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Capella Consumer Information

General Institutional Information

Accreditation and licensure of institution and programs

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North

Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), www.ncahlc.org. Capella University, Capella Tower,

225 South Sixth Street, Ninth Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55402, 1.888.CAPELLA (1.888.227.3552),

www.capella.edu.

Upon request, Capella will provide students or prospective students with a copy of accreditation and

licensure documents.

Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Capella University complies with the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

(FERPA) of 1974, which regulates the confidentiality of data in education records and terms for its

disclosure. Capella has a department dedicated to ensuring compliance with the act and creating relevant

policies and procedures regarding the release of student education records and related information under

the act.

Career Center

The mission of the Career Center is to assist students and alumni in developing and implementing their

unique career management goals, resulting in measurable career outcomes. Our online Career Center

provides resources and tips for job searches, interviewing, and creating resumes.

Transfer of credits

Capella University evaluates official transcripts from regionally accredited or internationally recognized

institutions to determine acceptance of transfer credit. Capella is also proud to have alliances with more

than 250 U.S. community colleges, as well as many other colleges and universities.

Articulation agreements

Experience a simplified transfer process and streamlined transition from a 2-year to a 4-year degree

program thanks to articulation agreements. Capella University has articulation agreements with more

than 100 colleges and has relationship agreements with more than 700 colleges. For more information

regarding schools with which Capella has established an articulation agreement or how your credits might

transfer, please contact an enrollment counselor at 1.866.679.9682.

Textbooks

Capella partners with MBS Direct to provide a virtual bookstore that offers new, used, and digital

textbooks. Students can review required and suggested materials for their courses by selecting the

term of their course, their program, and the course ID. The cost and ISBN information is provided for all

materials in our bookstore. Additionally, MBS Direct has a book buyback program.

Three-day cancellation

An applicant who provides written notice of cancellation within 3 days (excluding Saturday, Sunday, and

federal and state holidays) of signing an enrollment agreement is entitled to a refund of the application

fee. The school will provide a 100% refund within 30 days of receiving the notice of cancellation.

Academics

Academic programs

Capella University offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree options, along with certificate

programs. There are 43 degree program offerings and more than 143 specializations.

Residency

Capella University students in certain graduate-level programs are required to attend residencies or

colloquia, which are in-person learning experiences that provide face-to-face interaction between faculty

and students.

Capella faculty

Capella University is dedicated to finding faculty members who hold top academic credentials and

professional experience in the specialized areas they teach.

Written arrangements

Capella University has not entered into any written arrangements with any other schools and does

not participate in the following: consortium agreements (either to be the host school or home school),

contractual agreements, or study abroad programs.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Notice of availability of institutional and federal financial aid information

The Office of Financial Aid is the primary source for information about financial assistance—both federal

aid and other options—available at Capella University. To speak with a financial aid representative, call

1.888.CAPELLA (1.888.227.3552).

How to apply for federal aid

To receive financial aid, students must apply for aid each aid year. Our website has step-by-step

instructions on how to apply for federal financial aid as well as other aid awards. To speak with a financial

aid representative, call 1.888.CAPELLA (1.888.227.3552).

Tuition and fees

The Tuition and Fee Chart outlines the cost per credit per program. To calculate your cost—including

potential savings through transfer credits, corporate alliances, military affiliations, etc.—and explore

financing options, contact an enrollment counselor at 1.888.CAPELLA (1.888.227.3552).

Capella scholarships and grants

Capella provides a variety of grants and scholarships throughout the year to help students finance their

education.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) are awarded to Pell recipients who have

demonstrated exceptional financial need based on the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) provided by

completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The award amount depends on your

financial need. The FSEOG is considered to be “gift aid,” therefore it does not have to be repaid.

Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program

Capella participates in the Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program, which provides part-time employment

to eligible students who demonstrate financial need. Financial Need is based on the Expected Family

Contribution (EFC), which is determined by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid

(FAFSA). The Federal Work-Study funds are a part of the financial aid package; however, are paid to

students on a bi-weekly basis after employment requirements are met and wages have been earned.

Private education loans

Private education loans are available to students who are ineligible for federal financial aid or find that

federal financial aid does not cover their full education costs. Students are encouraged to apply for

federal financial aid prior to considering private education loans. Federal financial aid program terms and

conditions may be more favorable than private education loans. For additional information please contact

a financial aid representative at 1.888.CAPELLA (1.888.227.3552).

