Capella University
Tuition per year
$14,400
$21,750 with room and board
Peer median $42,296
Undergraduates
18,366
Student-faculty ratio 41:1
Peer median 12 : 1
“Peers” are all 233 private doctoral universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Capella University is a renowned online institution based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, that specializes in providing flexible and innovative educational programs. Known for its commitment to adult learners, Capella offers a wide range of degree programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across various fields such as business, education, health care, and information technology. The university emphasizes a learner-centered approach, allowing students to progress at their own pace while balancing their education with personal and professional commitments. Capella's online learning environment is designed to foster interaction and collaboration, ensuring that students receive a quality education tailored to their needs.
The university's mission is encapsulated in its core values, which include integrity, innovation, and excellence. Capella University prides itself on its strong faculty, many of whom are professionals in their respective fields, bringing real-world experience into the classroom. This blend of practical knowledge and academic rigor prepares students for success in their careers. Capella also emphasizes the importance of student support services, offering resources such as academic advising, career counseling, and online libraries to enhance the learning experience. With a focus on developing critical thinking and leadership skills, Capella University equips its graduates with the tools needed to thrive in a competitive job market, making it a popular choice for those seeking to advance their education and career prospects.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Large city
- Nearest major city
- In Minneapolis
- Nearest international airport
- Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), about 7 mi
- Academic calendar
- Quarter
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Constance St. Germain (University President)
- Phone
- 8668084080
- City
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Address
- 225 South 6th Street, 9th Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55402-3389
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Nursing Administration · Master's1030 (0% international)
- Applied Behavior Analysis · Master's1006 (1% international)
- Health/Health Care Administration/Management · Master's800 (1% international)
- Nursing Education · Master's757 (0% international)
- Mental Health Counseling/Counselor · Master's621 (0% international)
- Business Administration and Management, General · Master's554 (1% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data from Capella University
The graduation data from Capella University in 2023 highlights a significant trend in the fields of health and counseling, particularly at the master’s level. Notably, the Nursing Administration program witnessed an impressive 714 graduates, with an additional 454 in Mental Health Counseling. This indicates a strong demand for advanced skills in nursing and mental health, possibly reflecting the growing awareness of mental health issues and the need for effective healthcare management.
Interestingly, the data reveals that international students contributed minimally to these numbers, with only a couple of graduates in mental health counseling and none reported in other categories. This might suggest that Capella University is primarily serving a domestic student population in these fields, which could be a strategic focus given the increasing local demand for qualified professionals.
Moreover, the absence of graduates in business, education, and other related fields raises questions about shifting trends in student interests. As the job market evolves, there may be a pivot towards healthcare and counseling, which are increasingly viewed as essential services in post-pandemic society.
The data also shows no graduates for associate or bachelor’s degrees in these programs, implying that Capella University may be focusing on graduate-level education to prepare students for advanced roles. This emphasis on higher education aligns with national trends where there is a push for specialized knowledge and skills in competitive job markets, especially in healthcare and counseling sectors.
