At $18,305/yr net price, Capella University graduates earn $42,189/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,189/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,305 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $73,220 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,189/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,189/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,968 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,901/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,057/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,489/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,029/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Doctoral | $127,993 | |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Doctoral | $111,435 | $82,138 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Doctoral | $102,409 | $98,917 |
| Homeland Security. | Doctoral | $101,964 | $92,500 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Doctoral | $101,072 | $95,200 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $99,886 | $62,201 |
| Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other. | Bachelor | $94,408 | $27,411 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Doctoral | $93,816 | $80,489 |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Doctoral | $91,211 | $73,237 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Doctoral | $89,170 |
The Risk Factor
33.3% of students at Capella University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Capella University delivers mixed financial returns, with outcomes heavily dependent on your program choice. The school's top-earning programs generate strong salaries that justify the investment, while many other programs struggle to provide adequate returns.
Your program selection will determine your financial future at Capella. Management Information Systems graduates earn $127,993 annually, making it the clear winner for ROI. Computer-focused programs also perform well, with Information Technology Administration and Computer Sciences graduates earning over $100,000. Healthcare Administration and Homeland Security round out the high-earning programs, all breaking six figures.
The concerning pattern across high-earning programs is the substantial debt load. Computer Sciences graduates carry nearly $99,000 in debt, while Information Technology Administration students face $82,000. This high debt stems from Capella's online model requiring extended enrollment periods for working adults.
Capella's 33% graduation rate and 23% retention rate signal significant completion risks. The low retention rate suggests many students struggle with the online format or find the programs don't meet their expectations. If you start at Capella, you face a two-thirds chance of not finishing your degree.
This school works financially for working professionals in technology or healthcare management who can leverage their existing experience into higher-paying roles. The online flexibility serves career-focused adults who need to maintain employment while studying.
Avoid Capella if you're considering lower-earning programs or need substantial campus support to succeed. The combination of high costs, low retention rates, and program-dependent outcomes makes this a risky choice unless you're targeting the specific high-earning majors and have the discipline for online learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Capella University worth the cost?
Capella University's ROI depends heavily on your program choice. Technology and management information systems graduates earn $100,000+ annually, making the $18,305 yearly cost worthwhile, but many other programs lead to much lower earnings that may not justify the investment.
What are the highest paying programs at Capella University?
Management Information Systems leads at $127,993 annually, followed by Computer Technology Administration at $111,435. These tech-focused programs offer strong returns on Capella's tuition costs.
How much debt do Capella University graduates have?
The median debt load is relatively low at $14,968, which helps graduates avoid crushing loan payments. However, with 10-year median earnings of just $42,189, many graduates outside top programs still struggle with repayment.
What is Capella University's graduation rate?
Only 33% of students graduate from Capella University. This low completion rate means most students leave without a degree while still owing money, making it a risky investment for many.