Walden University ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$49,992
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$15,657/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
3.2 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
526%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Walden University's in-state tuition costs $12,498. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median of $76,759. Five years after graduation, earnings decrease to $50,657, and ten years after graduation, earnings decrease further to $42,810. The median debt for students is $20,834, and 65.6% of students receive financial aid.
Based on the provided data, the return on investment appears favorable in the short term. The one-year earnings are significantly higher than the tuition cost. However, earnings decline over time, which may impact the long-term return on investment.
The data does not provide enough information to calculate a debt-to-income ratio or a break-even timeline.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$12,498
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,834
Median Earnings (5yr)
$50,657
Graduation Rate
N/A
Receive Financial Aid
66%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $119,059 | 3263% |
| Education, General | $85,818 | 1933% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $103,004 | 2621% |
| Social Work | $53,534 | 641% |
| Psychology, General | $72,197 | 1388% |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | $49,822 | 493% |
| Human Services, General | $44,684 | 287% |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology | $48,080 | 423% |
| Public Administration | $103,358 | 2635% |
| Public Health | $86,921 | 1977% |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $71,940 | 1378% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $46,338 | 354% |
Peer Comparison
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.