i was using an MBA as an example, as its usually the most exaggerated.

another example is that there is a well known preference inside of google for PHDs from a specific set of schools.

Well, google may in fact have specific qualifications that they require in order to work for them, but that's hardly representative of whether or not you can be successful, unless your entire definition of success is a job at google.

My point is that outside of academia and a few outliers, most employers don't give a lick where you obtained your degree. Sure, some people are charmed by an Ivy league school on your resume. I can bet though that more people are charmed by what you are actually doing than where you went to school.

i don't believe the point is whether you will be successful with a PhD. you can be successful with a PhD from almost anywhere. you can be successful without one, too.

the point is that the name on the PhD matters. and it does. it doesn't ALWAYS matter. but it does matter.

Fair enough, I can concede that.