Capella University
Capella University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Capella University Worth It?
At a value score of 16/100, Capella University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $42,189 — 22% below average — while paying $17,956/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.7 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 27% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Capella University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Capella University compares to peer for-profit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #4 of 9 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Rasmussen University-Minnesota | 29 | $17,962 | $39,080 |
| #2 | South College | 21 | $17,858 | $36,642 |
| #3 | ECPI University | 20 | $22,965 | $42,837 |
| #4 | Capella University | 16 | $17,956 | $42,189 |
| #5 | DeVry University-Illinois | 14 | $30,770 | $45,987 |
| #6 | Post University | 13 | $21,634 | $38,696 |
Peer group: for-profit colleges within ±60% of Capella University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in MN.
Best Programs at Capella University
The highest-earning program at Capella University is Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at $77,500/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Psychology, General at $36,700/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management graduate from Capella University earns $77,500, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $36,700. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management graduates carry $36,554 in median debt vs. $28,580 for Psychology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $17,956/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management | $77,500 | $77,500 | $36,554 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $72,400 | $72,400 | $22,839 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $65,700 | $65,700 | $27,344 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $59,200 | $59,200 | $26,256 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $56,400 | $56,400 | $33,141 |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $50,900 | $50,900 | $30,819 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $48,700 | $48,700 | $39,008 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $41,400 | $41,400 | $34,769 |
| Marketing | $39,500 | $39,500 | $31,249 |
| Psychology, General | $36,700 | $36,700 | $28,580 |
Similar Colleges in MN
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- for-profit
- Location
- Minneapolis, MN
- Student Body
- 18,364 students
- Graduation Rate
- 27%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $17,956
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $42,189
- Median Student Debt
- $14,968