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's financial picture is shaky, and the numbers behind it explain why. You're looking at a for-profit school where only 33% of students graduate and just 23% return after their first year. That retention rate is the loudest warning here: most people who enroll don't stick around, and dropping out with debt and no degree is the worst financial outcome you can have.
If you do finish, the payoff depends entirely on your major. Computer and information sciences graduates clear $94,000, and IT administration grads pass $84,000 , those are genuinely strong returns. Nursing pairs solid pay with the lowest debt load of any program listed, which makes it the safest bet on cost. Homeland security also lands in the low $70,000s. The problem is the school-wide median earnings sit far below any of these top programs, meaning the typical Capella graduate is not in a high-paying field and ends up earning close to what a high school graduate might.
The specific risk here is the gap between the best programs and the average result. The tech and nursing tracks pay off. most everything else drags the median down. Combine that with a two-thirds dropout rate and you have a school where your outcome hinges on picking the right program and actually completing it.
Net price runs higher for middle-income families than for lower-income ones , the $48k-$110k range pays more than families under $30k, so the sticker doesn't shrink as you climb. Capella works as an online option if you're targeting IT or nursing and you're confident you'll finish. If you're undecided or drawn to the lower-earning programs, the odds and the price don't favor you, and you should look elsewhere.
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.