"Walden University provided me with the education and supervision necessary to complete a Master of Science in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling and begin my career of working with individuals and families as a counselor/therapist. The online environment was easy to use and created a space to engage with my classmates in a meaningful way. My only complaint is that I transferred credits from an in-person university and had many credits denied, so I had to put more money into my education than I originally planned. The loans are eating me alive. But overall, I am happy with my career choice and the flexibility, yet consistency provided to me through Walden University."

Inamorata

Reviewed: 4/12/2026
Degree: Counseling
Graduation Year: 2026

"Go to a different school. I was interested in WU because of its flexibility and offering of scholarships to cover the last four classes of the program. While the education and class work were okay and had a good focus on multicultural counseling and social justice, it falls short everywhere else. Professors will accuse you of using AI if your papers are written in too formal/academic a voice, even just for using Oxford commas. I've had to "dumb down" my papers to have them not be flagged. The financial department screwed up the dispersal of my scholarship, and I had to pay MORE out of pocket than I needed to. The financial department is not responsive at all (not surprising because they're for-profit). The internship is by far the most stressful part. You will not get help finding a site for an internship. Good luck if you work full-time, have a family, are a sole income earner or are chronically ill, because you will need to work 30+ hours of internship work a week to meet the hours requirements before the end of your final semester; otherwise, you will need to take an extension and pay even more and retake all your assignments for that part of the internship (feels like a money grab). Also, if you miss your weekly supervision with your internship site, the school makes you forfeit ALL the internship hours you would have earned that week.The school will push the idea of "self-care" and "sacrifice," but won't acknowledge systemic issues and barriers students face who are trying to get through the program with little to no support, which is ironic given their push for social justice and equity in the field. I know many schools use for-profit models, but we should move beyond accepting burnout culture in the field and normalizing it for brand-new clinicians before they even enter the field. They do a great job of creating an environment that filters out talented individuals who cannot take the emotional, mental, and financial tolls of completing the program. In my opinion, try to find a school with a longer internship period, save yourself the stress of losing time and money trying to finish the hours in 20 weeks. Good luck with your search!"

