About Walden University
Students pay $12,498 annually regardless of residency, with 50.43% receiving Pell Grants indicating significant financial need among enrollees. Graduates earn a median of $42,810 ten years after starting, which creates challenges given the typical monthly loan payment of $221. The loan repayment rate sits at just 30.01%, suggesting many graduates struggle to manage their debt burden. Only 0.01% of students receive institutional grants averaging $400, meaning most rely on federal aid to cover costs.
The student body is diverse, with 41.87% white students and 38.12% Black students creating a multicultural learning environment. Just 1.29% of students come from Minnesota, emphasizing the university's national online reach. The 30:1 student-faculty ratio reflects the digital delivery model, though the 94.9% employment rate shows most graduates find work after completing their programs.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 30:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 9.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $42,810
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $108,649 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $94,227 |
| Public Administration. | Doctoral | $90,412 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Doctoral | $88,588 |
| Education, General. | Doctoral | $80,219 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $77,487 |
| Public Health. | Doctoral | $72,546 |
| Medical Illustration and Informatics. | Master | $69,338 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Master | $67,660 |
| Psychology, General. | Doctoral | $65,387 |
Campus Life
Your typical day involves logging into learning management systems rather than walking across quads. The quarter system keeps courses moving quickly, with assignments and discussion boards replacing traditional lectures. With a 30:1 student-faculty ratio, expect larger online class sizes and limited one-on-one interaction with professors. Students often work full-time while studying, making evening and weekend study sessions common. The 94.9% employment rate reflects that most students are already in careers they're looking to advance.
Weekend "social life" happens in virtual study groups and online forums. Without physical gatherings or campus traditions, building connections requires more effort. Students typically spend 10-15 hours weekly on coursework, fitting studies around work schedules and family obligations rather than the other way around.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Calendar System
- Quarter
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1865
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 8°–21°F
- July Avg
- 64°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 34.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 40.4"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 14.4%
- Women
- 85.6%
- White
- 41.9%
- Black
- 38.1%
- Hispanic
- 9.8%
- Asian
- 1.4%
- In-State Students
- 1.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 50.4%
Location
- Address
- Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $42,810
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $77,982
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $46,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 30.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $221/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,834
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the student body like at Walden University?
Women make up 85.57% of Walden's 7,337 students, reflecting its focus on fields like education and healthcare that attract more female students. The university serves a diverse population with 41.87% White students and 38.12% Black students. Most students are working adults pursuing degrees online while managing careers and family responsibilities.
How much does Walden University cost for students?
Tuition at Walden runs $12,498 annually regardless of where you live, since it operates primarily as an online university. Half of students receive financial aid, with graduates typically carrying $20,834 in debt and monthly loan payments of $221. The university offers minimal institutional grants, with an average of just $400.
What are the academics like at Walden University?
Walden operates on a quarter system with a 30:1 student-faculty ratio, which is higher than traditional universities but typical for online programs. The university specializes in degree programs designed for working adults who need flexible scheduling. Classes are delivered primarily online, allowing students to complete coursework around their existing commitments.
What career outcomes can graduates expect from Walden University?
Walden graduates have a 94.9% employment rate, showing strong job market success after graduation. However, median earnings of $42,810 after 10 years are modest compared to other universities. The loan repayment rate of 30.01% indicates many graduates struggle to pay back their student debt despite finding employment.
Where is Walden University located and what is campus life like?
While Walden is based in Minneapolis, only 1.29% of students are actually from Minnesota since it operates as an online university. There is no traditional campus experience or student life activities. Students connect virtually through online platforms and occasional local meetups in their home cities.
Is Walden University a good choice for working professionals?
Walden was founded in 1865 but has evolved into a for-profit online university specifically targeting working adults who need flexible degree options. With 50.43% of students receiving Pell Grants, it serves many first-generation and lower-income students. The university's structure allows students to maintain full-time careers while pursuing their education, though graduates should be aware of the modest earning potential relative to student debt.
