My DH and I gradulated from FPU last December. I'm not familiar with the online program. However, I think the content would be similar. The difference would be your accountability. If you're a self motivated person, I think online would be the way to go. However if you need help keeping your feet on the fire, I don't know if online would be the way to go.

I agree about the motivation and accountability that comes in a group/ church setting for FPU.

On his podcast Dave Ramsey mentioned that it was an alternative for motivated people or individuals who wanted to start at FPU but possibly would never have one happenning in their community.

The podcasts I get are 39 minutes long, these are free, but you can pay to access the three hour show also as a podcast.

Thanks to KathrynHannah for mentioning them, I download them every evening and use them the next day, while doing chores, waiting at school pickups, soccer games, riding my exercise bike or while walking my dog.(It's interesting enough to keep me on some of the more mundane tasks).