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Capella University

683 Reviews

Salary Score

Bachelor's

 92

Master's

 45

Doctoral

 34

69% of 683 students said this degree improved their career prospects
62% of 683 students said they would recommend this school to others
By the OnlineU team | Updated 2/6/2023

Capella University is a private, for-profit institution with 11,773 undergraduate students and a 16% graduation rate, according to College Scorecard data. It's an online-only school with over 50 degrees including 8 online bachelor's degrees, 22 online master's degrees, 17 doctorate degrees, and 5 certificates. The areas of study at the undergraduate level include business, healthcare, psychology, social work, and public health. 

OnlineU's Salary Score compares alumni salaries from different schools using the same degree. Capella has a 91.76 score out of 100, making it the third highest score for online colleges in the country.

Fast Facts

Average Financial Aid: $3,760

Accreditation: Capella University is acredited by 9 agencies

Find an Online Degree:

Salary Score for Online Degrees at Capella University

Bachelor's Degrees

Business Administration, Management and Operations $22,891 $63,636 99
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management $33,330 $78,621 99
Health and Medical Administrative Services $29,946 $52,610 95
Psychology, General $27,226 $35,031 91
Human Resources Management and Services $29,250 $53,132 90
Computer and Information Sciences, General $29,838 $70,464 84
Marketing $42,773 $47,600 83
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $13,301 $74,251 80
Medical Illustration and Informatics Not Reported $54,355 72
Finance and Financial Management Services $32,745 $49,025 50
Accounting and Related Services $24,537 $44,919 35

Master's Degrees

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $29,663 $67,158 98
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management $40,595 $88,228 67
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions $50,818 $45,453 65
Educational/Instructional Media Design $32,491 $58,101 63
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $36,816 $48,170 56
Curriculum and Instruction $38,683 $50,037 54
Education, Other $33,059 $53,844 53
Educational Administration and Supervision $36,351 $56,101 52
Medical Illustration and Informatics $34,010 $73,670 51
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Not Reported $49,521 50
Health and Medical Administrative Services $37,487 $64,583 46
Business Administration, Management and Operations $39,139 $67,202 44
Psychology, General $35,567 $42,277 41
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology $42,178 $44,137 40
Public Health $41,887 $48,224 35
Research and Experimental Psychology $42,553 $40,064 35
Criminal Justice and Corrections $44,373 $45,048 34
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $29,914 $90,425 34
Human Resources Management and Services $45,360 $55,722 32
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services $43,953 $40,766 31
Special Education and Teaching $44,938 $46,202 28
Human Services, General $45,404 $39,279 21
Social Sciences, Other $46,913 $39,712 21
Psychology, Other $49,932 $33,284 17

Doctoral Degrees

Social Work $90,826 $83,608 84
Public Health $89,419 $90,175 77
Business/Commerce, General Not Reported $90,971 76
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology $111,691 $68,488 74
Human Resources Management and Services Not Reported $101,917 65
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $87,884 $67,797 52
Curriculum and Instruction $91,273 $69,800 50
Business Administration, Management and Operations $87,219 $92,535 45
Educational Administration and Supervision $106,619 $75,327 35
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $58,904 $104,654 32
Psychology, General $111,200 $59,614 24
Education, Other $87,886 $68,307 14
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Not Reported $40,311 12
Education, General $108,657 $52,884 8

FAQs About Capella University

Is Capella University Online?


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. 

Is Capella University a Degree Mill?


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.

Is There a Class Action Lawsuit Against Capella University?


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.

What Is Capella University Known For?


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.

Which Degrees at Capella University Provide the Highest Earnings for Graduates?


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. 

Does Capella University Accept Everyone?


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. 

What Are the Admission Requirements for Capella University?


