Walden University
Walden University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Walden University Worth It?
There isn't enough publicly available data to calculate a definitive value score for Walden University. This may be due to the institution's size, reporting gaps, or the specific programs offered.
With a 3.2-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
Best Programs at Walden University
The highest-earning program at Walden University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $75,700/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services at $26,200/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Walden University earns $75,700, while a Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services graduate earns $26,200. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $24,000 in median debt vs. $35,500 for Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $33,817/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $75,700 | $75,700 | $24,000 |
| Curriculum and Instruction | $56,900 | $56,900 | $44,126 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $53,900 | $53,900 | $46,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $53,100 | $53,100 | $53,237 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $51,000 | $51,000 | $36,875 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $45,100 | $45,100 | $40,478 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $44,700 | $44,700 | $34,190 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $43,000 | $43,000 | $37,500 |
| Public Administration | $42,500 | $42,500 | $34,756 |
| Public Health | $39,400 | $39,400 | $39,668 |
| Psychology, General | $36,900 | $36,900 | $39,334 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $36,000 | $36,000 | $34,157 |
| Human Services, General | $33,700 | $33,700 | $42,333 |
| Education, General | $33,400 | $33,400 | $37,867 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $26,200 | $26,200 | $35,500 |
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Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- for-profit
- Location
- Minneapolis, MN
- Student Body
- 9,136 students
- Net Price (Annual)
- $33,817
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $42,810
- Median Student Debt
- $20,834