Ann ‘Tunky’ Riley Excellence in Education Scholarship

Richard W. Riley, the former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, is a leading advocate in advancing education as a national priority and has been actively involved with Walden University for years. Walden recently named its College of Education for Richard W. Riley.

Throughout Secretary Riley’s career, his wife, Ann “Tunky” Riley, joined him in the fight to raise academic standards and to improve instruction for the poor and disadvantaged. This scholarship is dedicated to the memory of Ann “Tunky” Riley, who was a dedicated teacher and a passionate advocate for the quality of public education for all children.

The Ann “Tunky” Riley Scholarship awards up two $25,000 scholarships, to a new student enrolling in many of the college’s academic programs. This scholarship program reflects the college’s dedication to lifelong learning and supports the many educators who stand out because of their superior contributions to their students, colleagues, schools, and communities.

Which degree programs are included in the scholarship program?

The scholarship program will apply to any new student enrolling in one of the following programs:

  • Ph.D. in Education
  • Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
  • Education Specialist (Ed.S.)
  • M.S. in Education
  • M.S. in Instructional Design and Technology
  • Special Education Endorsement programs
  • Teacher Preparation Program with a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.)
  • B.S. in Child Development
  • Bachelor of Science in Instructional Design and Technology

Scholarship Eligibility

The recipient of an Ann “Tunky” Riley Excellence in Education scholarships must

  • Not be already enrolled in a Walden University program
  • Be fully admitted into one of The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership programs, with the university in receipt of all the applicant’s official documentation
  • Have not received another merit-based Walden scholarship

Scholarship Criteria

  • Applicants must submit an essay of no more than 1,000 words or 1 page describing their contributions in one or more of the following areas:
    • Influencing the lives of students
    • Mentoring a colleague
    • Making an impact on an economically disadvantaged school or community
  • Include a formal letter of recommendation from a school official (on school letterhead) describing how their passion for teaching makes an impact on their students, school, or community

Admissions and Monthly Payments

General Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for Walden’s programs vary but generally include the following:

  • Official transcript(s) of highest degree or diploma completed to date*
  • English proficiency test scores
    (for entry into the ESL component, as applicable)
  • Goal statement
  • A completed application
  • Work references
  • Work experience
  • Access to a computer and the Internet
  • $50 non-refundable application fee

Admission Considerations


  • To be admitted, you must have earned a high school diploma and meet one of the following criteria:
    • Aged 24 years or older
    • Active in the military or a veteran
    • Has earned a minimum of 90 college quarter credit hours

  • If your transcripts are from a school outside the United States, you may need to have them evaluated by a Walden enrollment advisor.
  • If your program is taught in English, or if you wish to transfer into an English program, you may need to submit test scores showing your level of English proficiency.
  • You will need regular access to a computer with an Internet connection (minimum speed: 56K).

Start Dates

Walden University offers frequent start dates so that you can begin your program when it’s most convenient for you. For information about start dates in your degree program of interest, complete the information request form, and a Walden University enrollment advisor will contact you.

Tuition

The total cost of your degree program will depend on transfer of credit and time to completion. To learn more, complete the information request form, and a Walden University enrollment advisor will contact you.

Monthly Payments

Walden University partners with Sallie Mae’s TuitionPay to provide students with an alternative to paying full tuition at the beginning of each term. Through the TuitionPay monthly payment plan, you may spread the cost of your tuition over multiple months—interest-free. The TuitionPay plan is not a loan, and there is an enrollment fee.

Simplify your school expenses with

  • Convenient monthly payments that allow you to pay tuition in manageable installments
  • Multiple payment plan options, including some that can be combined with school loan programs (if available in your country of residence)
  • No-interest payments, which may eliminate your need for loans

For more information, complete the information request form, and a Walden University enrollment advisor will contact you.

General Considerations for International Students

  • English is the language of instruction. Depending on the language in which you earned your previous degree(s), you may need to submit test scores showing your level of English proficiency.
  • Walden University is not authorized to grant student visas for study in the United States.
  • To be admitted, you need the equivalent of a high school diploma, associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, or master’s degree from an institution accredited by the country’s higher education authority.
  • You may have your transcript(s) evaluated free of charge by Walden. This evaluation will only be valid for application to Walden. This evaluation will not be valid for those requesting transfer of credit.
  • Applicants requesting transfer of credit must have their transcript(s) from outside the United States certified for equivalency to U.S. degrees or coursework by a credential evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).
  • International applications are due at least 8 weeks before the U.S. application deadline, so please plan accordingly.
  • You will need regular access to a computer with an Internet connection (minimum speed: 56K).
  • If you live in Barbados, Canada, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, or Mexico, you can pay your Walden tuition in your home currency through our International Student Payment Plan.


Call us toll-free at 1-800-790-9623 or complete the following two-step form.