Overall, the data underscores crucial insights into the educational landscape, revealing both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Capella University and its graduates.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health/Health Care Administration/Management. | $70,240-$121,758 | |||
| Health Information/Medical Records Administration/Administrator. | $70,240-$121,758 | |||
| Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling. | $50,206-$61,125 | |||
| Clinical/Medical Social Work. | $50,206-$61,125 | |||
| Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling. | $50,206-$61,125 | |||
| Mental Health Counseling/Counselor. | $50,206-$61,125 | |||
| Public Health, General. | $48,208-$90,031 | |||
| Medical Informatics. | $94,214-$111,341 | |||
| Nursing Education. | $98,439-$119,979 | |||
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $94,212-$133,131 | |||
| Nursing Administration. | $94,212-$133,131 | |||
| Nursing Practice. | $94,212-$133,131 | |||
| Clinical Nurse Leader. | $94,212-$133,131 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | $42,970-$67,066 | |||
| Developmental and Child Psychology. | $50,559 | |||
| Clinical Psychology. | $57,103-$82,815 | |||
| Industrial and Organizational Psychology. | $57,103-$82,815 | |||
| School Psychology. | $57,103-$82,815 | |||
| Educational Psychology. | $57,103-$82,815 | |||
| Forensic Psychology. | $57,103-$82,815 | |||
| Applied Psychology. | $57,103-$82,815 | |||
| Applied Behavior Analysis. | $57,103-$82,815 | |||
| Performance and Sport Psychology. | $57,103-$82,815 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | $70,701-$104,743 | |||
| Purchasing, Procurement/Acquisitions and Contracts Management. | $70,701-$104,743 | |||
| Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management. | $70,701-$104,743 | |||
| Project Management. | $70,701-$104,743 | |||
| Organizational Leadership. | $70,701-$104,743 | |||
| Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other. | $70,701-$104,743 | |||
| Accounting. | $55,916-$102,632 | |||
| Finance, General. | - | |||
| Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General. | $60,657-$106,447 | |||
| Human Resources Management and Services, Other. | $60,657-$106,447 | |||
| Information Resources Management. | - | |||
| Management Science. | $87,110 | |||
| Marketing/Marketing Management, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education, General. | $56,175 | |||
| Curriculum and Instruction. | $61,388-$80,642 | |||
| Educational Leadership and Administration, General. | $65,069-$91,281 | |||
| Administration of Special Education. | $65,069-$91,281 | |||
| Higher Education/Higher Education Administration. | $65,069-$91,281 | |||
| Secondary School Administration/Principalship. | $65,069-$91,281 | |||
| Educational/Instructional Technology. | $68,907-$82,842 | |||
| Special Education and Teaching, General. | $56,259 | |||
| Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services. | $46,167-$88,320 | |||
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | $57,569-$74,077 | |||
| Early Childhood Education and Teaching. | $57,569-$74,077 | |||
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods, Other. | $57,569-$74,077 | |||
| Reading Teacher Education. | $80,410-$81,784 | |||
| Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information Technology. | $80,491-$115,882 | |||
| Computer and Information Sciences, Other. | $80,491-$115,882 | |||
| Computer Programming/Programmer, General. | - | |||
| Computer Programming, Specific Applications. | - | |||
| Data Processing and Data Processing Technology/Technician. | - | |||
| Data Modeling/Warehousing and Database Administration. | - | |||
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | - | |||
| System, Networking, and LAN/WAN Management/Manager. | $85,551-$158,172 | |||
| Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance. | $85,551-$158,172 | |||
| Information Technology Project Management. | $85,551-$158,172 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Human Services, General. | $69,850-$80,663 | |||
| Community Organization and Advocacy. | $55,391 | |||
| Public Administration. | $64,896-$115,863 | |||
| Health Policy Analysis. | - | |||
| Social Work. | $87,147 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Safety Studies. | $52,399-$78,971 | |||
| Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management. | $93,952-$115,966 | |||
| Cyber/Computer Forensics and Counterterrorism. | $126,214 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Sciences, Other. | $70,955 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family and Community Services. | - |
Students
47,761 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 15:85 · Freshman retention 41.7%
- Continuing undergraduates 11,012
- First-year undergraduates 62
- Graduate students 29,395
- Transfers and others 7,292
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (18,366)
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at Capella University in 2023
The student demographics at Capella University for the year 2023 reveal a diverse and predominantly female student body. Among the new undergraduate students, a total of 70 individuals were enrolled, with a significant majority being female (72.9%). This trend continues with the continuing undergraduate students, where females represent 81.6% of the 8,369 students.
In contrast, the transfer undergraduate students also show a higher female representation at 86.1% out of 4,836 students. This indicates a consistent pattern across different levels of undergraduate studies, suggesting that Capella University may be particularly appealing to female students for undergraduate programs.