SORILE

Reviewed: 1/30/2026
Degree: Counseling
Graduation Year: 2027

"So I started at Walden in 2010, because I was a Full time Teacher in NJ and had two small children I was caring for by myself. I took one class per quarter. For the most part I had really great classes. Where it started to go down hill was at the first residency. The residencies are always in Orlando, FL or Atlanta, GA. I ended up having to pay and go to 3 total which costs thousands of dollars. I was a Financial Aid student all the way. During my first residency I had not taken the counseling skills class and hit a snag as I was not prepared to practice counseling sessions with classmates. I was told I did not have humility which is incorrect. I grew up in a different state and far from the southeast, plus I had an SLD in Elementary School. I am a great speller but not so much as remembering difficult vocabulary. I remember I had a difficult time expressing the words on a feelings wheel which was explained as the peeling of an onion. Anyhow I cannot remember if I passed it or not. I believe I passed it and I was determined to succeed. So by my second residency which was supposed to be the last residency, I belonged to a chat group with other students and all told me about a professor that was an introvert and she did not get along with many students. So I immediately saw that as a red flag and when I found out she was my professor for that residency I tried to request a different one. This residency was at the HYATT hotel which was a high rise building with only 2 elevators and thousands of students from the counseling programs as well as other programs all in the same week. I was in a classroom (hotel room) on the 19th floor. Because of my ADHD I did find it difficult to be sitting all day with a small break in the morning. The free coffee was on the 1st floor and I really needed some so of course I went to the 1st floor but trying to come back to the 19th floor I ran over the allowed break time. The professor said something rude and docked me for those minutes that I was late. There was no understanding on her part, and next thing I know I am having a conversation with the head Dean for the program, who had told me that I was probably not going to pass the residency. And I did not and I was restricted from taking classes unless I completed two assignments that consisted of lengthy research finding/understanding myself. That probably took 6-7 months and I was finally able to restart classes again. Professors were constantly in contact with me. One class pharmacology I had to repeat 3 times, once for my failures, the second time I missed passing by like 2 points (the class was really difficult), the 3rd time when I got approved to take the class again (my guidance counselor told me I should pass since the university lowered the standards to pass the class. This class was so difficult that other students were not passing either that they had to lower the standards to pass. Give me a Break! Those classes cost a lot of money. Finally I was progressing through the curriculum and I had to attend another residency to make up for R2 (the one I did not pass). This time I had a Great Professor with lots of encouragement and made everyone feel comfortable for the whole week. I passed, yeah! Forward a couple of years to 2017 I was finally cleared to start looking for a Practicum ( and the school does not help find a placement). Plus Walden started a month later than all the other universities in the area so I was competing with Rutgers, TCNJ and Riders students. It took me a while but I found a place. Mind you this I do remember at one of the residencies someone had said it will be very difficult to find a placement in NJand tried to say oh you might have to move out of state to complete it. I shrugged it off as I was working full time, had children and could not afford to move nor did I want too. But she was right. I was supposed to start my practicum in October, while other students started in September from other Universities. The director who had accepted me sent me an email stating that he was moved to a different location and a new director from another state was taking over. When she arrived she canceled my practicum because I was not already working due to the actual starting date. I convinced her to start in January of 2019 and she agreed, but much time passed. She then sent me an email in January saying, the pipes bursted and I am going to have to cancel, well I guess it was not meant to be.. I was defeated with no other possibilities, I also severely broke my arm and most likely was not going to be able to complete the practicum anyways but I never told her. The pandemic hit and I never inquired about it afterwards. Unlike local universities that had programs to get the Master's Degree first usually (60 units) then if you want a clinical you complete afterwards. Walden has not such thing and only offers the combined Masters with clinical (100 units). I took possibly 110 units worth of classes and I have NO MASTER'S DEGREE OR DIPLOMA. Yet, I SPENT probably close to 200 thousand dollars using Financial aid aka Loans. I did not realize at the time how much I really owed, I was just trying to complete a program. When I started in 2010 the only counseling program they had was the Clinical Mental Health Counseling of course as their programs grew now they have a lot more... Also throughout the years I had to write an exception letter multiple times as to why I should be allowed to continue my degree as I obviously went over the 5 year mark (single +2 kids). I was even homeless during that time, but my goal was to finish so I wrote the letters and showed documentation. They let me continue. I am grateful for the knowledge, but thinking about it now years later with student loan debt into the 300 thousand (with capitalization) was originally 276K. They probably should have transferred me or spoken to me about getting the Master's Degree prior to attempting any kind of clinical counseling. After the pandemic about a year ago I inquired to finish the degree or transfer the credits at Walden into something I could get the MS degree. The enrollment specialists said, you will have to retake at least 4-5 classes and none of your classes can transfer to a different degree. So I do NOT RECOMMEND WALDEN AS a choice for future students. I have learned alot about what kinds of schools I should have gone too since I am practically paying the same amount of money. Unfortunately, at my job I am stuck in a pay scale at a BA+90 until I can get a Master's Plus 30 units. At this time I am broke with student debt. And yes, I do qualify for the PLSF but I still need to make a lot of payments to get to the 120 qualifying payments. It has been a struggle with nothing to show. A for profit college will fail you and then charge you to retake the classes and never help you to finish. Stay Away!"

VALERIE LANE

Reviewed: 9/9/2025
Degree: Counseling
Graduation Year: 2026

"I strongly advise anyone considering Walden University to look elsewhere. My experience has been nothing short of frustrating, stressful, and disappointing. This school does not operate in the best interest of its students. Instead of providing real support and encouragement, Walden has a pattern of accusing students of things without clear evidence, which leaves you feeling constantly under attack rather than guided through your education.What makes the situation worse is how money-driven the entire system feels. Tuition is outrageously high for the level of service you actually receive, and hidden fees continue to pile up. It quickly becomes obvious that their main focus is on taking as much money as possible, not on helping students succeed. The lack of communication and transparency only adds to the frustration. When problems arise, it feels like you are fighting against the school instead of being supported by it.The professors and staff are not nearly as helpful as you would expect for a school that advertises itself as student-centered. Instead of guidance, you often encounter indifference. Instead of encouragement, you feel dismissed. The overall atmosphere leaves students stressed, anxious, and questioning whether the degree is even worth the time and money invested.In the end, Walden University has proven to be more of a financial burden and emotional strain than a place of higher learning. I absolutely do not recommend this university to anyone. Save yourself the stress and choose a school that truly values and supports its students."

