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Private for-profit, 4-year

Capella University

Minneapolis, Minnesota · www.capella.edu

中文

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
Minneapolis, Minnesota
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)

Bachelor's12,056153 international (1.3%)
Master's8,19162 international (0.8%)
Doctoral1,15619 international (1.6%)
Top 10 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
9210
Psychology, General
987
Business Administration and Management, General
606
Health/Health Care Administration/Management
363
Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General
192
Applied Behavior Analysis
125
Project Management
110
Accounting
106
Health Information/Medical Records Administration/Administrator
85
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance
79

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

Health professionshas 14476 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
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
Psychology has 3278 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
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
Businesshas 2371 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
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.-
Educationhas 634 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
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.-
Computer and information sciencehas 337 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
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
Public administrationhas 254 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
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
Homeland security has 26 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.$52,399-$78,971
Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management.$93,952-$115,966
Cyber/Computer Forensics and Counterterrorism.$126,214
Social sciencehas 20 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Social Sciences, Other.$70,955
Human science has 7 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMasterDoctor
Family and Community Services.-

Students

47,761 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 15:85 · Freshman retention 41.7%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (18,366)

White
8,155 · 44.4%
Black
5,099 · 27.8%
Hispanic
2,705 · 14.7%
Unknown
767 · 4.2%
Two or more races
709 · 3.9%
Asian
666 · 3.6%
International
107 · 0.6%

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.

Undergraduates0.6%

107 in 2025 · 0.3% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.3%2017: 0.3%2018: 0.4%2019: 0.4%2020: 0.4%2021: 0.4%2022: 0.4%2023: 0.4%2024: 0.5%2025: 0.6%
2016Peer median 3.9%2025
Graduate students0.8%

231 in 2025 · 0.5% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.5%2017: 0.5%2018: 0.5%2019: 0.5%2020: 0.5%2021: 0.6%2022: 0.6%2023: 0.7%2024: 0.7%2025: 0.8%
2016Peer median 6.4%2025

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
Tuition and room and board over time

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

Tuition and fees
$479M94.9%
Investment return
$3.1M0.6%
Other
$22.8M4.5%

Expenses$431M

Institutional support
$216M50.1%
Student services
$90.8M21.1%
Instruction
$77.9M18.1%
Academic support
$46.4M10.8%

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.

All faculty
$68,646peers $83,735

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

Data insights

Here are some notable universities near Capella University:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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).

More alumni (2, by field)

Politics and law

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.