what should I consider when calculating the return on Distance MBA from a practical learning perspective?

Compare the full cost with the programme's relevance, credential, learning support, flexibility, time commitment and likely usefulness for your specific goal. A lower fee is not automatically better value if the programme does not solve your actual need. The value calculation for Distance MBA should therefore include time away from work, total fees, learning support and the usefulness of the credential—not just the advertised price.