Sherri Rollins

Reviewed: 8/4/2024
Degree: Counseling
Graduation Year: 2025

"Walden University have been a pleasant surprise. I read a few reviews and worried that I wouldn't enjoy the experience. I really enjoy the the classes the rigor the professors are tough but they are flexible if you communicate.i love the Acdemic Skills lessons and I really enjoy the Skill Setter practice software. The simulations are amazing!! I highly recommend Walden University."

cousarmy0001

Reviewed: 8/31/2023
Degree: Counseling
Graduation Year: 2023

"Want to hear all about social justice, but not about things you need to know as a counselor? Do you enjoy being taught by people who have never left the university to work in the counseling field, and dress like circus freaks? Do you love paying money for the privilege of pretending you take any of those people seriously? Then Walden is the place for you! Every single article, video, and writing assignment is all about how everybody who isn't white is poor and downtrodden, and the people who are white aren't worthy of your attention. Don't go here if you can avoid it."

Erica Burns

Responded: 9/5/2023

We’re sorry to hear that this is your perception of our organization, (First Name). We take these complaints seriously at Adtalem Global Education, and our family of organizations, including Walden University. We desire to create incredible student experiences and outcomes. We want to learn more about your specific situation and feedback to see how we can assist. Please email us at WeCare.Walden@waldenu.edu with your name, email address, and phone number, and a member of the appropriate team will... Read More

Gabrielle Collins

Reviewed: 9/21/2022
Degree: Counseling
Graduation Year: 2023

"Walden is an an excellent school for someone looking for an actual professional level degree. It is NOT a degree for someone unwilling to do the work, to change and challenge themselves, or meet professional level expectations. It is a true Masters Level program, delivered 90% online, and that means the onus to get the work done and do well is on YOU. The professors in these courses are all Doctors, who are working clinically in the field, and have years of experience. They have written textbooks, and served on national and state accredication boards. Walden truly cares about the level of professional they are putting out into the world, and it shows. They have help lines across the board, from IT, paper writing, library and research, mental health and many financial and scholarship programs. However, none of it will be handed to you. You have to do the work to find help if it is necesarry. Many people begin a degree without understanding the requirements and then refuse to accept their own culpability in thier failure to succeed. Walden is NOT easy, but it absolutely does prepare you for a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, including forcing you to look at your state liscensure requirements, as well as preparing you for your state liscensure test. Good luck and I absolutely DO reccomend Walden University."

Erica Burns

Responded: 9/21/2022

Thank you so much for your detailed and glaring review. This type of feedback helps validate the vision that our staff and employees work toward - great student experiences and outcomes. We appreciate your comments and hope you will continue to share your thoughts with others.

Avatar

Reviewed: 2/26/2022
Degree: Counseling
Graduation Year: 2021

"Loved my program at Walden. COVID hit while I was a student. The university and faculty supported students and their families by allowing leniency. The student assistance program offers 3 free counseling sessions for students, their families, their roommates. You can get 3 free sessions for each stressor! They have one on one faculty support for skill development for any student who asks. They have support faculty for students who have life challenges (e.g., hurricane, death of lived one, house burned down, etc.). For an online program they go above and beyond for offering a personal touch. You can email the program director any time and she will call you, help you, anything you need. I had tons of support. Overall the faculty were amazing. Like any university I have attended, there are some mediocre faculty, but they are few and far between. If I had a lower performing faculty, I would notify the director and she supported both the faculty and me. I truly felt valued. Some posts I have read indicate people felt like a number. I never experienced this. Of course I asked for help when needed and always received it. To be successful at Walden you need to read your assignments, sign up for help if needed, read and implement the feedback your instructors provide, and you need to remember they are training you to be a professional counselor. They will push you to grow. You will get feedback. I would check the accreditation requirements occasionally and the standards were clearly being met. One of my favorite experiences was a group experience that was absolutely free! I was well trained, cared for, and supported at Walden. I will go back for my doctorate!"

