Do look beyond the Havard, Chicago & Insead. If you are company sponsored, by all means go ahead. If you are SELF sponsored, then perhaps the next tier MBA should be considered.

My reasoning: The litmus should be your ability to reap ROI and weigh the opportunity cost (Alternative).

The ultimate: if you are PROVEN to be good@work, be sponsored for Advanced Management Program (Wharton/Harvard) in your subsequent advancement.

I know of associates in different fields who had taken MBA (e.g.: from MBS) distance learning who are able to recuperate the amount spent within 1 year upon graduation.

Risks Management:
-Mitigate (You request for partial/full sponsorship from your firm. Beware of the bond)
-Accept (You pay the full course fees yourself)
-Avoid (You decided to 'wait and see'. Try to influence your friend with similar background and results to proceed ahead. i.e.: He becomes Advanced party. If he clears KPI, you proceed.)
-Transfer (Ask your spouse/GF to take the course and the loan herself)