Choosing a university is a big deal, especially when you're balancing life, work, and studies. You’ve probably come across Maryville University and Walden University in your search. Both are well-known for their online programs, but how do you pick the one that fits your needs? Let’s break it down!
What’s the Deal with Maryville University?
Maryville University is a private school based in St. Louis, Missouri. It’s been around since 1872, so there’s a lot of history. They offer a wide variety of degrees, but what they’re really known for is flexible online programs. Whether you’re into business, healthcare, or technology, they’ve got something for you.
Key Highlights:
- Online-focused: Most programs are 100% online, meaning you don’t have to step on campus unless you really want to.
- Accreditation: Maryville is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which is important because it shows they meet high educational standards.
- Student Support: You’ll get help from personal student advisors and even 24/7 technical support if you run into issues.
- Tuition: While tuition isn’t cheap, Maryville’s no hidden fees policy makes budgeting easier.
What’s Walden University All About?
Now, onto Walden University, which also has a big focus on online learning. Walden has a bit of a global flavor, attracting students from all over the world. They’re a for-profit university headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, but their reach goes beyond just one city.
Key Highlights:
- Online-First: Walden is designed for online learning. It’s their bread and butter.
- Accreditation: They’re also accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which means they’ve passed the same tests as Maryville.
- Specialized Programs: Walden has a strong focus on social change and offers degrees in areas like education, psychology, and public health.
- Flexible Schedules: If you need to pace yourself, Walden’s got self-paced learning options, which can be a lifesaver if your schedule is tight.
- Tuition: Walden is known for being a bit more expensive, but they offer a range of scholarships and grants to help lighten the load.
How Do Their Programs Compare?
Now let’s dig deeper into their programs. Both schools offer undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees, but the focus areas vary. Here’s a comparison to help you figure out which aligns better with your goals.
| Program Area | Maryville University | Walden University |
|---|---|---|
| Business | MBAs, Data Analytics, Cybersecurity | MBA, DBA, Social Impact-Focused Programs |
| Education | Teaching, Leadership, Curriculum Design | Teaching, Higher Education, Social Change Focus |
| Healthcare | Nursing, Health Admin, Therapy | Nursing, Public Health, Clinical Psychology |
| Technology | Cybersecurity, Software Dev, Data Science | Information Technology, Data Science, Cybersecurity |
| Psychology/Social Work | Limited options | Strong in Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Social Work |
What to Consider:
- If you’re interested in business or technology, both schools have strong options, but Maryville is a bit more tech-forward.
- For those leaning toward psychology or social work, Walden’s your go-to. They’ve got some deep programs in that area.
- If you’re all about healthcare, both schools offer solid programs, but Maryville’s focus on nursing might appeal more if you’re looking to jump into that field.
Who Wins in Flexibility?
When it comes to being flexible, both schools get it. Maryville prides itself on helping you balance life and school with fully online classes, no GRE/GMAT requirements, and start dates throughout the year.
On the flip side, Walden takes it a step further with self-paced learning options and their unique Tempo Learning® programs, where you can earn credits for what you already know and move faster through your degree.
Which Has the Better Reputation?
Here’s where things get interesting. Both universities are accredited, which means they’re legit. But Maryville University has been climbing in the rankings recently, especially with its focus on business and technology programs.
Walden University is more niche, with a strong international presence and a focus on programs designed for professionals looking to create social change. They’ve been around since the early 1970s and have built a solid reputation in education, health, and counseling fields.
What’s the Student Experience Like?
Both schools aim to make things as easy as possible for online learners, but there are some differences.
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Maryville offers a more traditional experience with online classes that have regular interactions with professors and classmates. You’ll be part of a structured program with weekly assignments and deadlines. It’s great if you thrive on staying organized.
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Walden is more flexible with asynchronous learning, meaning you can log in and learn when it’s convenient for you. It’s ideal if you’re juggling a full-time job or family responsibilities.
Tuition Costs: What’s the Bottom Line?
Let’s be real: tuition matters. Neither of these schools is a bargain, but you’re paying for the flexibility and convenience of online learning.
Maryville University Tuition:
- Undergrad: $500-$700 per credit hour
- Grad Programs: $700-$900 per credit hour
Walden University Tuition:
- Undergrad: $350-$700 per credit hour
- Grad Programs: $500-$1,000 per credit hour
What You Should Know:
- Walden might seem a bit pricier, but they offer more scholarship opportunities and have specific tuition breaks depending on the program.
- Maryville is more straightforward with its pricing, but there are fewer opportunities for tuition assistance compared to Walden.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Both universities understand that tuition can be a huge hurdle, so they offer financial aid options.
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Maryville provides scholarships, loans, and grants, but they tend to cater more toward merit-based scholarships.
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Walden has a broader financial aid portfolio with scholarships, grants, and discounts for military personnel, as well as alumni savings.
What’s the Application Process Like?
Both schools keep it simple when it comes to applying, but there are slight differences.
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Maryville has no application fee and doesn’t require GRE or GMAT scores for most programs.
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Walden is also test-optional, but they’ve got a more detailed process for certain advanced degrees, especially if you’re applying for a doctoral program.
Who Should Pick Maryville University?
Maryville is perfect if you:
- Want a structured online experience with regular deadlines
- Are into business, tech, or nursing
- Need a flexible but consistent program schedule
- Prefer a university with no hidden fees
Who Should Choose Walden University?
Walden makes sense if you:
- Need self-paced learning and want the freedom to speed up or slow down
- Are passionate about social change or psychology
- Want to earn credit for what you already know through competency-based education
- Are looking for a more global reach
FAQs About Maryville and Walden University
1. Do these universities accept transfer credits?
Yes, both schools are transfer-friendly, but Walden offers more flexibility with competency-based credits.
2. Are there internship opportunities?
Maryville offers internships as part of many programs, especially in healthcare and business. Walden is more focused on fieldwork and practicums, particularly in psychology and education programs.
3. Can I work while studying?
Absolutely! Both schools cater to working adults, offering flexible schedules so you can balance work and school.
4. How fast can I finish my degree?
At Walden, you can move faster if you opt for Tempo Learning®, while Maryville follows a more traditional schedule but allows you to accelerate certain programs.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between Maryville University and Walden University comes down to your personal preferences and career goals. Maryville is great if you’re after a structured program with a focus on business, healthcare, or tech, while Walden shines if you want flexibility and have a passion for social change or psychology.
No matter which you choose, you’ll be getting a quality education that fits into your life. Just remember to weigh what matters most to you—whether it’s cost, flexibility, or specific program offerings—and make the decision that feels right. Good luck!