Also another factor is cost. MBA at a top tier school will cost over $100K for two years + if you decide to do all the networking trips/travel it will cost more. In addition, getting financial aid especially now with so many people without job applying B school is extremely competitive.

CPA is defenitely a lot cheaper alternative. If you get a job at a big 4 accounting firm, they will pay for your exam and prep courses (which are really cheap compared to MBA anyway).

I think you could consider working for a top accounting/consulting firm and get your CPA while working there. Save money for B-school and work on your CV for MBA school while working as well. These days top tier MBA schools do not just look for good grades and experience. They look for something different you can bring to the incoming classes. Two most important things the top schools look for are: leadership and community services.