Tuition & Financial Aid
Financial Aid & Support
Helping You Reach Your Goals with Financial Aid & Support
Capella University understands the financial commitment required to move your career forward. We provide support with scholarships, grants, military discounts, financial aid, and alliances with corporations and community colleges. Our financial aid staff is dedicated to review and evaluate your options, work with you to make your degree more affordable, and help you determine if Capella University is right for you.
You may qualify for student financial aid programs—including federal financial aid and private student loans to help with the cost of your education. You can complete our online financial aid application at the same time you apply for admission to Capella University.
Estimate Tuition Costs and Financial Aid
Our tuition calculator will help you estimate your actual tuition costs and related fees specific to your degree program.
Alliances
Capella University currently has alliances with more than 175 corporations and more than 25% of all U.S. community colleges, and many state schools. Our higher education alliances allows for streamlined credit transfer and programs designed to ease the transition from a 2-year to a 4-year degree program.
Learn more about our alliances.
U.S. Armed Forces Discounts
Reduced tuition rates extend not only to active duty members and their immediate family, but also to veterans, members of the National Guard and Reserves, survivors and dependents receiving Chapter 35 (DEA) VA benefits, civilian employees of the Department of Defense, and members of the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service and NOAA.
Learn more about military discounts and support.
Employer Tuition Reimbursement
Many employers offer reimbursement for educational tuition as part of the benefits package. Ask your HR department about your company's educational benefits.
Credit for Prior Learning and Transfers
Reduce the time and cost of finishing your degree by maximizing your transfer credits or credit for demonstrating relevant, college-level knowledge you've gained through formal and informal work training, continuing education programs, self-instruction, and other sources.
Learn more about transferring credits.
Federal financial aid
You must be enrolled at least half time to qualify for federal financial aid.
Federal Stafford Loan Program
Interest rates for student loans are lower than for most consumer loans, and loan amounts vary. Stafford loans are available for graduate and undergraduate students, and may be subsidized (the government pays the loan interest while you're in school) or unsubsidized (the interest is added to your loan while you're in school).
Federal Graduate PLUS Loan Program
Graduate students can use PLUS loans to bridge the gap between other financial aid and full tuition. The Graduate PLUS loan has a fixed interest rate, and repayment can be deferred until after graduation.
How do I apply for federal financial aid?
When you apply for admission to Capella, you can complete our online financial aid application, which will show you how to apply for federal financial aid and other awards. Learn how to apply.
How is my federal financial award determined?
Your federal financial aid award is based on the information you provide on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Eligibility is determined using a formula that includes your expected family contribution and the estimated yearly cost of attendance at Capella, including tuition, fees, books, and supplies.
Your federal financial aid award will be determined after:
- You are admitted to a degree or certificate program.
- You have submitted all the necessary documents to complete your financial aid file.
- You meet all eligibility requirements.
Can I get help to purchase books and software?
After you submit all necessary financial aid documents and accept your financial aid award, you can use our Financial Aid Book Allowance program, which applies a credit to your account at Capella's online bookstore using your anticipated financial aid refund amount. You can use the credit to purchase books before the start of your course.
Federal financial aid limits: Graduate students
You must be enrolled at least half time to receive federal financial aid.
| Maximum Annual Loan Amount | Maximum Aggregate Loan Limit |
|---|---|
| $8,500 subsidized $12,000 unsubsidized |
Combined subsidized and unsubsidized up to $138,500, of which no more than $65,500 can be subsidized. |
Eligibility and award amounts are reviewed annually by the Office of Financial Aid.
Starting July 1, 2012, subsidized loans will no longer be available, and the annual limit for unsubsidized loans will increase to $20,500.
Federal financial aid limits: Undergraduate students
You must be enrolled at least half time to receive federal financial aid.
| Aid Type | Yearly Limit |
|---|---|
| 1st year Stafford loans (0-45 credits) |
$9,500 (max of $3,500 subsidized) |
| 2nd year Stafford loans (46-90 credits) |
$10,500 (max of $4,500 subsidized) |
| 3rd-5th year Stafford loans (91+ credits) |
$12,500 (max of $5,500 subsidized) |
| Pell Grant Amounts (all credit levels) |
Maximum of $5,550 |
| Lifetime Aggregate Totals | $57,500 ($23,000 in subsidized) |
Eligibility and award amounts are reviewed annually by the Office of Financial Aid.
| Aid Type | Yearly Limit |
|---|---|
| 1st year Stafford loans (0-45 credits) | $5,500 (max of $3,500 subsidized) |
| 2nd year Stafford loans (46-90 credits) | $6,500 (max of $4,500 subsidized) |
| 3rd-5th year Stafford loans (91+ credits) | $7,500 (max of $5,500 subsidized) |
| Pell Grant Amounts (all credit levels) | Maximum of $5,550 |
| Lifetime Aggregate Totals | $31,000 ($23,000 in subsidized loans) |
Eligibility and award amounts are reviewed annually by the Office of Financial Aid.
Federal financial aid policies
- Financial Aid Code of Conduct
- Refund Policy
- Rights and Responsibilities
- Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
- Definition of Credit Standing for Student Loan Eligibility
- Definition of Full-time and Half-time Enrollment
- Campus Crime Policy
Private student loans
In addition to federal student loans, you can apply for private student loans from Capella's recommended lenders or other financial institutions.
Disbursements and Refunds
Lenders begin disbursing loan funds late in the third week of courses for learners who are enrolled at least half-time, have posted in the course room during the first week, and who have met all other aid eligibility requirements. After applying the funds to your outstanding balance, Capella will refund any remaining funds to you.
MBA Learners:
Your loan funds are disbursed for each 6-week session in which you are taking courses, rather than once for the entire quarter.