Choosing the right university is a big decision. Whether you're looking to earn a degree online or on-campus, you want a school that fits your goals, lifestyle, and budget. Two universities that often come up in conversations are Maryville University and Walden University. Both offer solid programs, but they have their differences. Let’s dive into what each school has to offer and help you figure out which one might be your perfect match.
Overview of Maryville University
Maryville University is a private university located in St. Louis, Missouri. It’s been around since 1872 and has grown to offer a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and online programs. Maryville has a strong reputation for its online learning options, making it a great choice if you’re looking to study from anywhere.
Quick Facts About Maryville
- Location: St. Louis, Missouri
- Type: Private, non-profit
- Popular Programs: Nursing, Business, Education
- Student Population: Around 10,000 students
- Format: On-campus and online
Overview of Walden University
Walden University is an online-only institution. It’s been around since 1970, with a focus on providing flexible learning options for working adults. Walden is known for its graduate and doctoral programs, especially in fields like education, public health, and psychology.
Quick Facts About Walden
- Location: Fully online
- Type: Private, for-profit
- Popular Programs: Nursing, Psychology, Education, Public Health
- Student Population: About 50,000 students
- Format: Online only
Cost Comparison
When it comes to tuition, cost is always a big deal. Let’s break down what you can expect to pay at both universities.
| University | Average Undergrad Tuition (per year) | Average Graduate Tuition (per year) |
|---|---|---|
| Maryville University | $28,000 | $15,000 |
| Walden University | Varies by program (approx. $12,000-$20,000) | Varies by program (approx. $10,000-$18,000) |
Maryville is more expensive overall, but you get the option of campus life if that's something you're into. Walden, on the other hand, is fully online and offers more affordable tuition, which might be appealing if you’re balancing work and school.
Flexibility and Online Learning
Maryville University
Maryville offers both on-campus and online programs, but they really shine with their online degrees. Their online classes are designed to fit into your life, with 24/7 access to course materials. So, whether you’re a night owl or an early bird, you can study when it suits you.
Walden University
Walden takes flexibility to a whole new level since it's entirely online. If you’ve got a full-time job, kids, or other responsibilities, Walden lets you work at your own pace. They’re super focused on working adults, so their programs are designed to accommodate busy schedules.
Bottom line: If you want flexibility, both schools have you covered. But if you’re dead set on an online-only experience, Walden wins.
Student Support
Both Maryville and Walden offer a range of support services to help students succeed. Let’s look at what you can expect in terms of help when you need it.
Maryville University
Maryville has a lot going for it in terms of student support. Whether you’re on-campus or online, you’ll have access to:
- Career services to help with internships and job placements
- Academic advising to guide you through your coursework
- Tech support for any online issues you might run into
Walden University
Walden’s got a solid reputation for supporting its online learners. They offer:
- 24/7 tech support for those late-night study sessions
- Writing centers and tutoring for academic help
- Career services focused on online networking and virtual internships
Who wins? Honestly, both schools offer great support. It really depends on what you’re looking for—Maryville may be better if you want more personalized, face-to-face support, while Walden is geared toward the online experience.
Program Variety
Maryville University
Maryville offers a nice mix of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. Some of their most popular programs include:
- Nursing: A standout program, especially for those pursuing a career in healthcare.
- Business: Whether you’re looking for an MBA or a bachelor’s in business, Maryville’s programs are well-regarded.
- Education: Maryville also has a strong education program for future teachers and administrators.
Walden University
Walden is known for its graduate and doctoral programs. If you’re aiming for a master’s degree or a Ph.D., they’ve got plenty of options, particularly in:
- Psychology: A top choice for students pursuing mental health careers.
- Public Health: Walden has a strong public health program for those looking to make an impact on a larger scale.
- Education: Similar to Maryville, Walden offers education programs, but with a strong focus on leadership and administration.
Campus Life and Student Experience
Maryville University
Maryville offers a traditional campus experience with dorms, student clubs, sports, and events. If you’re looking for that classic college feel, Maryville’s got it. You can live on-campus, join student organizations, and go to football games.
Walden University
Because Walden is entirely online, you won’t get the campus experience. But if you're not interested in student housing or attending in-person events, this might not matter to you. What you do get at Walden is a sense of community through virtual meetups, webinars, and online student groups.
Verdict: If you want the full college experience, Maryville is the way to go. But if you’re just looking to get your degree while juggling other responsibilities, Walden’s online community might be all you need.
Accreditation and Reputation
When choosing a school, accreditation is super important. It tells you that the university meets certain quality standards and that your degree will be recognized by employers.
Maryville University
Maryville is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Their programs in nursing, business, and education are also accredited by specialized bodies, which is a huge plus if you're going into these fields.
Walden University
Walden is also accredited by the HLC, and their nursing and other health programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). However, since Walden is a for-profit institution, some people have concerns about its reputation compared to more traditional schools.
Who comes out on top? Both are accredited, but Maryville might have a slight edge in terms of reputation, especially since it’s a non-profit school.
FAQs About Maryville and Walden Universities
Q: Which university is better for working adults?
A: Both are great choices, but Walden is designed specifically for working adults with its online-only programs and flexible scheduling. Maryville also offers online programs, but Walden takes flexibility to the next level.
Q: Is one school more affordable than the other?
A: Walden tends to be more affordable, especially for graduate programs. Maryville is pricier, but you’re paying for the option of a traditional college experience and campus resources.
Q: Can I transfer credits between these schools?
A: Yes, both schools accept transfer credits, but it depends on the program and how many credits you’re trying to bring over. Always check with an admissions advisor for specifics.
Q: Which university has better career services?
A: Both universities offer career services, but Maryville might have the edge if you’re looking for in-person career fairs and networking opportunities. Walden’s career services are tailored more for online learners.
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?
At the end of the day, the decision between Maryville University and Walden University comes down to your personal needs. If you want a traditional college experience with the option to study online, Maryville could be your best bet. On the flip side, if you're a working professional looking for flexible, online-only programs, Walden might be the better fit.
Both schools have strong programs, solid support, and offer flexibility. Your choice really depends on whether you value the campus life experience or you’re all about balancing school with a busy life. Either way, you can’t go wrong with either of these institutions!