. Most other companies (including private sector) don't give this benefit of doubt and judge you based on your resume and interview only.