Walden University vs Anoka-Ramsey Community College: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Anoka-Ramsey Community College comes closer — median earnings $48,342 against a $32,868 total, vs $42,810 at Walden University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Walden University | Anoka-Ramsey Community College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $33,817 | $16,434 |
| Total net cost | $135,268 | $32,868 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $42,810 | $48,342 |
| Median debt | $20,834 | $13,500 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$246,268 | -$33,228 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Walden University or Anoka-Ramsey Community College?
Anoka-Ramsey Community College, at $16,434 a year after aid versus $33,817 — a gap of $17,383 a year, or $102,400 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Walden University or Anoka-Ramsey Community College graduates earn more?
Anoka-Ramsey Community College graduates report a median $48,342 ten years after entry, $5,532 more than the $42,810 at Walden University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Walden University or Anoka-Ramsey Community College?
Anoka-Ramsey Community College: its completers carry a median $13,500 in federal loans versus $20,834 at Walden University, a difference of $7,334. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.