About Capella University
Students pay an average net price of $18,305 after aid, with tuition set at $14,436 regardless of residence. Graduates earn a median of $42,189 ten years after enrollment, which creates challenging math for some students. Monthly loan payments average $159, but only 31.5% of borrowers successfully repay their loans. The low graduation rate of 33.3% means many students pay without finishing their degrees.
The retention rate of 22.7% reveals significant challenges with student persistence. However, those who do complete their programs find work quickly, with a 96.3% employment rate. The student-faculty ratio of 36:1 reflects the online format where professors manage large digital classrooms. Black students represent 25.7% of enrollment, making this one of the more diverse higher education options available.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 36:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 11.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 33.3%
- Retention Rate
- 22.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $42,189
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Doctoral | $127,993 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Doctoral | $111,435 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Doctoral | $102,409 |
| Homeland Security. | Doctoral | $101,964 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Doctoral | $101,072 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $99,886 |
| Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other. | Bachelor | $94,408 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Doctoral | $93,816 |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Doctoral | $91,211 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Doctoral | $89,170 |
Campus Life
Your typical day involves logging into virtual classrooms on your schedule. The quarter system keeps courses moving quickly. With a 36:1 student-faculty ratio, expect larger class discussions but limited one-on-one time with professors. The 22.7% retention rate reflects the challenges many working students face completing their programs. Weekend study sessions happen around work shifts and family obligations rather than campus social events.
The online format means no dormitories, dining halls, or traditional college atmosphere. Students connect through discussion boards and group projects rather than face-to-face interactions. The 96.3% employment rate shows most students are already working while pursuing degrees. Your study space might be a kitchen table after the kids go to bed or a break room during lunch hours.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Calendar System
- Quarter
- Founded
- 1993
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 8°–21°F
- July Avg
- 64°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 34.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 40.4"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 16.3%
- Women
- 83.7%
- White
- 47.8%
- Black
- 25.7%
- Hispanic
- 13.4%
- Asian
- 3.5%
- In-State Students
- 0.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 36.6%
Location
- Address
- Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402-3389
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $42,189
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $75,078
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $51,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 31.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $159/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $14,968
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Capella University?
Capella University operates as an open-enrollment institution, meaning they don't have a traditional acceptance rate since most applicants who meet basic requirements are admitted. The school focuses on serving working adults through flexible online programs. With 16,173 students enrolled, Capella prioritizes accessibility over selectivity in their admissions process.
How much does Capella University cost after financial aid?
Students at Capella University pay an average net price of $18,305 annually after financial aid. Tuition is set at $14,436 regardless of residency status since the university operates entirely online. About 37% of students receive financial aid, with median student debt reaching $14,968 upon graduation.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Capella University?
Capella University maintains a 36:1 student-to-faculty ratio, which is higher than most traditional universities due to its online delivery model. The retention rate stands at just 23%, reflecting the challenges many working adult students face in balancing education with other responsibilities. The university operates on a quarter system to provide more frequent start dates for busy professionals.
What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Capella University?
Capella University reports a 33% six-year graduation rate, with graduates earning a median salary of $42,189 ten years after enrollment. The employment rate reaches 96%, though the loan repayment rate is only 31%. Monthly loan payments average $159, making the debt load manageable for most graduates despite the modest earnings.
Does Capella University have a physical campus?
Capella University operates as a fully online institution with its headquarters in Minneapolis but no traditional campus experience. Students attend classes entirely through digital platforms, making it appealing to working adults who need schedule flexibility. The university serves students nationwide, with 0% of enrollment coming from in-state students since geography isn't a factor in online education.
What type of students typically attend Capella University?
Capella University attracts predominantly female students, with women making up 84% of enrollment compared to 16% men. The student body is diverse, with 48% White students, 26% Black students, and 13% Hispanic students. As a for-profit institution founded in 1993, Capella specifically targets working adults seeking career advancement through flexible online degree programs.
