Navigating Walden University: Accreditation, Financial Aid, and Opportunities

Walden University, since 1970, has been dedicated to supporting working professionals in achieving their academic goals through distance education and, later, online learning. Its flexible online environment and accessible platform allow students to log in conveniently from anywhere in the world. Walden curricula also include interactive multimedia simulations woven into a number of programs. Walden University is highly respected among students, graduates, and others in the academic community as a reputable online university. Nearly nine out of 10 Walden students who responded to our survey are satisfied or very satisfied with Walden. This article delves into key aspects of Walden University, including its accreditation, financial aid options, and various opportunities available to students.

Accreditation: A Mark of Quality

Accreditation is a mark of quality. Walden University has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1990. Being accredited by the HLC validates that our institution lives its mission, operates with integrity, offers programs that focus on student learning, hires faculty that are academically qualified, and provides the resources and support necessary for our students to succeed. The Tempo Learning® platform is approved by HLC for each program where it is offered.

Accreditation by the HLC signifies that Walden University meets rigorous standards of quality and effectiveness. This accreditation validates the university's mission, integrity, program focus on student learning, qualified faculty, and provision of necessary resources for student success.

Financial Aid: Funding Your Education

Applying for federal financial assistance is a two-part process consisting of (1) completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and notification of eligibility, and (2) acceptance of the financial aid offer and completion of the Master Promissory Note (MPN) and entrance counseling. This process takes approximately two to four weeks from the initial application through the receipt of funds. New students are strongly encouraged to complete the FAFSA at the same time they are applying for admission. Continuing students are required to complete a renewal FAFSA for each award year they are enrolled. Walden's Title IV Code is 025042.

The U.S. Department of Education distributes more than $120 billion in funding each year in the form of grants, work-study funds, and loans. To apply for federal financial aid, prospective students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Here's a step-by-step guide:

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Check your FSA eligibility: Ensure you meet the basic requirements, such as being a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen and having a Social Security Number. Peruse all the criteria at Who Gets Aid. Learn about the different types of financial assistance available. Types of Aid explains federal aid options and discusses other possible funding sources like private and nonprofit organizations and colleges and universities. Select the proper FAFSA form. The form you select should reflect dates that correspond with the period of time you will be attending school and receiving aid.
List school(s) you are interested in attending: You can add up to 10 at a time. FSA says, “Be sure to add any college you’re considering, even if you haven’t applied or been accepted yet. The schools you list on your FAFSA form will automatically receive your FAFSA results electronically. They will use your FAFSA information to determine the types and amounts of financial aid you may receive. If you add a school and later decide not to apply for admission, that’s OK.
Create an FSA ID: Once online or on the app, create an FSA ID. You’ll use this username and password to log in and complete your FAFSA. It will also serve as your electronic signature when you’re ready to submit your application.

The application has more than 100 questions, but you’ll only complete those that pertain to your individual circumstances. For that reason, you may never see many of the questions. As you move through the application, click the question mark next to any question you’re unsure of to open a ”tool tip” with clarifying information. FSA says most people can complete the application in under one hour, but of course, it varies by individual. You can save your progress on the application for up to 45 days and return as needed. The questions fall into five categories, and the application requires you to complete one section before moving to the next.

Student Demographics: This is relatively standard fare like Social Security Number, address, residency, marital status, and driver’s license number (if you have one).
School Selection: Here’s where you’ll be asked for your list of colleges and universities. You’ll need the Federal School Code for those you’re including. If you don’t know a code, you can find it on FSA’s Federal School Code List. Or, on the form you can enter the school’s name and the state in which it’s located and click “Search.” Note: When searching, the form requires both the school name and state.
Dependency Status: Responses to these questions will determine whether you will need to provide your parents’ financial and demographic information or just your own. Department of Education explains.
Financial Information: You’ll need tax return information, and you can follow the online instructions to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.

