Walden vs California Intercontinental University

Walden University and California Intercontinental University, both offering flexible online learning, stand out as prominent choices for higher education. However, they differ in several key aspects. Walden boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it more accessible to a broader range of students. California Intercontinental University, on the other hand, has a smaller student body, fostering a more intimate learning environment. While Walden offers a wider variety of programs, including doctoral degrees, California Intercontinental University focuses primarily on undergraduate and master's degrees. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve into further details, such as popular majors, student demographics, graduation rates, and more, to determine which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and goals.
California Intercontinental University logo

California Intercontinental University

Walden University logo

Walden University

Overview

Location Irvine, California Minneapolis, Minnesota
Campus setting City: Large City: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (For Profit) Private (For Profit)
Calendar system Non Traditional Quarter
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 25.0%
Common app member No No
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate Open Admission Open Admission
Application fees
Undergraduate: $25

Graduate: $25
SAT range N/A N/A
ACT range N/A N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants
Total number of admissions given out
Admitted students who chose to enroll
Yield rate
Test scores (SAT/ACT) Not required
High school GPA N/A N/A
Recommendation letters N/A N/A
High school transcript N/A N/A
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) N/A N/A

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $28,375 $24,240
Average net price $18,772
Tuition $9,720 $11,700
Room & board
Available payment plans
  • Prepaid tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Other alternative tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

100.0%
Average amount $5,468
Students receiving federal student loan
Students taking out private loans

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 160
Men 51.2% Women 48.8%
7,119
Men 16.1% Women 83.9%
Graduate students 313
Men 57.2% Women 42.8%
39,336
Men 18.6% Women 81.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Moderate
Out-of-state students N/A N/A
International students N/A 1.6%
Campus local/setting City: Large City: Large
Dormitory capacity N/A N/A
First year students are required to live on campus? N/A N/A
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from N/A North Carolina Maryland Texas Georgia Ohio

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Health Professions
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Engineering Technologies
  • Liberal Arts
  • Health Professions
  • Education
  • Public Administration and Social Service
  • Business
  • Psychology
Students to faculty ratio 12:1 14:1
Institutional accreditation Distance Education Accrediting Commission Higher Learning Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 100.0% N/A
Dropout rate N/A N/A
Transferred out N/A N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Health and Medical Administrative Services (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $101,964
  • Year 3: N/A
International Business (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $98,795
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: N/A
Management Information Systems and Services (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $111,591
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: N/A
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $114,492
  • Year 2: $108,649
  • Year 3: $123,708
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $93,694
  • Year 2: $94,227
  • Year 3: $98,267
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $76,573
  • Year 2: $88,588
  • Year 3: $91,407
Public Administration (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $77,767
  • Year 2: $90,412
  • Year 3: $83,405
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $76,141
  • Year 2: $77,487
  • Year 3: $81,477
Education, General (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $71,994
  • Year 2: $80,219
  • Year 3: $80,275
Public Health (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $75,638
  • Year 2: $72,546
  • Year 3: $71,950
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $64,766
  • Year 2: $62,012
  • Year 3: $69,892
Management Information Systems and Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $52,969
  • Year 2: $67,660
  • Year 3: $69,365
Medical Illustration and Informatics (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $64,492
  • Year 2: $69,338
  • Year 3: $68,414

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the main differences between Walden University and California Intercontinental University (CIU)?

    Walden University and California Intercontinental University (CIU) are both online institutions, but they cater to slightly different student profiles and have distinct focuses. Walden University is generally larger and offers a broader range of programs, particularly at the doctoral level, with a strong emphasis on social change and impact. CIU, while also offering graduate programs, tends to be smaller and focuses on career-oriented programs with a strong emphasis on business and technology. Walden has a longer history and a more established reputation, while CIU is a newer institution.

  • Which university, Walden or CIU, offers a wider variety of degree programs?

    Walden University generally offers a wider variety of degree programs compared to California Intercontinental University. Walden has programs spanning education, health, business, public policy, and more, including numerous specializations within each field. CIU's program offerings are more concentrated in business, technology, and related fields.

  • How do the tuition costs compare between Walden University and California Intercontinental University?

    Tuition costs can vary depending on the specific program and degree level. However, generally, California Intercontinental University tends to have slightly lower tuition rates compared to Walden University. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date and program-specific tuition information.

  • What is the accreditation status of Walden University and California Intercontinental University?

    Both Walden University and California Intercontinental University are accredited institutions. Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. California Intercontinental University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). Accreditation is important as it signifies that the university meets certain quality standards.

  • Which university, Walden or CIU, is better known for its doctoral programs?

    Walden University is generally better known for its doctoral programs. It has a long-standing reputation for offering a wide range of doctoral degrees, particularly in fields like education, psychology, and public health. While CIU also offers doctoral programs, Walden's doctoral programs are more established and recognized.

  • How do the faculty profiles differ between Walden University and California Intercontinental University?

    Both universities employ faculty with academic and professional experience. Walden University's faculty often have extensive experience in their respective fields and are actively involved in research and publication. CIU's faculty also possess practical experience, with a focus on bringing real-world insights into the classroom, particularly in business and technology-related programs.

  • What kind of student support services do Walden University and California Intercontinental University offer?

    Both Walden University and California Intercontinental University offer a range of student support services to help students succeed in their online programs. These services typically include academic advising, library resources, technical support, career services, and writing assistance. The specific services offered and the level of support may vary, so it's a good idea to explore each university's website for details.

  • Which university, Walden or CIU, has a stronger focus on social change and impact?

    Walden University has a stronger and more explicit focus on social change and impact. Its mission emphasizes empowering students to become positive agents of social change in their communities and professions. While CIU also values ethical leadership, Walden's commitment to social impact is a more central part of its identity.

  • How do the online learning platforms compare between Walden University and California Intercontinental University?

    Both Walden University and California Intercontinental University utilize online learning platforms to deliver their courses. While the specific platforms may differ, both are designed to be user-friendly and facilitate interaction between students and faculty. They typically include features such as discussion forums, assignment submission tools, and access to course materials. It's best to explore each university's website or contact them directly for more information about their specific online learning platform.

  • Which university, Walden or CIU, is a better fit for someone seeking a career-focused education in business or technology?

    California Intercontinental University may be a better fit for someone specifically seeking a career-focused education in business or technology. While Walden University also offers programs in these areas, CIU's curriculum and faculty expertise are more heavily concentrated in these fields, with a strong emphasis on practical skills and industry relevance.