Teacher Ready vs MAT to start?

Good afternoon teachers,

I've finally narrowed down my choice substantially and have been accepted into Liberty University's online MAT in secondary education. It will probably cost me ~20k and probably 15-18 months to complete.

I'm also really intrigued by Teacher Ready given that it is 6k, however I'm missing out on a potential 5k a year without the master's.

I'm trying to think if it is worth just going straight for the MAT or messing around with transfer credits and getting certified and then transferring in to have it be a few thousand dollars cheaper.

It probably doesn't matter in the long run as that's like a month's salary where I would try to teach at. I might be focusing too much on the money, but it's hard not to. I really want to be a teacher and have been subbing and coaching for a few years now and I love the environment.

Thanks for the advice!