Capella partners with several recommended non-federal private education loan lenders that offer credit-

based loans to students. Alternately, students may choose any eligible lender and do not have to choose

any of the lenders on the recommended lender list. All private loans will be processed accordingly. Self-

certification forms are available and will be completed, upon request.

Disbursements and federal aid refunds

Students who are eligible for financial aid, enrolled at least half-time (for federal loans), and have

engaged in their course will have their funds disbursed to Capella during the third week of their course(s).

After applying the funds to any outstanding balances, Capella will process a federal aid refund (if

applicable) within 7 business days. Once the refund has been processed, it will take 3–5 business days

for Capella to process the refund by direct deposit or mail. Disbursements made after the third week of

courses are processed using the same timelines.

Financial Aid Book Allowance

Students who are Pell Grant eligible are automatically opted into the Financial Aid Book Allowance

program. All other students must opt in to use the book allowance. The program provides students a

portion of their anticipated financial aid refund to use at Capella’s online bookstore, MBS Direct. Students

may opt out by not using the book allowance or by submitting a written request to the Office of Financial

Aid.

Cost of attendance and Net Price Calculator

Financing your education takes both planning and budgeting. Our financial aid tools can help you set

expectations for the types of funding you may be eligible to receive and the cost of attendance for the

particular degree and program in which you are interested.

Experimental Sites Initiative (ESI)

Capella is participating in the Experimental Sites Initiative (ESI), which tests the effectiveness of statutory

and regulatory flexibility for disbursing Title IV student aid. ESI Experiment 6 involves testing the effect of

reduced Unsubsidized Stafford loan borrowing limits on graduation and persistence rates. For Capella,

this will take the form of a $2,000 reduction ($500 per quarter) in the annual Unsubsidized eligibility for a

select population of students. This is a statutory exemption from the usual regulatory provisions provided

by the Department of Education.

Financial responsibility

Students can help protect their future by borrowing responsibly. This begins with borrowing only loan

funds that are needed and planning ahead for repayment. For more information regarding the terms of

the Direct Loan program, students may review their Master Promissory Note (MPN) or the Direct Loans

website.

Tuition refund policy

Students who drop or withdraw from course(s) will have a percentage of tuition and fees refunded in

accordance with university policy and state regulations.

Return of financial aid funds at withdrawal

According to university policy, financial aid recipients who withdraw or stop participating in their course(s)

will have their unearned funding returned to the Title IV program(s) from which they were received.

Separation or withdrawal from the university

Students may request an immediate or delayed discontinuation from the university by completing and

submitting the Discontinuation Request Form.

Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (FASAP)

Students are required to meet and maintain satisfactory academic progress to be eligible for federal

financial aid. Failure to meet minimum requirements will result in students being placed on financial aid

warning, probation, or becoming ineligible.

Entrance and Exit Counseling

Students who request Direct Loan funding are required to complete the Entrance Counseling via the

StudentLoans.gov website. The counseling provides comprehensive information on the terms and

conditions of the loan and the borrower’s responsibilities.

Capella notifies students to complete Exit Counseling once they have dropped below half-time enrollment,

withdrawn, or have graduated. Exit Counseling helps students understand their rights and responsibilities

as a student loan borrower.

National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS)

NSLDS is the Department of Education’s central database for student financial aid. Students who

request and receive student aid will have that information reported to NSLDS. Loans will be accessible to

guaranty agencies, lenders, and schools if they are authorized to use the NSLDS system. Students may

access this information to see an integrated view of Title IV loans and/or grant information.

Percentage of students using financial assistance

At Capella, 82% of students use financial aid assistance, including federal financial aid, non-federal

financial aid, scholarships, and alternative loans. Of all undergraduate students (those who are less than

half time, half time, and full time), 58% receive Pell Grants. Of all full-time, undergraduate students, 100%

received Pell Grants. One hundred percent receive Federal Work-Study, loans, or grant or scholarship aid

from federal, state, or local governments, Capella, or other sources known to Capella.

Sources: Capella University Fact Sheet, 12/31/13.; Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) Financial Aid Report, 2012 (based on

Fall 2011 population).

