Walden University Ranked Among the Nation's Top 20 Universities for Adult Learners by Washington Monthly

MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Walden University has been ranked one of the "Best Colleges for Adult Learners – 4-Year Colleges," according to the newly released Washington Monthly 2016 College Rankings. Walden ranks 19th on the list of the top 100 universities for adult learners in the publication's first-ever ranking of institutions that serve this fast-growing demographic.

"We are proud to be listed among some of the most recognized universities in the country. This ranking is an affirmation of Walden's commitment to serving the educational needs of working professionals by providing access to a high-quality online education," said Jonathan Kaplan, president of Walden University.

According to Washington Monthly, no national publication has ranked colleges based on which best serve adult learners. The "Best Colleges for Adult Learners" list reviewed 571 public and private 4-year institutions and ranked them on criteria that includes adult student median earnings, services for adult learners, ease of transfer, flexibility of programs, tuition and fees, number of adult students and loan repayment rank.

Data was used from the U.S. Department of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) survey and the Department's College Scorecard database, as well as results from the College Board's Annual Survey of Colleges. These rankings were compiled in collaboration with the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) and will also be a part of its upcoming college guide for prospective adult learners.

Walden is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and its schools and programs are recognized and approved by leading and respected accrediting organizations in professions devoted to public service, social work, education, mental health counseling, nursing and other areas critical to a strong social fabric. Walden is committed to the unique needs of adult learners and has a diverse community of working professionals from more than 155 countries. The average age is 39, and the student population is more than 50% minority and 76% female. Approximately, 92% of Walden students are employed full time, part time or self-employed.

Walden provides its students with 24/7 online support, access to a dedicated team of academic advisors who offer reliable assistance at every stage of the online learning experience as well as centers of excellence, including the Writing Center, Center for Research Quality and a vast digital library. Additionally, Walden faculty members are scholars, researchers and distinguished leaders who are selected for their academic and industry credentials as well as for their teaching abilities. They have a broad range of professional and cultural backgrounds and excel at integrating their expertise into the online classroom to support Walden's scholar-practitioners.

Read more about Washington Monthly's 2016 rankings.

To learn more about Walden and its degree programs, visit www.WaldenU.edu.

About Walden University
For more than 45 years, Walden University has supported working professionals in achieving their academic goals and making a greater impact in their professions and their communities. Today, more than 52,600 students from all 50 states in the U.S. and more than 155 countries are pursuing their bachelor's, master's or doctoral degrees online at Walden. The university offers more than 80 degree programs with more than 400 specializations and concentrations. Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. Walden is one of more than 70 institutions in 25 countries that comprise the Laureate International Universities network. Laureate Education, Inc. is a public benefit corporation, and both Laureate and Walden completed a rigorous, independent assessment to become a Certified B Corp®. For more information about Walden and Laureate, visit www.WaldenU.edu and www.laureate.net.

SOURCE Walden University