What Capella University Is and Who Attends

Capella University is a for-profit online institution that awards bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees entirely through distance learning. The university does not have a physical campus; all coursework happens online. Students attend from across the United States and some international locations, and many are working adults balancing school with full-time jobs or family responsibilities.

Capella was founded in 1993 and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditor that also accredits traditional universities. The university operates on a competency-based model in some programs, meaning you advance by demonstrating mastery of material rather than sitting in a classroom for a set number of weeks. Other programs follow a more traditional term-based schedule.

The student body skews toward career changers and professionals seeking credentials in fields like business, information technology, education, nursing, and psychology. Many students are over 30 and have prior work experience.

Key Takeaways

  • Capella offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees entirely online through a for-profit institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
  • Tuition varies by program and degree level, ranging from roughly $300 to $500 per credit hour, with total costs depending on how many credits your degree requires.
  • Some Capella programs use competency-based learning, where you move through material at your own pace by proving you understand each concept, rather than following a fixed semester calendar.
  • Federal student loans, employer tuition information, and military education benefits (GI Bill, military tuition information) are common ways students pay for Capella degrees.
  • Capella requires a high school diploma or GED for bachelor's programs and a bachelor's degree for most master's and doctoral programs, but does not use standardized test scores for admission.

Degree Levels and Program Areas

Capella organizes its offerings into five main colleges: Business and Technology, Education, Health Sciences, Public Service Leadership, and Psychology and Counseling. Within each college are multiple degree programs at different levels.

Bachelor's degrees typically take three to four years to complete if you have no prior college credit. Capella accepts transfer credits from other institutions, so if you have completed some coursework elsewhere, your timeline may be shorter. Common bachelor's programs include Business Administration, Information Technology, and Nursing (RN to BSN for nurses with an associate degree).

Master's degrees usually require a bachelor's degree for entry and take one to three years depending on the program and your pace. Popular master's programs include MBA, Master of Education, Master of Science in Nursing, and Master of Science in Information Technology.

Doctoral degrees include PhD programs (research-focused) and Doctor of Education (EdD) degrees. These typically take three to five years and require a master's degree or equivalent coursework for entry. Capella also offers Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) for advanced nursing roles.

How Competency-Based Learning Works at Capella

Many of Capella's programs, particularly in business and technology, use a competency-based model rather than traditional semesters. In this structure, you do not wait for a semester to start or end; instead, you enroll and begin coursework when ready. You move through material at your own pace, and you advance only when you demonstrate mastery of each competency.

A competency is a specific skill or body of knowledge you must prove you understand. For example, in a business program, one competency might be "financial analysis." You study the material, complete assignments, and take an assessment. If you pass, you move to the next competency. If you do not pass, you can retake it without additional tuition cost.

This model appeals to working adults because you can accelerate if you have time and prior knowledge, or slow down if you need to focus on work or family. There is no fixed class schedule; you log in when it suits you. However, you do have a mentor (Capella's term for an academic advisor) who monitors your progress and can require you to move faster if you are falling behind.

Not all Capella programs use this model. Some master's and doctoral programs follow a traditional term-based calendar with set start dates and semester lengths, similar to on-campus universities.

Tuition, Fees, and Total Cost

Capella's tuition is charged per credit hour, and the rate varies by program and degree level. As of the most recent information available, rates typically range from approximately $300 to $500 per credit hour, though this can change. A bachelor's degree usually requires 120 credit hours, a master's degree 30 to 60 credit hours, and a doctoral degree 60 to 90 credit hours, depending on the specific program.

To estimate your total cost, multiply the credit hour rate by the number of credits required. For example, a bachelor's degree at $400 per credit hour over 120 credits would cost around $48,000 before financial aid. A master's degree at $450 per credit hour over 45 credits would cost around $20,250. These are estimates; your actual cost depends on your program and any transfer credits you bring.

Capella charges additional fees for things like technology access, course materials, and graduation. These are typically included in the per-credit-hour cost or charged as a flat fee per term. Ask Capella directly for a detailed cost breakdown for your specific program before enrolling.

Most Capella students pay through a combination of federal student loans, employer tuition reimbursement, military education benefits (GI Bill or military tuition information), and out-of-pocket funds. Capella participates in federal financial aid programs, so you can complete the FAFSA to determine your loan may be able to access.

Admission Requirements and the process Process

Capella does not require standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) for any degree level. For bachelor's programs, you need a high school diploma or GED. For master's and doctoral programs, you need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, and some programs require a minimum GPA (often 2.5 or 3.0).

The process process is straightforward. You submit an online process, provide transcripts from any prior college attendance, and write a brief statement about your goals. Some programs may ask for a resume or professional experience summary. You do not interview with an admissions committee; decisions are typically made within days.

Once admitted, you are assigned an enrollment counselor who helps you understand costs, financial aid options, and program structure. You then meet with an academic advisor (or mentor, in competency-based programs) who helps you plan your course sequence and set expectations for pace and workload.

Accreditation and Employer Recognition

Capella holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, which is the same accrediting body that accredits many traditional public and private universities. This means the university meets standards for academic quality, financial stability, and student support. Regional accreditation is generally considered stronger than national accreditation for transferring credits or pursuing further education.

Many employers recognize Capella degrees, particularly in fields like business, information technology, and education. However, recognition varies by employer and industry. Some employers have no preference between online and on-campus degrees; others may view online degrees with more skepticism. Before enrolling, you may want to research whether employers in your target field view Capella degrees favorably. Professional licensing boards in fields like nursing and counseling do recognize Capella degrees, though you should verify this for your specific state and credential.

Time Commitment and Support Services

The time you spend on coursework depends on the program and your pace. In competency-based programs, Capella estimates that full-time students can complete a bachelor's degree in two to three years, though part-time students may take longer. In term-based programs, the pace is more fixed, similar to traditional universities.

Capella provides online support services including academic advising, writing centers, tutoring, career services, and technical support. Most services are available 24/7 or have extended hours to accommodate students in different time zones and with different schedules. You interact with advisors and tutors primarily through email, phone, or video chat rather than in person.

The university also maintains an online library with access to academic databases, journals, and e-books. You can access these resources from anywhere with an internet connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer credits from another college to Capella?

Yes. Capella accepts transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions. The number of credits you can transfer depends on the program and your degree level, but typically you can transfer up to 90 credits toward a bachelor's degree. Submit official transcripts during the process process, and Capella will evaluate which credits count toward your degree.

Do I have to attend classes at a specific time?

In competency-based programs, no. You log in when you choose and work at your own pace. In term-based programs, coursework is asynchronous (you do not attend live lectures), but you have assignment important date and may have scheduled group discussions or office hours. Either way, there are no fixed class meeting times like you would have on a traditional campus.

What if I need to take a break from my degree?

You can pause your enrollment, though policies vary by program. In competency-based programs, you can straightforward stop progressing through competencies and resume later. In term-based programs, you typically complete a term before taking a break. Contact your advisor to discuss your options; taking an official leave of absence is usually better than straightforward disappearing, as it protects your standing.

Are Capella degrees respected by employers?

Capella degrees are recognized by many employers, especially in business, technology, and education. However, some employers prefer on-campus degrees or have no preference at all. The reputation of your degree depends partly on the field and partly on the employer. Research companies in your target industry to see whether they hire Capella graduates or have stated preferences about online degrees.

Can I use military education benefits to pay for Capella?

Yes. Capella is approved for GI Bill benefits and military tuition information. If you are a veteran or active-duty service member, you can use these benefits to cover tuition and fees. Contact Capella's military services office or your education benefits coordinator to confirm your specific benefits and how they explore to your program.