How rigorous are online MBA programs?

I used to teach Organization Management for the University of Phoenix online MBA program. So, I always got this question at the beginning of the class. Although your question is valid, the answer is going to be, 'it depends.' If you equate 'rigorous' to time consuming, then that is relative. But, if you equate it to challenging, it depends on the material, instructor and how the material is presented. But, it is not the rigor that matters but what you want out of the MBA.
So, here is what you lose from an online degree:
1. Network opportunities in the future with your classmates
2. Assistance from classmates
3. Team projects with an actual team
4. Real-time information exchange with the instructor

Here is what you gain:
1. Flexibility in your day
2. Reinforcement in your 'self starter' status
3. Self-confidence

There are plenty of recommendations on this thread but before you choose on-line versus classroom versus on-line with classroom or executive MBA programs, determine why you are pursuing an MBA, if you excel on your own or with others, what you want to get out of the program.

Good luck.

Basically you can expect to spend 4-5 hours per credit hour doing work. So a 4 credit hour course will take 16-20 hours per week. Hope that helps. But every school is a little different. Norwich followed the 4-5 hour rule.

The program can be very intensive and each school is different. The accounting and stats classes were the most difficult for me, but manageable. I would look into schools which would support any type of break if needed. Therefore if time with your family is impacted, you can take a small break and pick up where you left off. I attended Gand Canyon University in the Western Athletic Conference and is rated an A+ school and they are extremely military friendly. Around $1,600 per course and with TA it's only about $600 per 8 week class. I'd look into it. Good luck!!