"Ugh! Where do I begin? As they say, "Hindsight is 20/20." If asked, "Would I recommend Walden University", the answer would emphatically be, "NO!" Keep in mind, I had to wait SIX MONTHS prior to attending Walden because as a transfer student from University of Phoenix, student loans cannot "overlap." So, because I had attempted to transfer schools in the midst of a financial period in February, I couldn't enroll and/or attend Walden until August of this year. Over the phone and via discourse online, the staff and advisors at Walden University gave the illusion and false impression of "efficiency." Attending this school was DEFINITELY the biggest mistake of my academic career. After waiting 6 whole months to attend this fraudulent institution, being awarded financial aid, going through entrance loan counseling, signing my Master Promissory Note, etc; I was entirely ready and prepared to complete my Bachelor's degree at Walden. However, they enforce this fickle policy called an "Adequate Academic Progress Hold." According to their own policy, students loans are not disbursed until after the SECOND week of the FIRST class and a passing grade has been posted. Their words, "This saves YOU money." Aside from the fact that after the second day of my first course, I was no longer able to access the online classroom via Student Portal and had to complete/download assignments via my Amazon tablet, it was well into my second course - the month of OCTOBER - that the hold was finally removed. Keep in mind, this is AFTER I had contacted the registrar's office and the financial aid office to find out why my financial aid had not yet been disbursed. In my opinion, a student should NEVER have to go behind an institution to "coax" and "babysit" them into upholding their own policy. A University has its job, a student has theirs. Nevertheless, after speaking to an "advisor" (term used loosely) I was ASSURED that the problem would be corrected within "2-3 business days" and was even issued a case number. Needless to say, "2-3 business days" came and went. Almost 2 1/2 weeks later, I was informed via e-mail by the financial aid office that the hold had FINALLY been removed and that student loans were scheduled to be disbursed. At this point, I had become so annoyed with the entire situation, I had ceased all attendance and participation in my second class - and rightfully so! After alleging that my student loans would disburse in "7-10 business days"; (they always gave some fictional amount of time) I was then told that my financial aid would NOT be disbursing, I would receive no refund check and loans were sent back to the lender. I had spent all this time "hoping, waiting and anticipating" that they would do the right thing and abide by their own policy only to be slapped with a big ole' bill for education I never received - a bill which I will NOT be paying. As I explained to them, "It isn't my responsibility to pay for YOUR slothfulness." They had "money on the books" to pay for an entire semester's worth of courses, they should've disbursed them in a timely manner. It's bad enough that I spent six months of my life waiting to attend this "POS" institution. Time that I don't get reimbursed for. Why should they be reimbursed one red cent when this whole situation was created due to their laziness and procrastination? Anyone who's considering attending Walden or ANY University for that matter: Do your homework. Do your research. Don't base your decision solely upon an online advertisement or television commercial. Your education is FAR too important and the decision FAR too critical to not know - fully - what you're walking into. A college degree is not only a great accomplishment, but it accompanies you through life. You owe it to yourself to do your due diligence. . . . Long story short: Do NOT attend Walden University."

Storm

Reviewed: 12/11/2018
Degree: Public Administration
Graduation Year: 2023

"This is my second term at Walden University for a DPA. The faculty seems pretty nice and precise with discussions and assignments. The only real problem I am having with the University is the delay in refunds. I have a full time occupation and three daughters, whom are solely dependent on me. Classes started on November 26, 2018 and I have not received my refund yet for the term. It is now December 11, 2018. Time is money and if I am expected to take the time to discuss, post, research, and complete assignments on time then I need to be compensated on time for the refund that I am going to have pay anyway. I can find other activities that will grant me money for my time. Walden is seriously breaking regulations on refunding checks to students. A refund is to be disbursed on or before class starts and the latest is 10 days, in which the whole 10 days is exhausted with Walden. In my case, approximately 14 days has passed. I spoke with a financial aid advisor and I was told the reason for the hold up is to see if students are participating in the discussions and assignments, which I have done faithfully along with a writing assessment test to see if another class will be added onto tuition. I requested a book advance and never did receive confirmation to receive the book advance. I have never waited for a refund disbursement of funds after classes start. Does not make sense at all. I have to wonder if their is another agenda to the sloth upon disbursing funds."

