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Walden University

Minneapolis, MN

private forprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Education for Good

1970
Founded
Private for-profit online university
Type
7,337
Total Students
7,362
Undergrad
36,861
Graduate
$12K
Tuition (In-State)
$12K
Tuition (Out-State)
Doctoral/Professional Universities
Classification
President: Michael Betz

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Walden University

Walden University: Empowering working adults with online doctoral education for social change.

Walden University stands as a pioneering institution in higher education, uniquely designed for working adults seeking to advance their careers through doctoral and graduate studies. Founded in 1970 with the motto "Education for Good," Walden embraced an innovative online model, allowing professionals to pursue advanced degrees without interrupting their careers. This approach has positioned Walden as a significant force in online learning, committed to making higher education accessible and impactful for a global student body.

From its origins with classes held in Naples, Florida, focusing on school administrators, Walden quickly evolved. It secured licensing in Minnesota in 1979 and achieved accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools in 1990, solidifying its academic standing. Over the decades, Walden expanded its reach, becoming a leading online university, particularly recognized for its robust doctoral programs. Its journey included periods under the ownership of Laureate Education and more recently, Adtalem Global Education, continuously adapting to the evolving landscape of higher education.

Walden University is widely recognized for its strong commitment to graduate education, particularly in doctoral and master's programs across various disciplines. The university has made a profound impact on diversity in higher education, awarding the highest number of doctoral degrees to Black students in the United States between 2011-2015 and 2016-2020. This dedication to fostering advanced academic achievement among underrepresented groups underscores its mission. Furthermore, its College of Management and Technology and School of Management have earned a prestigious Silver Achievement Award from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), highlighting its academic quality in business education.

With over 44,000 students, Walden University continues to serve a diverse and global student body. Its online format provides flexibility, allowing students to integrate rigorous academic pursuits with their professional and personal lives. While its unique model has faced scrutiny regarding student debt repayment and student complaints in its past, Walden's enduring legacy is its commitment to providing education that aims for positive social change, continuously adapting to meet the needs of its working adult learners.

Key Highlights

  • A pioneer in online higher education, founded in 1970 to serve working adults pursuing doctoral degrees.
  • Accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools since 1990, ensuring academic quality.
  • Awarded the highest number of doctoral degrees to Black students in the U.S. between 2011-2015 and 2016-2020.
  • Conferred 1,383 doctorates to Black or African American students from 2016-2020, representing approximately 37% of its total doctoral graduates in that period.
  • The College of Management and Technology and School of Management earned a Silver Achievement Award from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
  • Serves over 44,000 students globally as a private, for-profit online university.
  • Operates under the motto "Education for Good," emphasizing its commitment to social change through learning.

Timeline

1970
Established by Bernie and Rita Turner for working adults pursuing doctoral degrees
1971
First classes held in Naples, Florida, focusing on school administrators
1972
Conferred its first degrees: 46 PhDs and 24 EdDs
1979
Licensed by the Minnesota Higher Education Coordinating Board to grant PhDs and EdDs
1982
Moved headquarters to Minneapolis
1990
Accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
2001
Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. (later Laureate Education) purchased 41% of the university
2020
Adtalem Global Education began the process of purchasing Walden University; College of Management and Technology and School of Management earned ACBSP Silver Achievement Award
2021
Adtalem Global Education Inc bought Walden University
2022
Michael Betz appointed as president of Walden University
🏛️
56 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

1 notable schools within Walden University

🏫

College of Management and Technology (CMT) & School of Management

Earned a Silver Achievement Award from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Leadership

Michael Betz
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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