Minneapolis, MN · Private University
Is Capella University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$42,189
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$14,436
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$14,436
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$57,744
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.92x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
8 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
33.3%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$14,968
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$18,305
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Capella University graduates earn $2,811 less than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Capella University ranked by graduate earnings
21 graduates
95 graduates
1,820 graduates
86 graduates
602 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Capella University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Capella University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other: $105,828) and the lowest (Psychology, General: $43,554) is $62,274/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, OtherBest ROI | $105,828 | 7.3x |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management | $99,807 | 6.9x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $82,005 | 5.7x |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $78,333 | 5.4x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $72,613 | 5.0x |
| Marketing | $70,182 | 4.9x |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $62,638 | 4.3x |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $60,668 | 4.2x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $52,393 | 3.6x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $48,665 | 3.4x |
| Psychology, GeneralLowest | $43,554 | 3.0x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Capella University stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $42,189 10 years after starting, $2,811 below the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 8 years, a reasonable timeline.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.