Capella University

What is the accreditation of Capella University?

Capella University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Institutional accreditation applies to the university as a whole; it does not mean every individual program carries the professional accreditation needed for a particular occupation.

Capella also identifies specialized accreditation for certain programs, including nursing programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Applicants in nursing, counseling, education, psychology and other regulated fields should verify the accreditation of their specific program and confirm its licensing implications with the state where they intend to practice.

Institutional accreditation is an important condition for participation in federal student aid programs. It does not, by itself, guarantee financial-aid eligibility for every student or program, acceptance of credits by another college, or professional licensure. Receiving institutions decide whether to accept transfer credit, and licensing boards set their own requirements.

What are the admission requirements at Capella University?

Capella uses an open-admission policy for eligible applicants, but admission requirements differ by degree level and program. Prospective undergraduates generally need to apply and document high school completion or an accepted equivalent, such as a GED. Graduate applicants must establish that they hold the prerequisite degree.

Applicants should expect to submit official transcripts from prior schools. A graduate or professionally oriented program may also require a particular prior degree, minimum academic performance, professional credentials or other materials. Requirements for international education and English-language proficiency should be checked against the chosen program's admissions rules.

Capella's open-admission designation should not be read as automatic entry into every specialization. Nor should applicants assume an SAT or ACT score, essay or recommendation is required across the university: the relevant program requirements determine what to submit. Online start dates can vary by format and program, so the useful deadline is the one attached to the applicant's intended start.

What are the application fees and waivers at Capella University?

The reported Capella application fee is $50. An application fee is separate from tuition, course materials and any later enrollment-related charges.

Because fees and promotions can change, applicants should confirm the charge shown for their program before submitting an application. Someone seeking an exemption should ask admissions whether a waiver applies to their applicant category and whether approval must occur before payment; a waiver should not be assumed.

What types of ROTC programs are available at Capella University?

Capella does not identify an Army, Air Force or Navy ROTC unit as part of its primarily online university experience. Its military education benefits and support for service members are distinct from ROTC officer-training programs.

An applicant seeking an officer commission should check directly with a host ROTC unit about cross-enrollment eligibility before choosing Capella for that purpose. ROTC participation can involve in-person training, separate admission and scholarship rules, and a service obligation; online enrollment alone does not establish eligibility.

What are the requirements for transfer students at Capella University?

Capella generally considers credits from other accredited institutions and enrolls transfer students throughout the year. It also recognizes several forms of prior learning for possible credit, including CLEP, DSST/DANTES and learning evaluated under American Council on Education recommendations.

Transfer applicants should submit official transcripts from every college attended and request a program-specific credit evaluation. Admission and credit acceptance are separate decisions: a course may be transferable yet fail to meet a particular major requirement. Limits on applicable credits, minimum grades, recency of coursework and credits that must be completed through Capella can vary by program.

Capella also reports accepting Advanced Placement credit and credit for certain life experiences. Applicants with substantial prior learning should ask how each credential would apply to the specific degree plan before estimating their remaining time and cost. Prior-learning credit is not the same as accepting every experience for academic credit.

What types of study abroad programs are available at Capella University?

Capella's primarily online academic model is not organized around a conventional semester-abroad or exchange experience. Applicants should not assume that an overseas course or independently arranged program will count toward a Capella degree.

A student planning international coursework should obtain written academic approval before enrolling elsewhere. The relevant questions are whether the credits will transfer into the degree, whether the activity satisfies any field-placement rules, and whether financial aid can apply. Living outside the United States while taking online classes can also raise program-access, placement and aid questions that require advance review.