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Welcome to Capella
Select your program and we'll help guide you through important information as you prepare for the application process.
Admission requirements
All Capella applicants must meet the following admissions criteria. Some degree programs and certificates have additional requirements. GRE, GMAT, SAT or ACT are not required for admission.
Application fee
Your $50 application fee covers administrative costs, transcript requests and transfer credit evaluations.
Identification
Applicants must provide a valid, government-issued form of photo identification.
Transcripts
Provide copies of official transcripts from previous institutions for relevant coursework.
Minimum GPA
Each program has specific minimum GPA requirements for admission.
Acknowledgment agreement
Agree to abide by Capella policies and program requirements.
English proficiency
All applicants must understand, read, speak and write fluently in English.
Resources for you
Enrollment counselors
Consult with an enrollment counselor to decide which program is best for you based on your career goals.
Financial aid counselor
Our financial aid counselors can help you estimate your costs and explore ways to save on your degree.
Military support
We offer benefits and assistance to active-duty service members and their spouses, Guard and Reserve members and veterans.
Disability services
If you need special assistance, accommodations or technology, we’ll help you get set up and ready to succeed.
Self-assessment
Use our free tool to gain insight into how you spend your time, your study habits and your organizational skills.
Learning format requirements
We offer two learning formats: FlexPath and GuidedPath. Choose the path that fits your life (our Path Finder Quiz can help), then check the requirements below.
Bachelor’s programs
- High school diploma or equivalent
- 45 applicable college credits
- Recommended minimum college GPA: 2.8 (Applicants with a lower GPA may be considered by providing additional documentation for a holistic review.)
Master’s programs
- Bachelor’s degree
- Recommended minimum college GPA: 2.8 (Applicants with a lower GPA may be considered by providing additional documentation for review.)
- Some programs require a bachelor’s degree in your intended field of study or a minimum amount of relevant, professional experience in that field
Don’t qualify yet? Start your program in our GuidedPath format and transfer to FlexPath once you successfully complete a set number of courses at a GPA of 2.8 or higher.
- Certificate and individual course students must meet the minimum education requirements determined by the degree level of their course registration.
- Bachelor’s students must be least 24 years old and must have a high school diploma or equivalent. (May be waived for military/veteran applicants and those with at least 24 quarter credits of prior college/university coursework.)
- Master’s students must have a bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or from an internationally recognized institution.
- Doctoral students must have a master’s degree from an institution accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or from an internationally recognized institution.
Some Capella degree programs have additional admission requirements. See the program page or ask an enrollment counselor for details. These requirements may include:
- Forms and documents disclosing licensure information, background and work experience
- Letters of recommendation
- Curriculum vitae or resume
- Essay or writing sample
- Faculty interview
- Registration acknowledgement form
Application process
1. Your account
Create or log in to your account. This is where you can save your progress, pick up where you left off, check your status or start another application.
2. Personal information
Enter your contact information and your Social Security number for federal reporting requirements and financial aid. We keep this information secure and confidential.
3. Education history
Provide transcripts from past universities, including military and other providers such as Sophia or StraighterLine. With your permission, we’ll request transcripts – once we receive them, apply eligible transfer credits to your program.
4. Additional materials
Depending on your program, you may need to provide additional materials, such as letters of recommendation, your resume, licensure information or assessments.
5. Submit application
Your application fee covers administrative costs, transcript requests and transfer credit evaluations – for now, we’re waiving the $50 cost.
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What’s next?
You’ll receive a decision on admission within two weeks of submitting your application. If you’re accepted and enroll in a program, we recommend that you create a financing plan and visit our online campus.
Create a financing plan
Explore options for paying for your degree and ways you may be able to save money.
Explore the online campus
Discover resources to manage your coursework, connect with other students and faculty and find other support.
Ask our alumni
Questions? Ask our alumni about their experiences, and see if Capella is a fit for you.