I agree with your advice- and would add one final step (in addition to comparing costs and completion rates)- do your homework to see if there are non-degree programs, or self-study certifications which can be completed on your own, while working, and substantially less cost.
I am a broken record on CC advising young people who are about to take on a bucket of debt for a Master’s in finance (some programs are highly reputable, others are merely cash cows for the institution) that they look at the CFA. Self-study, take the three part test. Boom- you are certified. Some parts of the program (level 2) are considered more rigorous than many Master’s in Finance program… There are all sorts of industry certifications that can give a candidate a boost without having to quit your job and go back to grad school.