The purpose of this document is to focus on the problem of the appropriate and efficient evaluation of innovative, nontraditional institutions of higher education. The applicability of the traditional standards of an academic self-study to the Walden experience is described and assessed. Information was gathered on the Walden alumni, the respective success they have achieved professionally, the impact Walden had on their personal growth and on their intellectual enrichment. Conclusions indicated that serious discussion of nontraditional institutions in higher education is justifiable and necessary in the context of today's American society. It was also concluded that the self-study model for traditional institutions is not generally appropriate for a nontraditional university. (Author/KE)