Next, you’ll need to sign and submit the FAFSA form. You’ll be asked, “Are you a preparer?” If you completed the form yourself, the answer is no because in this case, preparers are people who charge a fee to complete and submit FAFSA forms. The FSA office says this is not necessary: “And remember, the first F in FAFSA stands for free-you shouldn’t pay to fill out the FAFSA form!” Next up is a summary of all the information you provided; review it carefully. Then click on “Provide student signature” and agree to the terms. After submitting your application, you’ll get a confirmation page with federal aid estimates. Remember, these are just estimates. You will also receive a Student Aid Report, which details your FAFSA results. Be sure to review the document-including the notes-and make any necessary changes.

With completing the FAFSA off your to-do list, you’ll be one giant step closer to earning a degree that can broaden your career horizons, deepen your job satisfaction, and expand your earning potential.

It is important to include your SSN so we can match your admissions application to your FAFSA. Log back in at studentaid.gov and complete the FAFSA for the correct year. Check studentaid.gov to ensure your application is completed for the current year.

Managing Your Financial Aid

Go to the myFinAid portal to view your financial aid status and review any additional documents or actions that are required for your application. You will also see updates on your individual financial aid progress in Your Feed located on the right side your myWalden student portal. If your balance remains past due, a financial hold will be placed on your student account preventing registration into future terms. This hold does not remove you from classes that are currently in session. Visit your myFinAid portal and go to the "Documents & Messages" tab from the left-hand navigation to view the status of your FAFSA.

To ensure that your financial aid is disbursed on time, you must continuously participate in graded activities in all of your courses. Failure to log in and participate in your courses may cause your disbursement and any resulting refund to be delayed. To access your classroom, visit your myWalden student portal and select "Go To Class" from the left-hand navigation menu.

Impact of Academic Performance on Financial Aid

If you are a financial aid recipient and you fail to earn a passing grade in one or more courses, your current and future financial aid could be impacted. Federal regulations require Walden’s Office of Financial Aid to review your account to determine the percentage of financial aid you earned during the term. If it is determined that you did not earn 100% of the financial aid that was disbursed to you, Walden will return all or a portion of the funds to your loan servicer. This may leave a balance on your account which you will be responsible for paying to Walden. You can view the Return to Title IV (R2T4) policy in the student handbook. Additionally, failure to complete courses with a passing grade can impact your financial aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). If your GPA and/or completion rate fall below the minimum SAP requirements, your financial aid eligibility may be impacted. You can view the Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards in the student handbook. All federal financial aid recipients must meet a minimum GPA (2.0 for most undergraduates and 3.0 for graduates) and completion rate (67%) requirement to maintain eligibility. Additionally, students will become ineligible for aid when they reach the maximum time frame for their program. You can view the Satisfactory Academic Progress policy in the student handbook for more information. All financial aid recipients must also maintain continuous participation throughout the term. Lack of continuous participation can result in funds returned to your loan servicer. You can view the Return to Title IV (R2T4) policy in the student handbook. You will receive an F grade, which will affect your overall GPA.

Financial Aid Disbursement and Refunds

You can review and make a decision on your offer on the myFinAid portal by selecting "Your Financial Aid Offers" in the left-hand navigation. You are encouraged to borrow only what you need. How do I set up the method of payment for any financial aid refund amounts? You can set up or change the method of payment for any eligible financial aid refund amounts by visiting your myWalden student portal, select "Finances" from the left-hand navigation. Then, scroll down to the Quick Links section and select "Manage Your Refund" (US students only) . From there, you will be able to update your refund address, set up direct deposit, or edit your refund method. Visit the Financial Payment Gateway portal to view your student account, make a payment, set up payment arrangements, or view invoice and transaction history. Visit the Financial Payment Gateway and on your dashboard, you will select "Create Payment Plan". Select from one of the plan options in the drop down, and select your payment method.

Additional Financial Aid Information

FAFSA Renewal: You must renew your FAFSA application with the new FAFSA year.
Timely Application: The Office of Financial Aid processes offers on a rolling basis. It is strongly recommended that students complete their Financial Aid Application at the same time they are applying for admission or eight weeks prior to the renewal date of their existing loan. Students must have a complete Financial Aid Application within 30 days prior to the end of the term for funds to be processed for that term or financial aid award year.
Book Advances: You can use your financial aid funds to pay for books and materials, but books are not automatically paid for out of your financial aid. If there is money left on your account after your tuition and fees are paid, you can use the excess funds to cover the cost of books and materials. If you are in need, and your financial aid process is complete, you can request a book advance 30 days before the start of the term.

