Business Administration, Management and Operations at Walden University

Walden's online business program charges a steep premium—with debt nearly double the state and national average—but delivers strong starting salaries that justify at least some of that cost. Graduates earn $57,220 in their first year, placing them in the 89th percentile nationally and well above the national median of $45,703. However, within Minnesota, this program sits at the 60th percentile, meaning you're paying more than twice the typical debt load while earning less than top Minnesota programs like Capella ($68,701) or the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities ($65,996).

The 0.85 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable—graduates can theoretically pay off their loans in about a year of gross salary—but context matters. Most Minnesota business programs achieve similar or better outcomes with half the debt burden ($26,000 versus $48,541). The modest 4% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates don't see dramatic salary acceleration that would retroactively justify the higher upfront cost.

For families weighing convenience against cost, this comes down to your specific circumstances. If Walden's online format solves a real accessibility problem and traditional programs aren't viable, the outcomes are solid enough to work financially. But if your child can attend a comparable Minnesota program with in-state tuition, you'd likely achieve similar earnings with $20,000+ less debt—a difference that translates to years of financial flexibility after graduation.