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.
- Individual programs
- Doctoral
- Master's
- Bachelor's
- Learning format requirements
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Transfer credits
In some cases, your transfer credit evaluations will be completed after you are admitted.
Scholarships and Progress Rewards
Capella Progress Rewards are scholarships for eligible new students and are not need-based.