Capella University

Capella 100% remote and one of the most popular online schools. It offers two different paths for remote learning: 

(1) FlexPath allows students to set their own deadlines while taking only one to two courses at a time. Once a course is finished, they can move on to the next without waiting for a new term to start. 

(2) GuidedPath, on the other hand, puts assignments on set schedules but allows students to take up to three courses each quarter. 

Diploma mills are categorized as providing illegitimate diplomas to graduates. Capella is an accredited institution, which means its degrees have been inspected for quality and are legitimate. Specifically, Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

All schools featured on OnlineU are accredited.

Capella was sued in a class action lawsuit in 2018 by two doctoral students. They alleged the school misled them about how long their degree would take and the amount of money they would need to spend in order to graduate. New plaintiffs were added two years later after the judge dismissed 42 of the original 45 counts. In April 2022, the suit was settled through private mediation.

Capella is known for its competency-based programs. This format involves teaching practical skills that directly translate to the professional world. Curriculums are designed with the help of industry experts and students are graded on how well they apply their understanding of a certain subject rather than how well they memorize information. The purpose is to prepare students to enter the workforce immediately after graduation.

The highest earning degree from Capella can be found in the field of computer and information science. This includes the school's online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. According to College Scorecard, students can earn a median annual salary of $96,300 in the three years after graduation. The second highest degree is the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) with an expected salary of $75,500.

As mentioned above, Salary Score is another helpful metric for determining potential earnings. OnlineU finds this score by comparing Capella's alumni salaries with other graduates who earned the same degree at another school. Overall, Capella earned a 92 out of 100 for bachelor's degrees and 45 out of 100 for master's degrees. 

Data from College Scorecard shows Capella as having a 100% acceptance rate. This means that there is an open admissions policy and all applicants are accepted. 

Furthermore, Capella is a test-optional school. In other words, high school students who haven't taken their college entrance exams can still apply. This makes the school more accessible to a wider range of applicants with diverse educational backgrounds. 

Students applying to college at Capella at the associate, certificate, or bachelor's level do not need to meet specific GPA requirements to apply. However, those applying for the RN to BSN program that have already completed an associate degree must have a 2.0 GPA to be considered. 

Complete the following steps to apply for a bachelor's program:

• Fill out Capella's online application.
• Submit transcripts from previous academic institutions.
• Provide a government-issued ID.

Capella also states that bachelor's degree applicants must be at least 24 years old, with some exceptions. This requirement may be waived for veterans, transfer students, and Capella Jumpstart participants. Capella is among the top online colleges with the most adult students.