I was considering taking this EMBA program in place of a distance learning MBA such as Warwick or Manchester which I have applied to and been accepted. I am at a Vice President level at my organization and did partially want a degree for the networking and shad learning experience.

I would love to do the Queens EMBA or other's with higher rankings but cannot justify the cost which is more than double. I have kids and a very busy travel and family schedule so distance learning is my only option.

Any advice appreciated.

If those are your only choices, you'll probably be much better off with either the Warwick or Manchester programs. The Athabasca program isn't accredited by a reputable international accreditation organization (AACSB, EQUIS, or AMBA) - and you'd not be guaranteed the same quality as you would one of the more reputable UK-based distance learning programs.

Are you in Canada? Another option might be a lower-ranked EMBA program, which would be more affordable and give you face-to-face interaction and the associated "soft skill" development. Concordia Molson has one that's designed for working professionals like you, for example: you meet in Montreal one day a week (on either Friday or Saturday.) That one's $68k CAD

Alberta has a similarly-designed program, but you go to class every second weekend. Could be doable, depending on your schedule. That one is $58k CAD.