Ava M

Reviewed: 7/1/2021
Degree: Counseling
Graduation Year: 2023

"I can’t even believe this “school” is allowed to operate the way that it does. Their formatting online and portal are from the 1970’s. They hold onto your financial aid for months. Don’t go here. They still owe me money and every time I call, I receive some kind of excuse. This is so weird and the worst “college” I’ve attended."

Dee

Reviewed: 4/19/2020
Degree: Counseling
Graduation Year: 2018

"Walden is a for profit school and all about the money! Every other quarter fees/tuition are raised while service remains the same. You get a mix bag of instructors. Some with a lack of empathy and disregard to student needs in learning. Then there are some who are invested in their student learning. It depends on who you get. God forbid you get an instructor with a lack of empathy, who is the only person, who teaches a specific course required in your program of study. Addressing an issue with the Dean or an administrator is like talking to a wall, especially if it involves a faculty member. On a positive aspect, I did enjoy attending the counseling residency. It was fun, exciting, and motivating. Also, the skills, and tools taught were conducive to my learning. Walden isn't all bad. However,if you plan to attend, have a strong support system, expect the unexpected, be aware of the curveballs lurking around the corner whether from faculty, financial aid, advising etc. And more so don't be surprised to be counted as a dollar sign rather than a student."

Senior

Reviewed: 4/1/2019
Degree: Counseling
Graduation Year: 2017

"This University should have their accreditation revoked for not meeting disability accommodations for those in need as well as allowing racial discrimination and bullying from instructors. I attended it for two years because of two post shoulder surgeries and needed time to recovery, which took over six months. After the surgery I needed to attend physical therapy and could not type and needed to locate a good source of income to provide me with software to accommodate my needs. One year post graduation I was attending my 1st residency insulted by an instructor as well as her informing me that she would fail me if I did not meet her needs. Mind you, she did not even state Walden's academic requirements even with my disability accommodation. I was later informed that I would be withdrawn even with disability accommodations because I took a term off and reported the insulting instructor. WALDEN IS HORRIBLE."

Horrible

Reviewed: 3/13/2019
Degree: Counseling
Graduation Year: 2019

"HORRIBLE. I was engaged in class until the last end of it and they could confirm over the phone the last day of participation was the end of January 2019, classes ended the beginning of February. Due to the participation "not being an assignment" it does not count and I was considered inactive with NO communication of this. I was told graded parts of the course are counted as participation (discussion is the last thing I posted on and did no count). I got rude emails back form my advisor, hung up and transferred from Financial Aid Department and told I owe them $1200 for the semester. It took them over a week to not get back to me about the concern. I received no emails or communication about being inactive, warning of becoming inactive or that I now owe them money. The course itself is set up messy and disorganized. The assignments are not geared to help students critical thinking and application."

Naz Sayed

Reviewed: 9/1/2018
Degree: Counseling
Graduation Year: 2016

"I completed my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Walden University, and I definitely recommend this university to anyone who looks for the best online University!! I got my BA degree in Psychology from George Mason University in Virginia which was helpful but not enough. Attending Walden University made me very confident about my education & my career. I enjoyed every seconds of my life spending at this university. Love the great and helpful instructors and academic advisors. The online tools such as discussion board, library, chatroom, assignment submission...etc...etc that we used were very organized and efficient. I never had a problem submitting my assignment and whenever I had difficulty, I would call the help desk, and they were available to help. The one week residencies were great learning experience plus lots of fan. I enjoyed every seconds of my practicum and internship program and the way that the university & the instructors helped us achieve our goals and complete the program. It has been almost two years since I graduated from Walden University but I still miss it and I am thinking about attending a PhD program at this University. LOVE WALDEN!!"