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:

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

Student Reviews

Student Reviews

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Kate

Reviewed: 5/20/2023

Degree: Nursing

I can’t say enough about the flex path. I 100% thought it was too good to be true but I started my BSN 3/6 and finished 5/19/23. I had a referral scholarship that got tuition down to a little under 2700 for the 12 week cycle and I straight up busted my behind to get every class done before they billed me again. I am recommending this program to everyone I know and I can’t believe this huge weight is lifted off my shoulders. Professors were great!! And the directions are clearly defined on each assignment,... Read More

Bianca O

Reviewed: 5/19/2023

Degree: Nursing

I have had such a great experience with Capella. I just completed the BSN AMP Flexpath program and am starting my MSN in Leadership and Admin in July. The enrollment counselors and coaches have been so great, and every one genuinely wants you to succeed. I work full time and have a part time job, as well as three boys and a husband. It is completely do-able. I will say you get out what you put into this program, and you have to be disciplined to be successful. I am so grateful and proud to have Capella... Read More

CB

Reviewed: 5/16/2023

Degree:

It’s not worth the flexibility ! Incompetent financial aid & coaches, and a scary scene here. I went to another online university and never had issues,this place is a joke. 5 different people tell you 5 different things. The Capstone process at the end does not work and is not easy to work with ,and coches say it is not good either and can’t help you because it is outsourced. Stay away!

Jess

Reviewed: 5/11/2023

Degree: Counseling

Capella stinks! It’s was fine until they issued a refund to me and then backdated the charge. Financial aid will screw you over. Don’t trust it! They tried to explain to me that this was standard procedure and “mistakes happen.” However, this mistake on their part has cost me nearly $2000.

Tiffany Miles

Reviewed: 5/8/2023

Degree: Nursing

I graduated in November 2021 with my AAS in Nursing. I started Capella in January of 2022 in the BSN program. I finished May of 2022. I decided to get my MSN. I started it in July 2022. I just completed my Capstone on May 7, 2023. I have had a lot going on in my life and some stumbling blocks come about. I'm am proud of myself as a single parent of 2 working full-time and being able to complete my MSN in Leadership and Administration Program. I look forward to the road that lies ahead. I wish anyone... Read More

JA

Reviewed: 4/25/2023

Degree: Nursing

I’d like to start by saying to those that reviewed the school with 5 stars and feel that those of us that are giving it a lower rating just aren’t working hard enough at it, you are dead wrong! I have two associates degrees. I graduated with honors both times. I have been a practicing RN for many years and decided I wanted to finally pursue my Bachelor’s degree. I enrolled with Capella in the flexpath program because I thought this would be a great option for a busy adult learner. I should have dropped... Read More

Cheryl Eilene Demers Fluet

Reviewed: 4/20/2023

Degree: Nursing

I wanted in 2017 to get my BSN degree However, the professor was not forthcoming with what had to be done in the class, neither did she tell me when the writings were due nor on what day . While I worked hard to get good grades in the class, this professor developed a dislike for me and even though I only got one low grade. 70 percent on one of the tests, she gave me a 56% and this did not allow me to continue on. So when one of the reviewers stated that they want you to keep paying, I believe that... Read More

Nurse Kae MSN

Reviewed: 4/19/2023

Degree: Nursing

I Had a great experience attending Capella University. I had great professors that were very supportive and very encouraging as well. I did my research before picking this school and saw many mixed reviews, however, I decided to go with Capella because they offer the flex path program which gave me the option to complete my degree at my own pace. I also feel the university is very affordable compared to other online programs. Overall great learning experience through this university!

Susie Que

Reviewed: 4/14/2023

Degree: Special Education

The doctoral program in education (FlexPath) is a bait-and-switch operation. They intentionally lengthen the time it takes to graduate to keep you paying. The premise of the program is that you teach yourself and they get paid. Do yourself a favor and go elsewhere.

Daniel R Kneale

Reviewed: 4/13/2023

Degree: Business Administration

I signed up with Capella at the beginning of 2020 for one class just as I lost my job to Covid. Got ahold of the advisor and she said I would be able to drop the class with no strings attached because of the change in circumstance and since I didn't actually do anything in the class yet. Took a bit to get in touch with the person who can cancel classes, but he said he didn't know how finances worked and that if she said it it was probably true. A couple of months later I get a bill for $1600. I send... Read More