Pioneers in online education for working adults

By: The Capella University Editorial Staff

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What do you get when you combine the imagination of the former CEO of an American toy company with the experience of a former three-time college president? An innovative university built from the ground up to meet the needs of working adults through flexible learning.

Origin story: Capella University

As CEO of an American toy company, Stephen Shank recognized that many adults were underserved by traditional universities. For working adults, attending classes could be challenging, and traditional programs often didn’t support their career goals. He imagined a university that students could attend remotely.

In 1993, Dr. Harold Abel, an experienced college president, joined Shank on his mission to make higher education more accessible for nontraditional students. Together, they founded The Graduate School of America, with Dr. Abel serving as its first president. Years later, after earning accreditation, the school was renamed to Capella University, the name it carries today.

The evolution of online learning

Since then, Capella has been a leader in online education offering online programs that provide flexible learning for working adults. In 2002, Capella adopted a competency-based education model to better align learning with real-world skills that students can apply on the job.

Today, students can choose between two online learning formats:

The FlexPath learning format, available in select programs, allows students to learn at their own pace. Students advance based on their ability to demonstrate mastery of a subject, rather than on the time they spend in a classroom. Using this approach to learning, students learn skills they can apply right away in the workplace.

Capella’s GuidedPath learning format, available in all programs, offers students a structured approach to learning with weekly assignments and discussions with the flexibility of 24/7 access to the courseroom.

Capella accreditations and achievements

Since 1997, Capella University has maintained institutional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC, hlcommission.org). The HLC is an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and CHEA to accredit degree-granting colleges and universities.

Accreditation is an ongoing evaluative process, ensuring that institutions meet specific standards for quality and stability. Over the years, many of Capella’s programs have also earned specialized accreditation, an essential qualification for professional programs that can lead to certification or licensure.

For over 30 years, Capella has been a leader in higher education for working adults. The institution’s programs have earned recognition for excellence from respected professional organizations and agencies, including:

• The National Security Agency (NSA)
• American Nurses Association
• Association for Behavior Analysis International
• The Society for Human Resource Management
• IEEE Computer Society
• ROI Institute™

Learn more about all of Capella’s awards and recognitions.

Capella’s impact and outreach

Beyond academics, Capella has a strong commitment to its graduates and the communities they live in. The Capella Alumni Association exists to create, preserve and strengthen relationships between the university and its alumni by offering networking opportunities, career support and resources for professional development.

We’re committed to increasing access to education and empowering individuals to help transform their communities. Through the Capella Fellows Program, we’re investing in developing the talent and leadership skills needed to help address challenges in our communities. Each year, Capella offers up to 50 full-tuition scholarships to eligible individuals enrolled in an eligible master’s or doctoral program who make a positive impact in their community.

Capella University’s Alumni Day of Service encourages Capella graduates to give back to their communities. Their good deeds and acts of kindness have helped people and organizations across the country.

The university also encourages their employees to make a difference in their communities. Capella University employees volunteered over 3,900 hours in 2024.

These community engagement and social responsibility initiatives reflect our ongoing mission to help create positive change where we live and work.

The future of Capella University

Today, Capella has a thriving online presence with 40 degree programs, 80 specializations and a growing community of over 50,000 students and over 160,000 alumni.* The university continues to expand its offerings, building on its legacy as a trusted leader in providing high-quality education for working professionals.

*CU Fact Sheet, as of December 31, 2024.