Are you considering a Walden University education but wondering if it’s worth the cost of attendance?
As a leading university in online education, Walden University is part of the Laureate Education family and has a long-standing reputation for providing quality, accessible educational opportunities.
In this blog post, we’ll explore whether a Walden University education is worth the cost of attendance.
The high cost of a Walden University education
Attending Walden University is not a cheap venture. According to the 2020-2021 cost of attendance published by the school,
tuition and fees can range anywhere from $11,000 to $25,000 per year, depending on the program of study.
This is without factoring in the additional costs such as books, supplies, and living expenses.
The higher cost of Walden University has been a topic of discussion among potential students due to its relatively low reputation with employers
and its lack of accreditation for some of its programs, including the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program.
In addition to being expensive, there are also concerns about the quality of education and job prospects that come with a Walden University degree.
Although Walden offers respected degrees, they often don’t carry the same weight as other accredited universities.
Employers may be less likely to consider applicants who have attended or graduated from Walden because they are often unfamiliar with the university or uncertain about its reputation.
Furthermore, not all of their graduate programs are CACREP accredited, including their FNP program.
While this doesn’t necessarily mean that you won’t get hired after graduating from this program, it could make it more difficult for you to gain employment or stand out amongst your competition.
The negative reputation of Walden University
When it comes to the reputation of Walden University with employers, there is a lot of speculation and varying opinions.
Despite the university’s efforts to promote itself as an accredited institution, many employers are still wary of hiring its graduates due to their lack of accreditation.
This is mainly due to the fact that the school is not accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
This can make it difficult for graduates to find employment in fields such as counseling and related educational programs.
In addition, many employers have expressed reservations about Walden University’s online-only program.
With its high cost of tuition, many employers view the program as nothing more than a diploma mill.
Many employers are also concerned about the quality of education students receive from Walden University, as well as the relevance of the courses offered by the university.
Employers may be hesitant to hire graduates from Walden University due to the lack of hands-on experience or real-world skills that students receive from traditional universities.
Another issue employers have raised is with the university’s Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program.
The program has been criticized for its low passing rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and its failure to meet the CACREP standards for graduate-level nursing programs.
This can make it difficult for graduates of the FNP program to get hired in the field.
It is clear that Walden University has a negative reputation with employers that can make it difficult for graduates to find employment after graduation.
The lack of accreditation for Walden University
Walden University, owned by Laureate Education, has a complicated history when it comes to accreditation.
The university is not accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP),
which means that students who are pursuing programs in counseling, psychology, and other related fields may not be able to take advantage of certain certifications or advanced degrees.
This can limit Walden University’s reputation with employers who may not recognize a Walden degree or require its graduates to obtain additional certifications.
Furthermore, Walden University’s Family Nurse Practitioner program is also not accredited by CACREP,
which may have an impact on the program’s ability to attract qualified candidates and increase job opportunities for its graduates.
Ultimately, this lack of accreditation may mean that Walden University graduates may not have access to the same opportunities as graduates from other accredited universities.
The poor job prospects for graduates of Walden University
It is important to consider the job prospects for any college or university that you are considering attending.
Unfortunately, Walden University has a poor reputation with employers due to their lack of accreditation from CACREP and other notable accrediting bodies.
This means that any degree earned from Walden University may not be seen as valid or respected by potential employers.
The Walden University Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Program is one example of a program that suffers from this lack of accreditation.
While the program may provide graduates with the skills needed to work in an FNP role, it is unlikely that employers will recognize the degree as they would with a more highly accredited FNP program.
It is also important to note that some employers may not even consider applicants who have graduated from an unaccredited school such as Walden University.
Furthermore, many organizations will often overlook a degree obtained from an online institution like Walden regardless of its accreditation status.
This makes it much harder for individuals with degrees from online schools like Walden to gain employment than those with degrees from traditional institutions.
The bottom line is that if you are looking for a degree that carries weight among potential employers, then a Walden University education may not be your best option.
That being said, if your priority is completing a degree quickly at an affordable cost, then you may still benefit from enrolling at Walden. They offer flexible courses and schedules to fit almost anyone’s needs.
Also, although Walden University does not hold accreditation through the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP),
they are still recognized by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).
This recognition allows students enrolled in the FNP program to gain certification through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners after graduation.
Ultimately, if you choose to attend Walden University, it’s important to understand what employers may think about your degree before graduating.
Doing your research now can help ensure that you make a well-informed decision about your academic future.