Federal financial aid penalties for drug law violations

A student who has been convicted of a drug-related violation under federal or state law can be

disqualified for federal financial aid funding.

Those convicted of possessing illegal drugs will lose financial aid eligibility for:

• First offense: 1 year from date of conviction

• Second offense: 2 years from date of conviction

• Third+ offense(s): Indefinitely

Those convicted of selling illegal drugs will lose financial aid eligibility for:

• First offense: 2 years from date of conviction

• Second offense: Indefinitely

Student Outcomes

Gainful Employment Disclosures

The programs at Capella University are designed to provide career-relevant skills and to help students

advance professionally after graduation. Capella is committed to providing information regarding program

costs, time to completion, occupational codes, and median debt along with other important data to

students and prospective students. View our Gainful Employment Disclosures.

Advanced education for bachelor’s graduates

Nearly 24% of Capella’s bachelor’s degree graduates have enrolled in graduate or professional education

courses at Capella, including master’s degree programs, doctorate programs, and post-baccalaureate

certificates.

Retention rate

Capella’s retention rate refers to the percentage of first-time, bachelor’s-degree-seeking students from the

previous fall quarter who are again enrolled in the current fall quarter. Capella’s retention rate is 0% for

first-time, full-time undergraduate students and 24% for first-time, part-time undergraduate students.1

Transfer out rate

The Transfer Out Rate is based on three first time, full-time undergraduate students in Capella’s Fall 2007

population. The Transfer Out Rate is 33%.2

Graduation rate

The Graduation rate is based on first time, full-time undergraduate students in Capella’s Fall 2007

population. The graduation rate is 0%. This rate does not currently represent the majority of Capella’s

student population. As of December 31, 2013, 96% of Capella students enrolled part-time while 4%

enrolled full-time. In order to provide a better understanding of our graduation rates based on all degree

and certificate students, Capella calculates an Institutional Graduation Rate. The current Institutional

Graduation rate is 47.4% and is based on cohorts from 2002-2007. The populations used in the

institutional graduation rate are not limited to first time, full-time undergraduate students.2

Due to the lack of statistical data, Capella is not required to report the graduation rates for first time, full-

time undergraduate students who received a Pell Grant, students who received a Subsidized Direct Loan

(no Pell Grant), and students who did not receive a Pell Grant or a Subsidized Direct Loan.

Placement rates

Capella does not offer job placement services or regularly calculate placement rates. The Commission on

Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education of the American Association for Marriage and

Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE)3 requires that Capella University report job placement rates for

graduates of the MS in Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy program. 93% of Marriage and Family

Counseling/Therapy graduate survey respondents reported job placement within 180 days of graduation.4

1Capella University Fact Sheet, May 1, 2013,

2Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) Financial Aid Report, 2012 (based on Fall2011 population)

3The MS in Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy program at Capella University is Accredited by the Commission on

Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), 112 South Alfred Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314;

703.838.9808, coa@aamft.org.

4Capella does not offer job placement. Percentages reported for job placement rates are based on alumni self-report of career

accomplishments. Source: survey of 88 alumni who graduated between 7/1/12 and 6/30/13. Of the 14 alumni that responded to the

survey, 13 reported being employed within 180 days of graduation.

Student Demographics

Capella’s student demographic percentages are based on full-time undergraduate students. The

information regarding ethnicity is based on self-reported information from students.

Gender

Part-time

Full-time

All Students

Male

39.6%

100.0%

40.4%

Female

60.4%

0.0%

59.6%

Grand Total

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

Ethnicity

Part-time

Full-time

All Students

Two or More

3.5%

0.0%

3.4%

American Indian

Alaskan Native

0.7%

0.0%

0.7%

Asian

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

Black

44.4%

0.0%

43.8%

Hispanic

4.2%

0.0%

4.1%

Not Specified

14.6%

0.0%

14.7%

Pacific Islander

0.0%

50.0%

0.7%

White

32.6%

50.0%

32.9%

Grand Total

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

Degrees and certificates conferred (as of December 31, 2013)

Total (1993-2013): 43,992

Number of Alumni (Degree and certificate recipients): 40,997

Health and Safety

Annual Crime Statistics

In accordance with the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990, Capella University makes

available to all students and employees the Annual Crime Report that is submitted to the U.S. Department

of Education. The report includes statistics for the previous 3 years concerning reported crimes that

occurred on campus, in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the university,

and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible to the campus.