Steer clear

Reviewed: 12/11/2018
Degree: Social Work
Graduation Year: 2018

"The convenience of an online degree cannot be overstated. In that context, Walden University was a great option; however, if we students are expected to adhere to the business-like models of these universities, a give-and-take should be expected. In other words, we agree to pay an extreme amount of money. I expect the student support services and academic growth to be worth this amount of money. Walden University does not provide a cohesive approach academically. The professors are allowed, in large part, to behave however they choose. This often results in an unreasonable amount of points being deducted on assignments due to a particular professor's pet peeves. I was a former educator so I get we all approach grading differently; however, this should be done within a reasonable manner. Instead, professors at this university are allowed to do as they please. An example is one of my children was in an accident that resulted in a med flight to the children's hospital in Little Rock, AR. I was three days late on two assignments. I received Fs on both assignments. When I reached out to my academic advisor, she said the professor was within her rights. Furthermore, the student support services (e.g., financial services, academic advising, etc.) are severely lacking. I have been placed in the wrong courses by the registrar's office which resulted in a delay in getting the proper course materials as well as received zero support in dealing with the professors. Long story short, you're going to pay a lot of money to most universities. I would tell anyone to make sure it's not with Walden University."

Jason

Reviewed: 12/6/2018
Degree: Business Administration
Graduation Year: 2018

"Not sure why others are bashing the program. I had a good experience with the DBA program at Walden. The courses were challenges, the staff was supportive, I learned a lot, and I finished my dissertation on time (actually a semester earlier than required). I know that sometimes for profit schools get a bad rep but it worked out great for me. Currently I'm a senior manager at a Fortune 50 company and teach part-time at multiple universities, including private/public non-profit universities, which was the primary reason I wanted to get a doctorate."

Anonymous

Reviewed: 11/29/2018
Degree: Healthcare Administration
Graduation Year: 2018

"Overall, I do not think the program is worth the amount of money that you spend. The courses readings typically have nothing to do with the assignment. Or the articles are so out of date. When including information in a paper, references should not be more than 5 years old. Therfore, this leaves you to do a lot of research on your own. There are a lot of discussion board that really seems so lower level of academia. Some of the other assignments are useless such as writing a paper on how to conduct research."

VMC

Reviewed: 11/28/2018
Degree: Education
Graduation Year: 2018

"More needed to be done to prepare doctoral students for the dissertation and/or doctoral project. No preparations or guidance for writing the dissertation/doctoral study was done in my program until the 7th semester. Universities such as Capella begin this process in the first or second quarter."

Rebecca

Reviewed: 11/26/2018
Degree: Healthcare Management
Graduation Year: 2015

"The degree has not helped me at all in gaining employment. It took 6 months to get a job and it was not even in Healthcare Management, it was a receptionist. I've applied at hospitals, Dr's offices and anything health care related and only a few interviews in 3 years. I stand a better chance in getting a job not listing my degree at Walden. So disappointed with them and the fact they don't help students gain employment."

Jason Spelling

Reviewed: 11/14/2018
Degree: Cybersecurity
Graduation Year: 2017

"I was contacted by Walden University about classes in cybersecurity and was aggressively persuaded to enroll based on what I found out to be many false claims. The per credit cost I was originally quoted was increased after my first term. I conveniently was also not told about additional costs of attending required residency which added a HUGE amount to the cost above the tuition. The travel, room, meals, plus a week off from work! In addition, Walden's fees of $1, 520 for each week make these more expensive than traveling cross country. Through my search, I found an accredited school, the University of Fairfax, that accepted 9 of my credits from Walden. They also do not require a residency as all synchronous communication is done through bi-weekly virtual meetings. Their faculty are working experts in the cyber field and I have loved my classes so far."

Stacey

Reviewed: 11/7/2018
Degree: Business
Graduation Year: 2020

"I just started at Walden University, and I think it has been a great school. My professors engage in everything we do. If I have any problems, they will email me to make sure everything is ok. Also, my advisor calls me every week. To me, this is the motivation I need to succeed in my business administration and management degree. I am a procrastinator and like to wait until the last minute. But I am getting better with my time management, and other skills needed. Sometimes I need help in certain areas, so I ask for help. They have always been there for me, so it is my duty as a student to be there for them and do my best in everything. Good luck to all that are still in school, or everyone that has graduated. May all your dreams come true."

sunshine1213

Reviewed: 10/30/2018
Degree: MBA in Healthcare Management
Graduation Year: 2021

"I ENROLLED IN THIS SCHOOL FALL OF DEC. 2017. AFTER ABOUT A WEEK OF STARTING MY COARSE DISAPPERED. I REACH OUT TO TECHINCAL SUPPORT AND EVEN MY ADVISOR TO HELP ME WITH THIS SITUATION SO I COULD BE SUCESSFUL IN MY COARSES. BUT NO ONE WAS ABLE TO HELP ME SUCESSFUL GET IN MY COARSES. 5 MONTHS LATER I RECIEVE A BILL FOR $1,400. I ASKED WALDEN WHY COME I GOT A BILL FOR $1,400 THEY TOLD ME I DIDNT WITHDRAW. I ASSUME SINCE I DIDNT HAVE ACCESS TO MY COARSE I WAS WITHDRAWED FOR THE COARSE. BUT THE WASNT THE CASE THEY SAID I RECIEVE IN F IN THE COARSE I GUESS I DID SINCE I COULD ACCESS MY COARSE. WHEN I CALLED WALDEN UNIVERISTY THEY SAID THEY DIDNT HAVE NO RECORDS OF MY REACHING OUT TO THEM ABOUT MY SITUATION. I EVEN PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION TO THEM WHERE SHOWS I HAD A CHAT LOG WITH TECHINCAL SUPPORT AND MY ADVIOSR THEY STILL HOLDING ME ACCOUNTIABLE FOR THE $1,400 BALANCE."

