I took the course back in the days of the dinosaurs, I highly recommend it for anyone that is serious about learnng, and has a crazy schedule
as DVC Jen said, one of the best things is being able to take the course at your own pace, If I remember correctly you actually have 3 years to complete it if you need that much time...
as for the cost, when I took it, you could make monthly payments instead of paying the total cost up front..
if you choose the payment plan, they send one set of lessons for each 2 payments...
I liked the fact that you were assigned a personal advisor, and given a phone number to contact them if neccessary,
when you did a photo assignment and sent it in, they would critique your photos..they never said anything negative,,they would say what they liked about a photo, then suggest what you might want to try the next time...