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Capella University

705 Reviews

Salary Score

Bachelor's

 92

Master's

 45

Doctoral

 34

69% of 705 students said this degree improved their career prospects
62% of 705 students said they would recommend this school to others
By the OnlineU team | Updated 2/6/2023

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FAQs

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.

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
Health and Medical Administrative Services $96,529 $85,861 42
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

Write a Review 

Chinh Trieu-Keele

Reviewed: 10/1/2023

Degree: Clinical Psychology

I graduated with a PhD in Counseling Studies in 2013. When I first enrolled, Capella touted that it would be easy for me to advance my career after graduation. I still have not found a job that uses this degree, except being an adjunct professor. The sad thing is I will never find a job that makes enough money to pay back all my student loans. I definitely do not recommend Capella University to anyone.

L.C.

Reviewed: 9/24/2023

Degree: Clinical Psychology

Determination. Curiosity. Independence. Those are thee of the things that will ensure you get the most out of your education at Capella. The types of courses they had for my program were nuanced and appropriate and there was a consistent demand to call upon critical thinking skills which has improved every facet of my life. The online platform brings a level of digestibility when it comes to time and flexibility in accordance to lifestyle as an adult learner. While I wouldn’t trade my Capella education,... Read More

Rainy LaHaie

Reviewed: 9/9/2023

Degree: Nursing

I chose the flex path for both my BSN and MSN-education. I'm not a great test taker and now that I've been a practicing nurse for 14 years, with parenting and other responsibilities, this path worked well for me. I saw some nurses complete their degrees in one or two billing cycle but I took a little over a year for each degree. Flex path allowed me to write papers on my expertise, hospice. Some where so good I was encouraged to publish. I feel that I learned more about hospice by writing papers... Read More

MSN

Reviewed: 9/7/2023

Degree: Nursing

Some professors were easy while others made it hard for no reason! Its typical nursing school! I chose flexpath which was easier to breeze through classes and it was affordable . My academic coach was trash. My self and several other students had complaints!

Jose

Reviewed: 9/7/2023

Degree: Psychology

I liked the FlexPath format and how I was able to move along. My academic counselor was always helpful but like any other school, there are areas of improvement. It is a good school to attend. The curriculum offered is current and not outdated. If you go through the FlexPath format, be prepared to right and work for it. This degree helped me obtain a promotion in my job.

DS

Reviewed: 9/7/2023

Degree: Teaching

I am finishing up my doctoral degree in education (higher education specialization). Overall I had a great experience at Capella! Each class was 10 weeks. There were 10 core classes and then 6 advanced doctoral classes where I wrote my dissertation. I became very close with my cohort. My mentor was attentive and available. The work is challenging yet manageable. I feel a sense of pride that I am almost done with a Dr. in front of my name! If I had to do it all again, I would still choose Capella!... Read More

Tiffany Brown

Reviewed: 9/7/2023

Degree:

This school has exceeded my expectations in every way. Each assignment has a clear purpose and intent to assist in my career goals. The teachers are helpful, educated and professional. Financial aid is helpful any time I’ve contacted them, the only thing negative is calling financial aid sometimes takes 45 minutes. I can totally handle that. I’m SO excited to continue my education and so glad I made this choice.

KC

Reviewed: 9/7/2023

Degree: Healthcare Administration

I love the learning format at Capella! It allows me to manage my busy schedule AND work to achieve my academic goals! I work as a college educator at another university… when it came to taking the next steps for my personal education… I CHOSE CAPELLA! At Capella, I have earned my Bachelors, Masters and am currently working on my Doctorate degree!!

Tucumcari Turner

Reviewed: 9/7/2023

Degree: MBA in Human Resources

Best decision ever… I am know enrolling into the Doctoral program… No negatives or drawbacks… I was able to work around the clock and complete my degree quickly. No other schools offered the flexibility or convenience that I received here at Capella.

TR

Reviewed: 9/7/2023

Degree: Business Administration

Excellent program for working adults who can work independently with limited instruction. Perfect amount of flexibility, and you can use your prior work experience to move through your specialization. Highly recommend the flex path program for affordability.

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