Walden University vs Central Lakes College-Brainerd: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Central Lakes College-Brainerd comes closer — median earnings $42,162 against a $27,738 total, vs $42,810 at Walden University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Walden University | Central Lakes College-Brainerd |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $33,817 | $13,869 |
| Total net cost | $135,268 | $27,738 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $42,810 | $42,162 |
| Median debt | $20,834 | $11,000 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$246,268 | -$151,698 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Walden University or Central Lakes College-Brainerd?
Central Lakes College-Brainerd, at $13,869 a year after aid versus $33,817 — a gap of $19,948 a year, or $107,530 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 Central Lakes College-Brainerd graduates earn more?
Walden University graduates report a median $42,810 ten years after entry, $648 more than the $42,162 at Central Lakes College-Brainerd. 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 Central Lakes College-Brainerd?
Central Lakes College-Brainerd: its completers carry a median $11,000 in federal loans versus $20,834 at Walden University, a difference of $9,834. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.