Drug and Alcohol Awareness

Capella University is committed to providing a drug and alcohol free environment for students, faculty,

and employees. The university maintains policies, procedures, and programs to provide information

surrounding drug and alcohol awareness. See the Campus Crime Policy and the University Policy on

Drugs and Alcohol for more details about Capella’s student drug awareness program. Capella University

faculty and employees should see the Capella University Employee Handbook for more details about

Capella’s employee drug and alcohol policy, and for available resources.

Capella complies with the requirements of the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988. Under this act,

employees must notify Human Resources of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring

in the workplace not later than five days after the conviction. Capella is required to notify the Department

of Education within 10 days of an employee’s conviction and must take action against an employee within

30 days of a violation of the policy.

Campus Crime Policies

Capella University is dedicated to providing a safe environment for students, faculty, and employees.

Outlined in the Campus Crime Policy are the programs, policies, and procedures that may minimize the

risk of criminal activity.

Sex offender registry

The Federal Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act requires that colleges and universities advise the

community where law enforcement agency information provided by a state concerning registered sex

offenders may be obtained. It also requires sex offenders already required to register in a state to provide

notice of each institution of higher education in that state at which the person is employed or is a student.

To learn the identity of registered sex offenders visit the Sex Offender database. The information provided

here is intended to be in compliance with the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act and is for safety

purposes only. It should not be used to intimidate, threaten, or harass. Misuse of this information may

result in prosecution.

Information for crime victims about disciplinary proceedings

Upon written request from the alleged victim of any crime of violence or nonforcible sex offense, Capella

will disclose the results of any disciplinary actions taken by Capella against the student who is the alleged

perpetrator of such crime or offense. If the alleged victim is deceased as a result of the crime or offense,

the information shall be provided, upon request.

Additional Information

Copyright and file sharing

Faculty, staff, and students must comply with federal copyright and trademark laws, such as the

Digital Millennium Copyright Act. No one may use Capella information resources and other information

technology tools for unauthorized file sharing, posting of copyrighted materials as one’s own, or other

copyright violations. Copyright infringement can result in civil and criminal penalties.*

Alternatives to illegal download

Summary of Civil and Criminal Penalties for Violation of Federal Copyright Laws

Copyright infringement is the act of exercising, without permission or legal authority, one or more of the

exclusive rights granted to the copyright owner under section 106 of the Copyright Act (Title 17 of the

United States Code). These rights include the right to reproduce or distribute a copyrighted work. In the

file-sharing context, downloading or uploading substantial parts of a copyrighted work without authority

constitutes an infringement. Penalties for copyright infringement include civil and criminal penalties. In

general, anyone found liable for civil copyright infringement may be ordered to pay either actual damages

or “statutory” damages affixed at not less than $750 and not more than $30,000 per work infringed. For

“willful” infringement, a court may award up to $150,000 per work infringed. A court can, in its discretion,

also assess costs and attorneys’ fees. For details, see Title 17, United States Code, Sections 504, 505.

Willful copyright infringement can also result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment of up to five

years and fines of up to $250,000 per offense. For more information, please see the website of the U.S.

Copyright Office at www.copyright.gov

Services for students with disabilities

We provide access, accommodations, and advocacy for Capella students who have disabilities.

Examples include both online courseroom considerations, such as accessible textbooks and additional

time on learning activities, and residential colloquia support, including sign language interpreters and

mobility assistance. To learn more about our disability services policies and procedures or how to request

academic accommodations, call 1.888.CAPELLA (1.888.227.3552).

Voter registration

Students not registered to vote can use the USA.gov website to obtain voter registration requirements for

their specific state.

Contact Us

If you have any additional questions regarding our financial assistance programs, academic programs,

tuition costs, or other items indicated in this disclosure please contact us.

USA toll free: 1.866.283.7921

Canada toll free: 1.866.734.5934

International: 1.612.339.8650

Fax: 1.612.977.5060

Monday - Thursday: 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. CST

Friday: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. CST

Saturday hours: 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. CST

All times listed are Central Time

Capella University

Capella Tower

225 South 6th Street, 9th Floor

Minneapolis, MN 55402