Anonymous

Reviewed: 10/20/2018
Degree: Nurse Practitioner (Family)
Graduation Year: 2018

"This is the letter I wrote to the school when they asked for feedback: My experience at Walden has been well below the expectations of a university experience. The structure of the classes was clearly set up many years ago and little to no changes have been made to adjust to the healthcare field of today. As a masters student I was expected to use resources <5 yrs old, but the course itself did not. The pharmacology and pathophysiology courses and textbooks were a joke. They did not provide any more than basic nursing knowledge. The instructors were UNINVOLVED! There was little to NO communication. The instructors responses on the discussion boards were evidently pre-made comments that didn't pertain to the posts that students made. When I tried to communicate with instructors I was brushed off or responded to rudely. It was evident that instructors did not care about my education. No lectures, why is that OK? In 90% of the courses I took through this school my grades were posted 3-4 weeks after turning in assignments. I received little to NO feedback. Often receiving 100%, when I knew my work was sub-par that week. The BEST and ONLY teachers I had are my preceptors, who receive NO COMPENSATION for doing the INSTRUCTORS WORK! Why should your instructors collect a pay check when they are offering me NOTHING, no teaching, no feedback, and no communication! I can only hope that Nurse Practitioners across the NATION quit precepting for UNIVERSITIES that do NOTHING for their students! I feel is if I have pushed money down a tube and received OLD information in return. No lectures, come on, why is that ok??? This school has TAUGHT me nothing. I learned more from the $200 I spent to buy a board review program than the $50,000 I have given this school. How can any of you sleep at night. I am not some 20-something kid who feels society owes me. I have paid for an education and I expected to get one. The information given to me when a talked to the Admissions coordinator was that the cost would be $30,000 with books included. Now I am over $50,000! Shortly after I started I was told that paying for student books was "against federal guidelines". This is a ploy that Walden gives to ALL applicants, then cancels it after 2 semesters. Overall, I will deter anyone I know from giving money to this organization. This information needs to be shared with the Federal government and this university needs to be SHUT OUT from receiving ANY federal loan funding."

Good experience

Reviewed: 10/15/2018
Degree: RN to MSN
Graduation Year: 2018

"Walden Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program was a challenging, rewarding program that I enjoyed. I had good instructors who made learning fun and challenged me. I worked very hard. This program is set up where you get out of it, what you put into it. I wasnt spoon-fed and nobody held my hand through this. Path was set up by the school and I walked it until I graduated. I feel it prepared me for boards and thats what the purpose of the program is."

Liz

Reviewed: 9/9/2018
Degree: Nurse Practitioner (Adult-Gerontology Primary Care)
Graduation Year: 2017

"I would give a 5 but the cost makes me lower my score to a 4. The classes are aimply what you make of them. I don't know how other students did in my classes but I finished with a 3.9 GPA. I passed the NP boards and that is all that mattered to me. You can skate theough the classes with minimal effort or you can work your ass off, it's all up to you. Expectations are clear. My salary mearly doubled and I would do it all again. Starting the DNP program this month."

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!!"

Queen

Reviewed: 8/17/2018
Degree: Social Work
Graduation Year: 2018

"This program was not what I thought it would be. Ill be starting my last semester in less than a week and it has been a journey. This program is very demanding but it is possible to complete. While it is possible to make all As each professor is different and will allow different things. One thing I like about the program is that no matter who your professor is, they all follow the exact same syllabus and class structure. Usually discussions are due by day 3 (Wednesday), but depending on your time zone, day 3 might end at 2 am Thursday. Im in Florida, so technically my day day 3 ends at 2 am Thursday and NOT 11:59 Wednesday. Projects and other assignments are due day 7 (Sunday). This is the structure of all classes that Ive had throughout the program. With this structure, there are no surprises, so thats a good thing. But, if you have a full time job, or other responsibilities, it can get really challenging if youre not focused. I didnt really take notes the entire time in the program bc there was only one test within the entire program. And that will be the only one you take during the program (unless something changes by then). This program is writing upon writing upon writing. Its exhausting, but Ive learned a lot. My highest complaint is cost. It is rediculous to pay to be here. Its very expensive and I feel as though I am being financially raped. College is more of a monopoly these days. As well, there is a mandatory residency that requires all students to travel. There are a few of these residences throughout the year, but if you are in the advanced standing program, you are only required to attend one. Other MSW must attend two. They may not be held in the state in which you reside. You will be responsible for travel, hotel stay, transportation, food, everything! Thank God I was able to drive to Georgia from Florida, and I had a friend who stayed there. Anyway, this stuff all adds up. Also, Ive experienced the most challenges as it relates to finding internship. You MUST advocate for yourself when the time comes to do youre internship. Staff makes mistakes, and they may miss something. Its up to you to check in to make sure everything you need is complete before you start interning. While i am thankful for my degree, the money may not be worth it to a lot of people. BUT, Im glad I had the opportunity to go to Walden. I hope this helps"

