Capella University: Understanding Acceptance and Admissions

Capella University, established in 1993, is a private, for-profit, online university headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. This article delves into various aspects of Capella University, focusing on its acceptance rate, admissions criteria, academic programs, student life, and overall value proposition.

Overview of Capella University

Capella University was founded as The Graduate School of America by Dr. Harold Abel and Stephen Shank. Shank previously served as the CEO of Tonka. In 1997, the institution gained regional accreditation, and in 1999, the parent company and university were renamed Capella Education Company and Capella University, respectively.

In 2007, Capella was recognized by the National Security Agency (NSA) as one of 86 higher education institutions in the United States to have received the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education (CAE/IAE) designation. In March 2008, Capella Education Company expanded its office space in downtown Minneapolis and renamed the building Capella Tower.

Acceptance Rate: A Closer Look

Capella University has a 100% acceptance rate. This means that the university admits all applicants who meet the basic admission requirements.

Admissions Criteria

Capella University aims to make the application process straightforward. Applicants must meet specific admissions criteria, which may vary depending on the degree program or certificate. Here's a detailed breakdown of the general requirements:

Read also: Tuition at Capella University

Identification: Applicants must provide a valid, government-issued photo ID.
Transcripts: Official transcripts from previous institutions are required for relevant coursework.
GPA Requirements: Each program has specific minimum GPA requirements for admission.
Policy Agreement: All applicants must agree to abide by Capella policies and program requirements.
English Proficiency: All applicants must understand, read, speak, and write fluently in English. International students may have additional requirements to demonstrate English proficiency.

Additional Requirements

Certain degree programs, such as counseling, social work, and nursing, may have additional requirements. International students must also submit proof of English proficiency and transcript evaluation.

Standardized Tests

Notably, Capella University does not require GRE, GMAT, SAT, or ACT scores for admission.

Bachelor's Degree Students

Bachelor’s students must have a high school diploma or equivalent and at least 4.5 transfer credits. Students under the age of 24 must also submit a high school transcript verifying graduation. Some programs require that your bachelor’s degree be in your intended field of study, or that you have a minimum amount of relevant, professional experience in that field.

Application Process

The application process involves the following steps:

Account Creation: Create or log in to an account to save progress, check status, or start another application.
Contact Information: Enter contact information and a Social Security number for federal reporting requirements and financial aid.
Transcripts Submission: Provide transcripts from past universities, including military and other providers. Capella can request transcripts with the applicant's permission and apply eligible transfer credits to the program.
Additional Materials: Depending on the program, additional materials such as letters of recommendation, resumes, licensure information, or assessments may be required.
Application Fee: There is no application fee, and no hidden fees for transcripts or transfer credit evaluation.

Applicants typically receive an admission decision within two weeks of submitting their application.

Read also: Financial Aid at Capella

Academic Programs and Majors

Capella University offers a wide range of academic programs. Popular majors include:

Nursing
Business
Psychology
Healthcare Management
Human Resources
Information Technology
Medical Records Administration
Computer and Information Systems Security
Public Health

The university is known for its Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research, and Clinical Nursing programs.

Online Learning Paths: GuidedPath and FlexPath

Capella University offers two distinct online learning paths: GuidedPath and FlexPath.

GuidedPath: Provides a structured schedule with weekly assignments and discussion posts, fostering interaction and accountability. This path is ideal for students who benefit from a set pace.
FlexPath: Allows students to progress at their own speed, potentially finishing degrees quicker and saving on tuition. This path offers flexibility for those with busy schedules.

Students who do not initially qualify for FlexPath can start their program in the GuidedPath format and transfer to FlexPath upon successfully completing a set number of courses with a qualifying GPA.

Student Life and Support

Capella University primarily serves graduate students, with a significant portion enrolled in MS/MBA and PhD/PsyD programs. The undergraduate population makes up a smaller percentage of the student body. The average age of a Capella student is 37.

Student Reviews and Experiences

Student reviews generally highlight a positive academic atmosphere and comprehensive resources. Many students appreciate the flexibility of the online structure, which allows them to balance school, work, and family commitments. The instructors are often described as supportive, responsive, and clear about expectations.

Capella ties assignments directly to real-world scenarios, making the coursework feel useful and relevant. The online platform is easy to navigate, and program advisors communicate well and check in regularly.

However, some reviews express concerns about unexpected charges and inconsistencies with financial aid and administrative support.

Cost and Financial Aid

The net price for Capella University is $16,975 per year. The average total aid awarded is $5,054 per year.

In-State Tuition: \$14,436 per year
Out-of-State Tuition: \$14,436 per year

It's important to note that every family pays a different amount for college, and these figures represent an average.

Accreditation

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Additionally, specific programs hold accreditations from various bodies:

Baccalaureate and graduate level teacher education programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
The graduate level counseling program is accredited by The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Baccalaureate and graduate level nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Baccalaureate and graduate level business programs have been accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs since 2014.
Baccalaureate level information technology programs have been accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc (ABET).
In 2024, the American Psychological Association (APA) accredited Capella's online MS Clinical Psychology program.

Graduation Rate and Income

Capella University has a graduation rate of 33%. The median earnings five years after graduation are $75,078 per year. 96% of graduates are employed one year after graduation.

Historical Context and Controversies

In 2006, the United States Department of Education, Office of the Inspector General (OIG) began a compliance audit of Capella. In 2012, Capella faced criticism regarding its expenditures on marketing, profit, and CEO pay rather than instruction, as well as its use of aggressive recruiting practices.

A report by Senator Tom Harkin for the Senate Education Committee indicated that approximately 79% of the institution's cash flow comes from US government Title IV payments, including Pell grants. The report concluded that Capella's recruiting and student services were better managed than most other for-profit competitors, especially among graduate degree students.

Capella University was also among the institutions involved in student loan cancellation due to alleged fraud, a class action brought by a group of student borrowers.

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