Therapist

Reviewed: 1/28/2018
Degree: Counseling
Graduation Year: 2019

"I wish I would have read the reviews before booing here. A couple of the faculty are an absolute joke! They teach one way and one way only. They believe the best therapist is one who sits and stares at the client and says back everything the client says to them. Have they practiced in the last 20 years? Nothing worse than having to learn for people who believe its their way and no other way. I will be applying to other programs. Waste of money!"

Danielle Mohr

Reviewed: 12/31/2017
Degree: Counseling
Graduation Year: 2015

"The Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Walden was a great experience. It prepared me for my work in crisis counseling in a way that I was not expecting. I was able to connect with professors more easily than peers attending land-based universities, as the online set-up, Skype, emails, and phone availability allowed more access. In addition, the school has professors from all over the nation and backgrounds. This was also similar when engaging with peers. There was an opportunity to engage with students from all over the world, in the classroom and face-to-face. As a result, of the diverse environment, I was able to expand my own knowledge for actual practice techniques. I was also presented with an opportunity to get published. The program was challenging, however this also meant quality education. They assisted with locating internships, but did not bend on certain rules in order to ensure I met licensure requirements and was able to experience/build the skills for becoming a great counselor. Some programs, online and land based, focus on graduation rates and just passing students. Walden focuses on truly molding the counselors of the future. I am pursuing yet another degree with the program based on the first experience I had with my Masters in Counseling and I know several in my cohort have already returned as well!"

Danielle Mohr

Reviewed: 12/31/2017
Degree: Counseling
Graduation Year: 2015

Taiesha Farmer

Reviewed: 12/16/2017
Degree: Counseling
Graduation Year: 2020

"I enjoyed being at Walden and the online experience. However, the resident part was not my favorite. I did not like the fact that I had to pay for my airfare, room and board during this week long trip. That was not how it was initially advertised. I attempted to use my loan but that was taken up entirely on my class for the week. So I was mainly stuck to my room, because I was not prepared to pay for the extra expenses which were more than my family could handle. Everything else was actually a good experience and hope that someday I get to finish my degree."

Study Nutty

Reviewed: 3/23/2017
Degree: Counseling
Graduation Year: 2018

"I went to a strong undergrad (U of M) and I wanted to get the same challenge. I started at a local college for my MS in Counseling but it was a joke and the hours did not line up with my job. Plus it was just a bunch of old tenure staff with a random paper and final. I did not know walden would be this challenging. Just like any degree, you get what you give. I read everything and my professors get back to me fairly quickly. You learn alot at the residencies too. It is expensive but worth it. If you are looking for an easy program with minimal work then this isn't for you. The graduation rate is low but I look at it as the strong surviving. We have staff that sit on state boards an the ACA so I respect it. Counseling doesnt pay much but it is respected. I am glad I chose Walden If you are looking to be spoon fed then getting a masters ma not be for you."

Maribel Ramirez

Reviewed: 3/6/2017
Degree: Counseling
Graduation Year: 2018

"When I first considered an online Masters degree program, I was uncertain that I would enjoy it as much as a brick and mortar university. However, Walden University's interactive learning program and CACREP accredited curriculum met and exceeded my expectations. Walden University offers a quality higher learning experience through efficient class structure, Ph.D. level faculty, and full national accreditation from various accreditation bodies. Its unique mission of fostering the development of social change agents and scholar-practitioners makes Walden an excellent choice for students who would like go beyond career convention by making larger, more holistic contributions for the betterment of society. Thanks to my learning experience with Walden I now feel ready and inspired to enter my field and hope to make lasting contribution to the profession."

Natasha Goodman

Reviewed: 2/20/2017
Degree: Counseling
Graduation Year: 2012

"I was initially nervous about starting graduate school because I struggled in undergraduate school trying to decide on my major and career. I was quickly reassured by the staff at Walden and the introduction course was very helpful for me. The courses were challenging, but the instruction was excellent. I believe my guidance throughout my internship was a major factor in my development as a licensed therapist."