NP Grad

Reviewed: 8/13/2018
Degree: Nurse Practitioner (Acute Care)
Graduation Year: 2018

"Out of all the classes I had, I only had two good professors. The program directors are rigid and will not work with students. I complained about two professors to the dean of nursing and nothing that I am aware of was done. No apologies. Finding clinical sites is difficult, and the school provides a list of places that are out dated. At the end of the program there is no direction on how to obtain credentials from the State boards. Overall grade for the program is poor."

Peggy Sue

Reviewed: 8/4/2018
Degree: Social Work
Graduation Year: 2018

"I started at Walden because the ideas they are promoting are important to me. Social change and activism is something I work towards on a daily basis. So, as far as the concept, Walden has a great foundation. However, the classes and platform are terrible. The website and classroom crash frequently and are hard to load because they tried to make them too fancy and pretty. Their set up is hard to follow and navigate. Sometimes I gave up on trying to do school work because the webpage wouldn't load. Next, each class seems to be the same thing but with different "learning material". The material is just some links or quotes from this or that. There is no real substance to any of the classes I've taken. The only class I can say I was engaged and learned anything in was the Psychology class. I don't have any way of knowing if their "Professors" are educated in the topic they are "teaching" because some of them don't even post anything constructive or productive in the discussions nor do they give you enough feedback to ensure you are learning enough. Lastly, my grip is with the fact that each course is 5 credits. Why is that? At first their per-credit cost looks competitive but when you factor in that you pay for 2 more credits than most schools you are paying a lot more. It's just not worth it."

Billy Gunn

Reviewed: 7/16/2018
Degree: Criminal Justice
Graduation Year: 2019

"I currently attend Walden and only had a problem with one instructor. I requested to be move classes, and I was the same day. The dissertation process has not been hard, follow the rules and you will fly through it. My Prospectus was approved in 4 weeks, and my proposal was approved by the end of the first quarter. I will probably be done with everything toward the end of my second quarter, even though I am required to completed two more to obtain all the required credit. Again, if you follow the directions and DONt wait until last minute to start your actual dissertation, you will FLY through it (I actually want a second Ph.D when I complete this one)."

Lauren C

Reviewed: 7/10/2018
Degree: Nursing
Graduation Year: 2017

"Easy access to classroom activities. The writing center is key to success. Faculty is also available to make your transition through school easier to get through. I feel the work presented at Walden has greatly improved my ability to critically think. Yes there is a lot of research and writing involved through papers and discussions. I am at the point where I just wanted to do what I need to do to get where I want to be. I do not need too much interaction with other students and most of the work can be easily completed. The classwork, and papers are at least as demanding as any I have written in the past. This is the only school I know of that require referenced citations for in class comments and postings. I recommend Walden to those who have good study and computer skills, and can work well independently with online support when needed. I also like the interaction between students. The discussions allow for in-depth conversations about current topics that matter in the world of nursing. Completion requires self-organization, self-regulation, self-management, self-motivation. If you are unable to think independently, you will not succeed at Walden. In addition to the academic rigor, the student support services at Walden were excellent. I always received a response to questions/issues/problems within 24 hours and always satisfactory from advising, financial aid, the writing center, the research center, registrar, etc. Also, the Walden Library is superb and I will greatly miss having access to it. I highly recommend Walden University."

5 year DBA Student

Reviewed: 7/6/2018
Degree: Business Administration
Graduation Year: 2020

"Completed all courses with a 4.0 GPA. Dissertation during process the school changed my committee chair 4 times! Last chair, Dr. Keepers was the least professional and knowledgeable who did not follow the rubric. Spent over $200,000 without completing my dissertation! Do NOT, I repeat do NOT go to this FOR-PROFIT school. Ask about their completion rate; they avoid the question, tell you the student it's inappropriate for you to even inquire about the Doctoral graduation rate, and never give you an answer."