<p>JYM-- 3 thoughts for you-- lots of schools (Columbia is one) offers a 4 semester, no break MBA (i.e. you can finish in 14 months). It's expensive, it requires loans out the whazoo, but the opportunity cost of being unemployed is less than for a 2 year program, and most people find that the income boost from a top school more than compensates for the debt.<br>
Alternatively, many employers will pay for business school for a top performing employee. (Usually, they arrange a third party loan which they forgive after the employee returns and stays for a period of time).</p>
<p>Finally, there are part time and "executive " programs for employed adults. Many excellent programs which allow you to continue working while completing the MBA.</p>
<p>I can't imagine a scenario where a parent would feel compelled to pay for B-school. If the student doesn't have enough professional focus to know what their employment prospects will be coming out of school, encourage him/her to wait another year before starting a program. Even non-profits which hire MBA's usually pay enough to allow a student to live and pay off the loans.</p>