It all began with an idea in 1970
In 1970, two educators—Bernie Turner and Tom Leonard—sat in a restaurant in Naples, Florida, and proposed a bold idea: Why should higher education be reserved only for those who can sit in a classroom? Shouldn’t adults who work during the day and care for their children at night also have the opportunity to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees?
That year, Walden University was born. Named after *Walden*, the book that speaks of “seeking wisdom in solitude,” the name itself carried a quiet ambition: education need not be confined to an ivory tower; it can take place wherever a person finds solitude.
More than 50 years later, this former “experimental school” has grown into one of the largest online universities in the United States, having educated over 140,000 graduates with students across all 50 U.S. states and numerous countries worldwide. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is an officially recognized nonprofit university. Putting the Financial Costs of an American College Degree into Perspective
Degree Programs: A Complete Pathway from Bachelor’s to Doctorate
Waldorf University offers a comprehensive degree system ranging from undergraduate to doctoral levels, with over 90 degree programs and approximately 400 specializations. Below are the major fields of study categorized by discipline:
| College/Discipline Field | Degree Level | Core Professional Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Business and Management | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD | Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Human Resources Management, Project Management, Supply Chain Management, Organizational Leadership |
| Health and Care | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD | Nursing (RN to BSN, MSN, DNP), Public Health, Health Management, Healthcare Management |
| Psychology and Counseling | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD | Clinical psychology, counseling psychology, forensic psychology, industrial and organizational psychology, educational psychology |
| Education | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD | Educational leadership, curriculum and teaching, special education, early childhood education, educational technology, higher education management |
| Information Technology | Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees | Computer Science, Network Security, Data Science, Information Systems Management |
| Public Policy and Social Services | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD | Public Administration (MPA), Public Policy, Social Work, Criminal Justice, Non Profit Organization Management |
Data Source: Waldorf University website and EduRank
In terms of academic strength, according to EduRank’s subject rankings, Waldorf University ranks among the top 500 in the U.S. in fields such as organizational psychology, early childhood education, and special education. The university’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is one of its flagship programs and received the highest rating in CollegeFactual’s rankings.
Two Learning Models: Finding Your Own Pace
One of the most appealing aspects of Walden University is that it offers two completely different learning models, allowing students to choose freely based on their lifestyle.
The first is Course-based learning. This is the most traditional approach—each course has fixed start and end dates, with assignments, discussions, and final exams. It suits students who prefer to be “guided along,” with a clear schedule and progress requirements.
The second is the Tempo Learning® model, which is Walden’s greatest innovation. Students pay for a 3-month subscription cycle, during which they can study at their own pace. If you already have relevant work experience, you can skip content you’re familiar with and dive straight into new material. Some students have completed their entire undergraduate degree in just 16 months using this model.
Regarding tuition, the course-based undergraduate program costs $360–$370 per credit, and the master’s program costs $555–$645 per credit; the Tempo Learning® model costs $2,900–$3,200 every three months. Taking the BSBA program as an example, the total tuition for a four-year undergraduate degree is approximately $65,000–$68,000, but nearly $20,000 can be waived through the Believe & Achieve Scholarship.
Career Opportunities and Alumni Network
According to official data, Walden University has approximately 42,000 students, with a gender ratio of 15% male to 85% female. The employment outcomes for graduates are quite impressive—Walden alumni can be found at well-known organizations such as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Kaiser Permanente, Amazon, Microsoft, and Ernst & Young. Graduates primarily work in fields including healthcare services, education, business development, information technology, human resources, and public policy.
