HOW TO APPLY TO CAPELLA UNIVERSITY

Admission requirements

Choosing a degree program or certificate is the hard part.  
Applying should be easy.

Before you apply: 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. Take a look at the requirements and find everything you need to start your application.

$0 Application fee

Apply today with no application fee and no hidden fees for transcripts or transfer credit evaluation.

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.

Are you an international student?

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

Master’s degree from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency or an internationally recognized institution
Your official master’s transcripts, minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale

GRE and GMAT are not required for admission. Also, admission requirements for international students may differ.

Learn more about doctoral programs at Capella

Bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency, or from an internationally recognized institution
Your official bachelor’s transcripts
Minimum GPA as determined by your chosen program

Certain degree programs – such as counseling, social work, and nursing – may have additional requirements. International students also must submit proof of English proficiency and transcript evaluation.

While some institutions may ask for scores from the GRE, GMAT, SAT, or ACT, these tests are not required as part of admission for Capella.

Learn more about master’s programs at Capella

Admission application – no application fee required
High school diploma or equivalent
A transcript of any reported GED
4.5 credits eligible for transfer. See Sophia Admissions Pathways as an option to obtain credits
Applicants under age 24, as well as those over age 24 who have no transfer credits, may be required to submit a high school transcript verifying graduation
A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
Additional transfer credit and/or GPA requirements depending upon learning format

SAT and ACT are not required for admission.

Learn more about bachelor’s programs at Capella

GuidedPath

Students pursuing a certificate or taking individual courses must meet the minimum education requirements determined by the degree level of their course registration
Bachelor’s students must have a high school diploma or equivalent and at least 4.5 transfer credits. Students under the age of 24 must also submit a high school transcript verifying graduation.
Master’s students must have a bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency or internationally recognized institution
Doctoral students must have a master’s degree from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency or internationally recognized institution

FlexPath

Bachelor’s programs

High school diploma or equivalent
Students under the age of 24 must also submit a high school transcript verifying graduation
45 applicable college credits
The recommended minimum GPA is 2.8 OR at least 100 applied transfer college credits (Applicants with a lower GPA and less than 100 applied transfer college credits may have the option to satisfy GPA and/or transfer credit requirements through successful completion of gen ed courses through our affiliate Sophia prior to starting a Capella degree program.)

Master’s programs

Bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency, or from an internationally recognized institution
Recommended minimum college GPA: 2.8 (Applicants with a lower GPA may be considered by providing additional documentation for a holistic review.)
Some programs require that your bachelor’s degree be in your intended field of study, or that you have a minimum amount of relevant, professional experience in that field.

Don’t qualify for FlexPath? You have the option to start your program in our GuidedPath format. When you successfully complete a set number of courses at a 2.8 GPA or higher, you can transfer into FlexPath.

When you apply: how the Capella University application works

Once you’ve reviewed the admission requirements and gathered your materials, you’re ready to start your application. If you need more time, you can always save and finish it later.

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, we’ll apply eligible transfer credits to your program.

4. Upload 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

Apply today with no application fee and no hidden fees for transcripts or transfer credit evaluation.

1. Create 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

4. Upload 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

Apply today with no application fee and no hidden fees for transcripts or transfer credit evaluation.

1. Create 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

4. Upload 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

Apply today with no application fee and no hidden fees for transcripts or transfer credit evaluation.

After you apply: financial aid and transfer credits

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.

Financial aid

You may qualify for federal loans or grants to help fund your degree.

About federal financial aid »

Transfer credits

In some cases, your transfer credit evaluations will be completed after you are admitted.

About transfer credits »

Scholarships and Progress Rewards

Capella Progress Rewards are scholarships for eligible new students and are not need-based.

Explore scholarships »

HOW TO APPLY TO CAPELLA UNIVERSITY

Admission requirements

Before you apply: admission requirements

$0 Application fee

Identification

Transcripts

Minimum GPA

Acknowledgment agreement

English proficiency

Are you an international student?

When you apply: how the Capella University application works

1. Create your account

2. Personal information

3. Education history

After you apply: financial aid and transfer credits

Financial aid

Transfer credits

Scholarships and Progress Rewards

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