Wondering about online college courses.

Untill afew weeks ago I all set to move to San Fransisco to attend the Academy of Art University at San Fran for a BFA in video game design. The cost of living is such out there that I cannot afford to make the move and am stuck here in the sweltering south for atleast the next few years. Anyway, I'm still trying to pursue all possible means to achieve my goal of being a game eveloper and was wondering if anyone on the forums has had any experience with on-line college courses. If so, how effective were they in actually teaching you the material? Thanks in advance for advice.