Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,810/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,810/yr |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,834 |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $108,649 | $94,982 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $94,227 | $53,686 |
| Public Administration. | Doctoral | $90,412 | $138,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Doctoral | $88,588 | $115,920 |
| Education, General. | Doctoral | $80,219 | $132,844 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $77,487 | $20,341 |
| Public Health. | Doctoral | $72,546 | $129,841 |
| Medical Illustration and Informatics. | Master | $69,338 | $41,000 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Master | $67,660 | |
| Psychology, General. | Doctoral | $65,387 | $175,633 |
Analysis
Walden University delivers poor financial returns for most students, with median earnings of just $42,810 ten years after graduation despite being a for-profit institution with higher costs than typical public schools.
Your best bet financially is nursing, where graduates earn $94,000 to $108,000 annually. Even with debt loads reaching $95,000 for some nursing programs, the strong earning potential makes the investment worthwhile. Public administration also shows solid returns at $90,000, though you'll face substantial debt of $138,500.
Avoid education and business programs at Walden. Education majors carry $132,844 in debt for $80,219 in annual earnings, creating a crushing debt-to-income ratio. Business administration graduates face similar problems with $115,920 in debt for $88,588 in earnings.
You face significant financial risk at Walden because it's a for-profit institution with high dropout rates and employer skepticism. Many employers view for-profit degrees less favorably than traditional college credentials, potentially limiting your job prospects regardless of your field.
Walden makes financial sense only if you're pursuing nursing or public administration and can't access these programs at lower-cost state schools. The online format appeals to working adults, but you'll pay a premium for convenience that may not justify the costs.
Financial aid covers half of students, but for-profit schools typically offer less generous aid packages than nonprofit institutions. Before enrolling, compare costs with community colleges for prerequisites and state universities for your degree completion. The median debt of $20,834 might seem reasonable, but remember this reflects all students, including those who dropped out before accumulating full program costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Walden University worth the cost for most students?
Walden University graduates earn a median of $42,810 annually ten years after graduation, which is below average for college graduates. The low earnings relative to typical college costs make the ROI questionable for most programs outside of nursing and healthcare fields.
Which Walden University programs have the best return on investment?
Nursing programs at Walden University show strong ROI, with graduates in nursing administration and clinical nursing earning over $100,000 annually. Public administration and business management programs also perform better than average, with graduates earning $80,000-$90,000 per year.
How much debt do Walden University students typically graduate with?
The median debt for Walden University graduates is $20,834, which is relatively manageable compared to many private colleges. However, given the lower median earnings of $42,810, even this debt level creates a challenging debt-to-income ratio for many graduates.
Should I choose Walden University over a traditional state school?
Walden University's online format offers flexibility, but the financial return typically does not justify choosing it over lower-cost state schools for most fields. Consider Walden primarily if you need their specific nursing programs or require fully online education for career advancement.