Many people start considering an MBA when they realize they’re either on the wrong path in their career or the right path is taking too long. An MBA can help with both of those dilemmas, and more. However, while the education you receive will probably be the same across MBA formats, choosing the right fit for your professional goals and your life can’t be overlooked.

An MBA gives you a distinct advantage over those in the workforce without it: According to the Graduate Admissions Management Council (GMAC) 2018 Alumni Perspectives Survey, those with a graduate business degree indicate that their careers progress faster than their non-MBA colleagues, and they report a median income of $115,000.

Getting a master’s degree is a major commitment of time, energy, and money, so returning to school — even if you’re thinking about a part-time program that allows you to keep working — is one of the biggest decisions of your career.

There are two kinds of business master’s degrees: MBAs and specialized master’s degrees that focus on a specific field or industry, such as finance, management, or analytics.