What if Your Financial Aid Hasn't Been Offered Yet?

Your file is normally reviewed within four weeks of the start of the term. If you submit your FAFSA close to or after your start date, it normally takes five business days for the government to send us your information. If you are near your lifetime limit of federal loans, your account must go through a manual review process before we can determine how much financial aid you are eligible to receive. This process takes two weeks from the receipt of your FAFSA. If you are applying for a Graduate PLUS Loan, you must complete a credit application and promissory note with your loan application. We normally receive your credit decision within three business days.

Alternative Payment Options

Walden University offers monthly payment plans with no interest. You may have a third party-i.e., a civic organization, religious group, or your employer-pay for your tuition by submitting a voucher, purchase order, or letter of credit. Walden University also accepts ACH (bank transfer), checks, and money orders.

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Transfer Credits

Yes, you can transfer credits from other institutions to Walden. Speak to an Enrollment Specialist for a free transfer-of-credit evaluation by calling 1-866-492-5336 or one of our international toll-free phone numbers for students outside the United States. Your Enrollment Specialist can start the process for a preliminary evaluation of transfer of credit. You will need to provide your transcripts, and your Enrollment Specialist can also help you explore other potential sources of academic credit, such as military training or professional experience or credentials.

For transfer of credit into undergraduate programs,* you must have earned credit:

At any time in the past, with the exception of selected technology courses.
With a posted grade of a C (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) or higher.
That aligns with applicable program or degree requirements.

For transfer of credit into graduate programs,* you must have earned credit:

Within 10 years of enrolling in your Walden program.
With a posted grade of a B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or higher.
That aligns with applicable program or degree requirements.

*There may be additional program-specific transfer of credit criteria.

Tuition Reduction Opportunities

Walden partners with organizations around the world to help support your educational goals. Walden University offers several tuition reduction opportunities to help make education more accessible:

Armed Forces and Spouses: Armed Forces who enroll in programs eligible for the Believe & Achieve Scholarship. This tuition reduction is also available if you are a spouse of a service member or veteran.
Alumni Referral: New students who are referred by Walden alumni can save receive a 5% tuition reduction combined with Walden’s Believe & Achieve Scholarship® when they enroll in a program eligible for the Believe & Achieve Scholarship. This tuition benefit is available for start dates February 24, 2025, and after.
Returning Alumni: Walden alumni who have completed a degree or certificate program can save 25% on tuition over the lifetime of their program when they return for their next degree or certificate program and start classes August 25, 2025, and after.
Family Tuition Savings: Save 25% on tuition over the lifetime of your degree program (excluding certificates) if you are the spouse, parent, or child of an enrolled Walden University student and start classes on or after February 24, 2025.
Family Start Savings: Save 5% on tuition if you and a family member§ start a new Walden program on the same start date. Family members§ who enroll in a program eligible for the Believe & Achieve Scholarship will receive a Walden Family Start Savings tuition reduction of 5% for the life of the current program.
Believe & Achieve Scholarship: and enroll in a Walden program on or after November 24, 2025. Eligible students receive a 10% tuition reduction combined with Walden’s Believe & Achieve Scholarship when they enroll in a program eligible for the Believe & Achieve Scholarship.
Office of the President Benefit: Students must contact their Enrollment Specialist to learn more or apply. Must be newly reserved students entering their first term at Walden and demonstrate a need or other extenuating life circumstances to be eligible. The criteria for selecting recipients to receive the benefit must demonstrate need or other extenuating life circumstances. Any Office of the President benefit is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

It is important to note that tuition reductions are applicable to tuition only and do not apply toward books, materials, and other supplies or fees needed for a course. This tuition reduction cannot be retroactively applied. May not be combined with other tuition reductions, unless specified in another offer.

Additional Resources and Support

At Walden University, we take pride in our supportive environment and in our wide range of resources designed to help students succeed. When you enroll with us, you’re never alone. We’re dedicated to making sure you have everything you need to earn your degree and achieve your life and career goals. We can help. If you haven’t yet applied to Walden University and have questions, please contact an Enrollment Specialist at 844-767-9524.

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