Capella University

Capella University is an accredited, online university based in Minneapolis, Minnesota that was founded in 1993 by Dr. Harold Abel and Stephen Shank.  The school offers an array of challenging competency-based curriculum to prepare and challenge students for the future.  Competency-based learning is designed to combine the best of foundational theory with pragmatic, real-world applications to best serve today’s college student.

Capella University has just over 38,000 students enrolled in their programs with 91% attending part time and an average student age of 39.  A recent alumni satisfaction survey resulted in a 90% satisfaction rate which is rooted in a strong curricular design coupled with the fact that over 85% of Capella University professors hold a doctorate degree.

There are over 50 degree programs and 157 degree specializations offered through Capella University ranging from associate, bachelor, master, and doctoral level.  The degree tracks include broad-based subjects such as: business, counseling, criminal justice, education, emergency management, human services, nursing, public administration, health sciences, human services, information technology, psychology, and social work.

Capella University has a strong track record with a list of accolades and awards worth noting that include: an educational alliance partnership with the American Nursing Association (ANA), designation from the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance/Cyber Defense, acknowledgement from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) for a variety of Human Resources courses, in addition to a variety of state-based approvals and awards.

CU offers online students two primary types of online learning formats.  The first is known as Guided Path is the original online learning modality with a flexible schedule and guidance from the school.

Courses include a weekly online discussion with peers and faculty along with regular check-ins along a predictable path towards completion.  Required reading material and course credit maximums help students focus on the classes at hand from start to finish.  The tuition model is based on a pay-per-credit method with all degree programs available to students.

The other online model at Capella is known as the Flex Path.  The crux of this type of online learning is the premise that students can complete as many courses at a time (up to two simultaneously) for a flat tuition every twelve weeks.  Students in the Flex Path work one on one with the hallmark of the program being independence.

Students receive a set of recommended resources but students set their own schedule and course deadlines.  Once students have demonstrated mastery over a subject, they will be able to move forward.  Currently the Flex Path program is available for degree programs in information technology, healthcare, business, psychology, and nursing.

For information about financial aid, tuition, net price calculators, grants, discounts and scholarships, simply complete the form on this page or visit the school portal.  Please visit the school’s website for more information on programs offered and consumer disclosures.