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Return on Investment Analysis

Capella University ROI Analysis

Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.

Quick answer

USACollegeData.com ROI analysis (College Scorecard data): four years at Capella University costs about $57,744 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $48,500 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 4.3 years (20-year ROI: 368%).

ROI Summary

Total 4-Year Cost

$57,744

In-state tuition x 4

Earnings Premium

$13,500/yr

above high school diploma avg

Break-Even Point

4.3 years

After graduation

20-Year ROI

368%

Return on investment

ROI Analysis

Capella University's in-state tuition is $14,436. The median debt for students is $14,968, and 45.6% of students receive financial aid. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $79,233. Five years after graduation, the median earnings are $48,500, and ten years after graduation, the median earnings are $42,189.

The data indicates a positive return on investment in the first year after graduation, as the median earnings of $79,233 significantly exceed the tuition cost of $14,436 and the median debt of $14,968. However, the median earnings decrease over time. The one-year earnings are more than five times the tuition cost.

The provided data does not include the percentage of students who graduate or the acceptance rate. The retention rate is 22.7%. The data also does not include the debt-to-income ratio or the break-even timeline.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

The Numbers

Annual Tuition (In-State)

$14,436

Median Debt at Graduation

$14,968

Median Earnings (5yr)

$48,500

Graduation Rate

N/A

Receive Financial Aid

46%

Avg Aid Amount

N/A

Program-Level ROI

Program 4yr Cost Median Earnings (5yr) Est. 20yr ROI
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing $57,744 $108,816 2457%
Business Administration, Management and Operations $57,744 $87,452 1717%
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology $57,744 $84,648 1620%
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions $57,744 $48,442 366%
Health and Medical Administrative Services $57,744 $123,079 2951%
Psychology, General $57,744 $68,993 1077%
Educational Administration and Supervision $57,744 $81,321 1504%
Human Resources Management and Services $57,744 $64,578 924%
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management $57,744 $137,264 3442%
Student Counseling and Personnel Services $57,744 $48,915 382%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $57,744 $89,472 1787%
Public Health $57,744 $58,126 701%
Medical Illustration and Informatics $57,744 $0 N/A
Criminal Justice and Corrections $57,744 $79,205 1431%
Accounting and Related Services $57,744 $59,863 761%
Research and Experimental Psychology $57,744 $44,844 241%
Public Administration $57,744 $58,922 729%
Computer and Information Sciences, General $57,744 $140,196 3544%
Curriculum and Instruction $57,744 $77,084 1358%
Education, General $57,744 $74,660 1274%
Educational/Instructional Media Design $57,744 $106,309 2370%
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods $57,744 $83,407 1577%
Community Organization and Advocacy $57,744 $0 N/A
Social Sciences, Other $57,744 $44,185 218%

Peer Comparison

Capella University Current

368%

20yr ROI

Augsburg University

55%

20yr ROI

St Olaf College

17%

20yr ROI

Careers Unlimited

0%

20yr ROI

Concordia College at Moorhead

120%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$57,744
Median Debt$14,968

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0
Net 4-Year Cost$57,744

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on government data, Capella University has an estimated 20-year ROI of 368%. The total 4-year cost is $57,744 and graduates earn a median of $48,500 within 5 years.

Methodology

ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).

The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.

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