When considering graduate students, the numbers are notably higher, with 26,447 enrolled. However, the gender ratio remains skewed, with females making up 83.5% of the population. The overall demographic data reflects a growing trend in higher education, where women are increasingly enrolling in and completing degrees at a higher rate than men.
Additionally, the data on ethnic diversity shows that while the university has a significant number of white students, there is also representation from various ethnic backgrounds. This suggests an ongoing effort to foster an inclusive environment. As educational institutions adapt to the changing demographics of their student populations, Capella University appears to be on the right track in supporting diverse and equitable access to education for all students.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at Capella University in 2023
The age distribution of students at Capella University in 2023 reveals a diverse demographic, with the majority of the student body falling within the 25 to 39 age range. This trend highlights the university's appeal to non-traditional students who may be balancing education with work and family commitments. Specifically, the 25-29 age group is the largest cohort, comprising approximately 16.5% of the total student population, which underscores the importance of lifelong learning and skill enhancement in today's job market.
In terms of gender representation, the data indicates a significant predominance of female students across most age categories, particularly in the 22-24 and 30-34 age brackets, where females outnumber males by a considerable margin. For instance, in the 22-24 age group, females make up around 87% of the total students, which reflects broader societal trends of increased enrollment of women in higher education.
Moreover, the presence of older students, particularly those aged 40-49, suggests a growing recognition of the value of advanced degrees among mid-career individuals seeking career advancement or transition. This demographic shift may be influenced by the evolving labor market, which increasingly favors advanced qualifications.
Capella University's commitment to accessibility and flexibility in education likely contributes to its appeal among diverse age groups, accommodating various life stages and professional responsibilities. As educational institutions continue to adapt to the needs of a changing workforce, understanding these demographic trends will be crucial for tailoring programs and services to support student success.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 233 private doctoral universities in the U.S.
107 in 2025 · 0.3% in 2016
231 in 2025 · 0.5% in 2016
Data insights
Analysis of International Student Trends at Capella University
The data from Capella University reveals significant trends regarding the enrollment of international students over the years. Initially, in 2004, the proportion of international undergraduate students was a modest 2.23%, which marked the beginning of a fluctuating trend. There was a peak in 2008, where 3.25% of the undergraduate population were international students, indicating a growing interest in the university's offerings during that time.
However, the following years saw a decline in the percentage of international students, dropping to as low as 0.19% between 2011 to 2014. This decline could be attributed to various factors, including global economic conditions and changing immigration policies that may have made studying in the U.S. less accessible or appealing to international students.
Interestingly, from 2017 onwards, there appears to be a slight resurgence, with the percentages gradually increasing again, reaching 0.44% in 2022. This upward trend can be seen as a positive sign amid the competitive landscape of higher education, especially as U.S. universities work to attract a diverse student body.
On the graduate level, the percentage of international students has consistently remained lower than that of undergraduates, with a peak of 2.85% in 2008. The data shows a steady decline in the following years, culminating in a low of 0.49% in 2020 and 2021, before experiencing a slight recovery to 0.66% in 2023. This contrast between undergraduate and graduate international enrollment may reflect the differing appeal of programs offered or changes in the job market impacting international students' decisions.
Overall, while the numbers indicate periods of both growth and decline, the recent uptick in international enrollment suggests that Capella University is gradually regaining its appeal to international students, which is vital for fostering a diverse academic environment.
Cost
2025 cost per year
$21,750
- Undergraduate tuition
- $14,400
- Room and board
- $7,350
- Graduate tuition
- $15,092
Peer median tuition + room and board $56,962 · all 233 private doctoral universities in the U.S.
Tuition rose 9% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 81%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$505M
Expenses$431M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 233 private doctoral universities in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
No athlete data available for 2025.
No athlete data available for 2024.
No athlete data available for 2023.
