[...]
> However, these days you shouldn't have to choose. Many schools have night
> time MS programs and you can probably get your employer to pay for it. Not
> really the same experience as being on campus, full time, with a research
> team but valuable none the less.
I would caution the OP that, from what I've seen, employer-supported (in either tuition pay and/or time away from work to attend class) masters degrees are on the downswing. This was the reason I left my previous employer, even though they advertised support in obtaining an advanced degree.
If you're accepting a job based on an employer's promise to pay for a masters, get it in writing.