Minneapolis, MN · Private University
Is Walden University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$42,810
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$12,498
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$12,498
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$49,992
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
3.42x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
6.4 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
0.0%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$20,834
at graduation
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Walden University graduates earn $2,190 less than the national median of workers with any education level.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Walden University ranked by graduate earnings
666 graduates
46 graduates
18 graduates
138 graduates
46 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Walden University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Walden University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing: $87,923) and the lowest (Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services: $34,254) is $53,669/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingBest ROI | $87,923 | 7.0x |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $69,734 | 5.6x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $60,295 | 4.8x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $59,374 | 4.8x |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $53,622 | 4.3x |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $52,498 | 4.2x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $48,565 | 3.9x |
| Public Health | $48,167 | 3.9x |
| Human Services, General | $44,684 | 3.6x |
| Psychology, General | $41,079 | 3.3x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods(1yr data) | $36,427 | 2.9x |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related ServicesLowest | $34,254 | 2.7x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Walden University stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $42,810 10 years after starting, $2,190 below the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 6.4 years, a reasonable timeline.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.