Education Note: Walden University Ranking
University Overview
Walden University is a for-profit online institution headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The university has faced significant criticism for its low completion rates and high student debt levels. Federal data shows a graduation rate of just 27% and concerning student outcomes across multiple metrics. With approximately 41,000 students enrolled, Walden operates primarily as an online institution with a heavy focus on graduate programs. Department of Education data indicates the university spends only $1,892 per student on instruction annually, far below the national average.
Student Outcomes
Walden University's metrics reveal systemic challenges across key performance indicators. The 27% graduation rate ranks among the lowest for accredited institutions. Students graduate with average debt of $45,628, while median earnings six years after enrollment are $29,200. The student loan default rate stands at 21.4%, nearly triple the national average. Program completion timelines frequently extend well beyond advertised durations, particularly in doctoral programs.
Weaknesses
Analysis reveals critical deficiencies in Walden's educational model. The student-to-faculty ratio of 25:1 is significantly higher than the national average of 14:1. Financial stability concerns persist, with heavy reliance on federal aid funding. Student support services are consistently cited as inadequate, particularly for dissertation and thesis students. The institution has faced multiple lawsuits regarding misleading marketing practices and program length representations.
Student Voice
Recent student surveys from 2023-24 paint a complex picture of the Walden experience. Graduate students particularly express frustration with dissertation support and program length, with many reporting their programs taking twice as long as initially advertised. Students consistently cite concerns about academic support responsiveness, with one noting, "Getting feedback from advisors can take weeks." Another stated, "The financial aid office is impossible to reach." A third commented, "The coursework is manageable but dissertation support is nearly non-existent." Several reviews mention feeling "trapped" by mounting student debt while trying to complete their programs.
Current and former students also highlight significant issues with administrative processes and financial transparency. Multiple reviewers report unexpected fees and costs appearing mid-program without clear explanation. Students describe the advising system as "overwhelmed" and "understaffed," with high turnover among academic advisors disrupting student progress. One doctoral student noted spending seven years in the dissertation phase with minimal guidance, while another described accumulating over $100,000 in debt due to extended program length. Student reviews frequently mention the challenge of balancing Walden's academic demands with their initial expectations of a flexible online program.
Bottom Line
With one of the lowest graduation rates in the nation (27%), high student debt levels ($45,628 average), and poor post-graduation earnings ($29,200 median), Walden University ranks among the worst-performing institutions in America. The combination of extended program completion times, inadequate student support, and questionable financial practices raises serious concerns about the institution's commitment to student success. While online education serves an important role in expanding access, prospective students should carefully consider other accredited online institutions that may provide better value and outcomes.