Analysis
Walden's online accounting program charges students twice the debt of typical Minnesota accounting programs ($55,084 vs. $26,978 state median) while delivering earnings in the bottom 40% statewide. With first-year earnings of $53,592—nearly $5,000 below what the University of Minnesota grads earn—the debt burden equals more than a full year's salary right out of the gate.
The numbers are particularly stark compared to Minnesota's strong accounting market. While the state's top programs place graduates earning $64,000-$66,000, Walden students trail the state median by $5,000 annually. That earnings gap compounds over time: even after four years, when Walden grads reach $60,295, they're still earning less than what many programs deliver in year one. The 13% earnings growth sounds positive until you realize it barely keeps pace with inflation and still leaves graduates behind their in-state peers.
The small sample size adds uncertainty here, but the fundamentals are troubling. Half of Walden's students receive Pell grants, meaning many are taking on excessive debt relative to modest financial resources. For Minnesota residents, nearly any in-state accounting program offers better value: similar or higher earnings with half the debt. Unless you have compelling reasons to choose an online-only format, traditional Minnesota accounting programs provide a clearer path to financial stability.
Where Walden University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Walden University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walden University | $53,592 | $60,295 | +13% |
| University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | $66,591 | $80,603 | +21% |
| Saint Johns University | $61,135 | $74,757 | +22% |
| Gustavus Adolphus College | $64,094 | $73,508 | +15% |
| University of St Thomas | $65,573 | $70,313 | +7% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (31 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Walden UniversityMinneapolis | $12,498 | $53,592 | $60,295 | $55,084 | 1.03 |
 University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMinneapolis | $16,488 | $66,591 | $80,603 | $22,342 | 0.34 |
 Bethel UniversitySaint Paul | $42,930 | $65,587 | — | — | — |
 University of St ThomasSaint Paul | $52,284 | $65,573 | $70,313 | $25,000 | 0.38 |
 Augsburg UniversityMinneapolis | $43,942 | $64,695 | $69,716 | $26,996 | 0.42 |
 College of Saint BenedictSaint Joseph | $53,884 | $64,410 | $66,880 | $26,925 | 0.42 |
| National Median | — | $53,694 | — | $25,000 | 0.47 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Financial Examiners
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Accountants and Auditors
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Walden University, approximately 50% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.