Capella University (CU) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Located in Minneapolis, Capella University is a unique private, for-profit institution that offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees through online and distance learning programs. The University takes online education to a higher level with a firm belief in life-changing learning that is possible in an environment of academic excellence, challenge, and connection.

The Capella Education Company, which is a publicly traded company, owns the school. The founders envisioned a new kind of University that adult learners could attend from anywhere in the world. Today, there are more than 39,900 adult professionals attending their classes online.

Information Summary

Ranks 82nd in Minnesota and 3428th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	43.9
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$15,011
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	16 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	56% / 27%
Enrollment Total (all students)	37,171

Academics

The school offers more than 100 different undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as 15 technical and professional certificates. Popular courses of study include business management, human capital management, health care administration, public safety, mental health, information technology, and K-12 education.

The University provides its degrees and certificates through the following academic divisions: School of Business and Technology; School of Education; Harold Abel School of Social and Behavioral Sciences; School of Public Service Leadership; and School of Undergraduate Studies.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Admissions

The admissions policy is flexible and broad. In general, the school has an open admissions policy that is non-competitive. Applicants are required to furnish high school transcripts and/or proof of GED completion, if applicable. In addition, applicants may be required to take placement tests and aptitude evaluations prior to enrollment. Some programs – particularly at the graduate level – have prerequisites and admission requirements.

The school offers rolling enrollment dates with no absolute deadlines, and frequent course start dates make it easy for students to enter and begin a course of study at virtually any time of the year.

Domestic applicants are required to send the completed application form, furnish personal information, educational history, proof of work experience, official transcripts and application fee. International students are also encouraged to apply for admission. Non-native English speakers must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB), or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate English proficiency.

Financial Aid

The school’s status as a private, for-profit university means that the process of funding tuition and fee costs is slightly different than at most traditional universities. However, the school reports that over 75% of their students receive some form of financial aid. In addition, the offer a dedicated staff of financial aid counselors who are available via telephone, email, and chat to answer cost questions and walk applicants through the financial aid process. The most commonly disbursed forms of financial aid at the school include federal loans, private loans, federal Pell grants, federal National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) grants, and Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) grants. Scholarships awarded to eligible students include the Public Safety Continuous Enrollment Scholarship, Human Capital Management Scholarship, New P–12 PhD, EdS, or MS Learner Scholarship, Robert C. Ford Human Services Scholarship, Helene Krivosha School of Education Scholarship, U.S. Department of Defense Information Assurance Scholarship, Harold Abel School of Social and Behavioral Sciences School Psychology Certificate Practicum Scholarship, Harold Abel School of Social and Behavioral Sciences School Psychology Master’s Degree Scholarship, and the Scott Sathers Scholarship. Capella also accepts tuition payment and reduction plans overseen by corporate partners and employers, as well as veterans’ and armed services programs.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 3479th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Minnesota.

Students

Because of the unique emphasis of the school’s courses of study, the student body is comprised largely of working adults and returning students who have already established professional career paths in the workforce. The majority of currently enrolled students are pursuing graduate degrees, with only 15% focusing on undergraduate studies. Although traditional campus life and student activities are not a feature here due to the school’s online mode of instruction, students are still able to interact with one another and benefit from classroom discussions using the school’s advanced online classroom technology.

The academic advisors provide ongoing support and assistance throughout the program. Advisors help students build a strong foundation, plan coursework, and understand the requirements for the online degree completion. The career counselors assist students with career planning and development needs from the enrollment through graduation, including career guidance and job search assistance, and online resources through the learner website. The Career Center also offers free live career webinars to current learners, future learners, and alumni to provide working professionals strategies.

Accommodations and advocacy are provided for learners having documented disabilities. The instances include both online course room considerations, like accessible textbooks and additional time on learning activities, and residential colloquia support, including sign language interpreters and mobility assistance.

The school owns a virtual library and the learners have access to a full range of online academic library resources and services. The librarians and an extensive library site provide learners with a wide-ranging collection of scholarly and professional resources. The University also provides a variety of academic success resources to help students maximize their personal and professional potential while providing engaging opportunities through a range of delivery modes in areas of critical thinking, research, writing, reading, academic integrity; and success factors such as learning effectively online, time management, and program planning.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Alumni

Christopher Erhardt, noted American video game designer and retired professor
Don Nicholas, noted American publisher and information achitect
Dr. Betty Schueler, eminent American author and computer consultant
Dr. Gerald Schueler, noted American author and retired systems analyst

Additional School Information

iGuide is the personalized portal to Capella e-learning. After you are enrolled with the institute, you will find everything you need on iGuide to register for courses, visit the library, apply for financial aid, and view the academic calendar. iGuide gives you secure access to the courses and transcripts, and links you to the institute’s rich interactive learning community.

The Alumni Center offers networking opportunities, professional employment information, developmental grants, discounted courses, and much more.

Accreditation

Capella University as a whole is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the following programs have additional accreditation:

The Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, and Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy programs are accredited by the American Council Association’s Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.

The MS in Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family, Therapy Education of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

The Professional Education Unit is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

The BS in IT is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.

The BSN, MSN, and DNP degrees are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

The Project Management Institute (PMI) Global Accreditation Center for Project Management (PMI-GAC) has accredited the:

BS in Information Technology, Project Management
BS in Business, Project Management
MS in Information Systems and Technology Management
MBA, Project Management

Capella University