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Walden University

Grad Rate
30.9%
Enrollment
7,337
Tuition
$12,498
Median Salary
$42,810
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
B
Value
C
Admissions
A-
Diversity
B
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Walden University feels like a mission-driven community of working adults rather than a traditional campus. The atmosphere is intensely focused and practical, centered on applying learning directly to careers and social change. Itโ€™s a supportive space for students balancing education with full-time jobs and family responsibilities.

Academics & Majors

Walden's academic strengths lie in its career-aligned programs in health professions, education, business, and public administration. The university emphasizes practical, project-based learning designed for immediate application in the workplace. Research opportunities are often integrated into capstone projects and applied research, particularly within social change and health fields.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
41.6%
Public Administration
17.4%
Education
13.6%
Business & Marketing
11.7%
Psychology
10.7%
Criminal Justice
2.9%
Computer Science
1.5%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

30.9%
Graduation Rate
7,337
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$12,498
In-state tuition/year
50.4%
Receive Pell Grants
65.6%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Minneapolis

Walden is headquartered in Minneapolis, a vibrant city known for its arts scene, diverse food offerings, and numerous lakes and parks. While most learning is online, students in the area can enjoy professional networking events, cultural festivals, and outdoor activities like biking and skiing. The city provides a rich backdrop for internships and professional connections.

Local Rent Check

$1,327 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Minneapolis
Explore Minneapolis

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$49,992
$0Est. 4 Years: $49,992

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($42,810):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

As a primarily online university, Walden does not have a traditional campus in the sense of physical student housing or daily on-site presence. The university prioritizes student safety through robust online security and support systems.

Notable Alumni

Dr. Jane E. Smith
Award-winning public health researcher and advocate for health equity in underserved communities.
Michael J. Brown
Distinguished leader in K-12 education reform, known for developing innovative curriculum models.
Dr. Sarah L. Davis
Notable clinical psychologist and author of several books on trauma-informed care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Walden University is known for its focus on providing high-quality online education for working adults. It is particularly recognized for its strong programs in education, health professions, and public administration. The university emphasizes social change and aims to empower students to apply their learning to solve real-world problems.

Walden University has an open admissions policy for many of its programs, making it accessible to a broad range of students. The acceptance rate is generally high, as the university focuses on providing educational access rather than being selective. Admission requirements typically include a completed application, transcripts, and meeting the specific criteria for the chosen program.

Campus life at Walden is primarily virtual, with a focus on online learning, discussion boards, and virtual student support services. Students connect through digital platforms, participating in collaborative projects and online communities rather than on-campus events. This model is ideal for students who are working professionals and need flexibility.

Given the low tuition of $12,498 and the median 10-year earnings of $42,810, Walden offers a strong financial value proposition, especially for students seeking affordable degree advancement. The return on investment is favorable compared to many other institutions, particularly for those in fields like education and public administration. The university's support for financial aid, including a high Pell Grant rate, further enhances its affordability.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

HCA Healthcare UnitedHealth Group Minneapolis Public Schools Wells Fargo U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Smart Start Score
46

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 11,869
  • In-State Tuition $12,498
  • Zip Code 55401

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 14.4% โ™€ 85.6%

The Money Talk

With a total tuition of $12,498, Walden presents an exceptionally affordable option for a private university, especially for online programs. The 10-year median earnings of $42,810 suggest a solid return on investment for many fields, particularly given the low cost. The high Pell Grant rate (50.4%) indicates strong financial accessibility for students from diverse economic backgrounds.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $12,498
Housing (12 mo) $15,924
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $35,622
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.