What is Walden University Known For?
Walden University is known for granting working professionals the flexibility they need to continue their education while maintaining their careers. Founded in 1970 by two educators, the university’s remote education program provides opportunities for students who aim to learn at their own pace through “Tempo Learning” or prefer instructor-led programming on a predetermined schedule.
Walden University offers admission to both US-national and international students. It boasts Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs in various career-centered fields with flexible pathways–for example, undergraduate students can complete their entire degree program in as little as 30 months. In addition to their versatile curriculum, Walden University offers students extensive career planning and development guidance, with one-on-one and self-guided options.
Is it Legit?
Walden University and its unique “Tempo Learning” program have been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1990. In addition, the HLC reaffirmed their accredited status in 2013. The school has also received several endorsements from various institutions accrediting their professional programs, including, but not limited to, the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Walden University has also been awarded 6 Effective Practice Awards from the Online Learning Consortium for their contributions to the accessibility of online learning.
Walden University is respected in academia and industry as a credible online university and annually awards thousands of diplomas to students in over 110 countries.
Is Walden University worth it?
Walden University has graduated over 140,000 professionals. 86.7% of Walden students express satisfaction with their education at Walden, and 88.3% of Walden alums state that their education at Walden was critical to their careers, as per the 2018 Student, Alumni, and Employer Satisfaction Survey.
Walden University vs. Community College
As a leading online university, Walden University offers flexibility beyond a standard community college or university. Undergraduate students can graduate in as little as 1.5 years or up to 4.5 years, with similar timeframes and customizable schedules applying even to Doctoral students. In addition, Walden University offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs, whereas most community colleges primarily award Associate’s degrees.
Due to their flexible program pathways, Walden is a promising choice for students looking to maintain their careers while pursuing higher education actively. In support of their student body, the school offers a wide variety of support in career planning and development. Students can join webinars and office hours offered monthly, meet one-on-one with a counselor at the Career Planning and Development office, or use Walden University’s vast array of self-guided resources ranging from building a resume to engaging in a successful interview.
Walden University Acceptance Rate
Walden University has an acceptance rate of 98%.
Walden University Cost Per Year
For Bachelor’s programs, costs can range from $10,000 to $11,500 per year, with students taking from 1.5 to 4.5 years to graduate.
Master’s programs average a cost of $10,000 to $13,000 per year, with program completion typically taking 2 years.
Doctoral tuition is based on quarter credit hour of coursework, with tuition costs averaging a maximum of $30,000 annually and a minimum program length of 1.5 years.
In addition to providing students with federal grants and loans, Walden University offers additional support through scholarships and grants. This includes the school’s Believe and Achieve Scholarship, available to Bachelor’s and Master’s Students, and select $5,000 grants available to PhD students. Depending on their start date, students may receive up to a 25% tuition reduction for their program of choice.
School Catalog
A copy of the course catalog can be found here.
School Hours
Walden University is an online institution, so coursework is available based on students’ schedules. In addition to flexible course times, the school offers multiple learning terms for their Tempo Learning program ranging beyond the traditional semester or quarter start dates, enabling students to start their learning program any day of the month. The school’s technical support team is additionally available 24/7 and offers support in accessing student resources and learning materials and navigating the online platform.
Walden University additionally offers career counseling services through the Career Planning and Development Center. In addition to providing self-paced resources available to students at all times, Office Hour sessions are available monthly at 12 PM ET or 6 PM ET.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Digital Marketing
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Marketing
Computer and Information Technology
- Computer Systems Technician
- Software Engineering
Criminal Justice and Law
- Criminal Justice
Healthcare Administration and Services
- Healthcare Management
- Public Health
Healthcare and Nursing
- Nursing
Social Services
- Counseling
Campus Locations
Walden University Academic Offices 100 Washington Avenue South Suite 900 Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401
Walden University Transcript Submissions 7065 Samuel Morse Dr Columbia, Maryland 21046
Financial Aid Services
Costs at Walden University vary by major. Students can apply for federal loans and grants and some might qualify for special scholarships. Family members, law enforcement, corrections officers, and those from partner organizations receive discounts on tuition.
Student Services
Students at Walden work with advisors who help with enrollment, track progress, and recommend resources. The school offers writing labs, tutoring, and peer mentoring to help them succeed. Learners may also use the library and request assistance with research.
Career Services
Students have many tools to assist them in finding work. Webinars, resume tutorials, and interview advice prepare them for the job market. Online events create opportunities to network with others in their field. Walden University’s Career Services Center even offers one-on-one counseling if necessary.
Veteran and Military Services
Walden helps members of the military earn a degree from anywhere in the world. Active servicepeople, veterans, employees of the Veterans’ Administration, and their spouses get discounts on classes. A dedicated team is available to answer questions about government benefits and enrollment.
Alumni Services
Alumni get benefits such as a magazine and ongoing library access. They can take part in networking events either over the internet or near select cities. Returning graduates and their referrals can save money on their next program. Some choose to become ambassadors to new and prospective attendees.
Reviews
Based on Google reviews, Walden University maintains a generally positive reputation, largely driven by the flexibility of its online programs and the quality of its faculty. The feedback reveals a deep divide between students’ experiences with academics and their frustration with administrative departments.
Overall Score: 3.5/5 Stars
Common Praises
Positive Commencement Experience: Many recent reviews are focused on graduation ceremonies, which are consistently described as wonderful, fun-filled, and memorable experiences. Graduates appreciated the celebration and the chance to connect with peers from around the world.
Supportive Professors and Advisors: Students frequently praise their professors for being knowledgeable, responsive, and helpful. Several reviews mention specific chairs and advisors by name, crediting them for being a crucial part of their success, even through personal hardships.
Flexibility and Accessibility: As an online university, Walden is valued for its flexible, tempo-based curriculum. Students, especially busy adults and those with families, appreciate the ability to work full-time and manage other responsibilities while completing their degrees.
Diverse Programs and Online Platform: The university is commended for its wide range of programs and its user-friendly, navigable online database. Students in programs like the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling feel well-prepared for their careers.
Common Criticisms
Financial Aid and Administrative Issues: This is the most significant and recurring complaint. Students describe financial aid as being “extremely rude,” unhelpful, and unprofessional. Many report being given the “runaround,” with calls being transferred endlessly and promises of callbacks from supervisors that never happen.
Lack of Communication: A core problem is the reported breakdown in communication. Students describe being “lost and frustrated” with staff, who often fail to return calls or provide clear answers. This extends to advisors who are said to give misinformation or neglect to process important paperwork, such as leave of absence requests.
Concerns about “For-Profit” Practices: Several reviewers accuse Walden of being primarily focused on money rather than student success. This is supported by claims of being told to take unnecessary classes to increase student loan debt and having graduation requirements changed late in the program.
Questionable Academic Practices: A few reviews mention concerns about a lack of instructional support. One student felt they were essentially teaching themselves through extensive reading, with little guidance from professors. Another reviewer claimed some instructors “intentionally try to fail you” and that the curriculum is designed to make students “flunk out” to generate more revenue.
Momentum
The most recent reviews continue to be highly positive, focusing heavily on the flexibility, professor quality, and ease of enrollment. The ongoing criticism of the financial aid department is still present in recent feedback, indicating this remains a consistent issue for the university. The high volume of reviews and consistently positive sentiment suggests a strong and sustained reputation, with the financial aid experience being the main pain point.