Capella University
Minneapolis, Minnesota · Private For-Profit
ROI Score: 31/100 · Poor Value
Capella University
Poor ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $14,400/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $14,400/yr |
| Average net price | $17,956/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $71,824 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,189 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $51,500 |
| Median debt at graduation | $14,968 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $159 |
| Estimated payback period | 29.5 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 20.0% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 18,364 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,485 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,324 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,490 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,292 |
| $110,001+ | $22,820 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Capella University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $97,211 | B+ |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $87,997 | C+ |
| Psychology | $51,571 | F |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $76,334 | C |
| Human Resources Management | $76,004 | C |
| Accounting | $71,589 | C+ |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $99,561 | C+ |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration | $109,194 | C+ |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $59,375 | D |
| Marketing | $80,588 | D |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Capella University is $14,400/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $17,956/year, or roughly $71,824 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $17,485/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $22,820/year.
The median graduate leaves with $14,968 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $159 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $42,189 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.29 - well within manageable territory.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 51.3% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 59.5% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 32.5% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 49.2% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Enrollment | 18,364 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 38.5% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $7,627 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capella University (this school) | 31 | $17,956 | $42,189 |
| Academy College | 18 | $29,093 | $48,300 |
| Full Sail University | 13 | $38,875 | $38,219 |
| Post University | 12 | $21,634 | $38,696 |
| Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs | 9 | $16,745 | $37,180 |
| Ashford University | 6 | $31,266 | $35,404 |
The Verdict: The Numbers Don't Add Up
The financial data raises serious concerns about Capella University. With a net cost of $17,956 per year and median graduate earnings of only $42,189 ten years out, the payback period stretches to 29.5 years. For most students, the financial return does not justify the cost.
Key strengths include manageable debt relative to earnings. However, the data also shows weak earnings relative to cost and a 20.0% graduation rate and concerning loan repayment rates and a long payback period.
Median debt of $14,968 against $42,189 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.