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMinneapolis · 1.6 mi
U.S. News #59
-
University of St Thomas (MN)Saint Paul · 4.5 mi
U.S. News #156
-
Macalester CollegeSaint Paul · 5.6 mi
Liberal Arts #28
-
Bethel UniversitySaint Paul · 7.7 mi
U.S. News #236
-
St. Olaf CollegeNorthfield · 35.8 mi
Liberal Arts #49
-
Carleton CollegeNorthfield · 36.0 mi
Liberal Arts #16
-
Gustavus Adolphus CollegeSaint Peter · 56.8 mi
Liberal Arts #62
-
College of St. BenedictSaint Joseph · 65.2 mi
Liberal Arts #68
-
St. John's University (MN)Collegeville · 68.8 mi
Liberal Arts #74
Data insights
Here are some notable universities near Capella University:
-
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - Ranked 53rd in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. It is known for its research initiatives and diverse student body.
-
Macalester College - With a rank of 27, Macalester is a highly regarded liberal arts college that emphasizes internationalism, multiculturalism, and service to society. It provides a rigorous academic environment and a vibrant campus life.
-
Carleton College - Ranked 9th, Carleton is another prestigious liberal arts college known for its strong emphasis on undergraduate education and a close-knit community. It offers a wide variety of programs and is recognized for its academic excellence.
-
St Olaf College - With a rank of 51, St Olaf College is known for its commitment to liberal arts education and its vibrant music program. The college promotes a strong sense of community and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities.
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison - This comprehensive university ranks 35th and is known for its research contributions, diverse academic programs, and rich campus culture. It has a large student population and offers a variety of resources to support student success.
These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and are highly regarded in their respective fields.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Data at Capella University
The crime data for Capella University from 2013 to 2023 reveals a remarkable trend: a consistent absence of recorded criminal incidents. For each year, the data indicates zero arrests or offenses, demonstrating that the campus environment has remained exceptionally safe. This lack of crime is noteworthy, especially considering the national landscape where many universities grapple with issues ranging from drug-related arrests to incidents of violence.
The absence of crime could reflect effective campus safety protocols, a strong community culture, or the demographic nature of the student body. Universities across the United States often face challenges with drug abuse, alcohol-related offenses, and even violent crimes. Capella's situation stands out as an anomaly, suggesting that the institution may have implemented successful prevention and intervention strategies.
Additionally, the importance of transparency in reporting such data cannot be overstated. Institutions that provide clear statistics on campus crime contribute to a more informed perspective for prospective students and their families, ultimately fostering trust.
Overall, while the data from Capella University presents a picture of an extraordinarily safe environment, it also invites further investigation into the practices that contribute to such a low crime rate. Understanding these elements could provide valuable insights for other institutions aiming to improve their safety records. For those interested in crime rate calculations, further information can be found at this link: 'https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447'.
Notable Alumni
Notable alumni of Capella University include Tammy Duckworth (US senator from Illinois), Xavier Woods (Professional wrestler and YouTuber) and Irene Muloni (Ugandan engineer and former energy minister).
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Tammy Duckworth 1968–
US senator from Illinois
-
Xavier Woods 1986–
Professional wrestler and YouTuber
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Irene Muloni 1960–
Ugandan engineer and former energy minister
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Jennifer Welter 1977–
American football player and coach, first female NFL coaching intern
-
Rhadi Ferguson 1975–
Former mixed martial artist and judo black belt
-
Elizabeth Guzmán 1901–
Member of the Virginia House of Delegates
-
Brandt Smith 1959–
Arkansas House member and academic
-
Selina Bliss
Arizona state representative and nurse
-
Linda Singh 1964–
Retired Maryland National Guard major general
More alumni (2, by field)
Politics and law
-
Lori Goss-Reaves
Member of the Indiana House of Representatives
Arts and media
-
Sarah Gailey 1990–
Author of fantasy, science fiction and mystery
From Wikidata “educated at” records (including people who attended without graduating), ordered by the number of Wikipedia language editions. Degrees and years follow Wikidata and are left out where it has none.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.