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University of Northwestern-St Paul vs Capella University

University of Northwestern-St Paul is a private university in Saint Paul, MN, and Capella University is a private for-profit university in Minneapolis, MN. University of Northwestern-St Paul is the more selective of the two, admitting about 93% of applicants against 100% at Capella University. Capella University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,956 a year against $27,705 at University of Northwestern-St Paul. About 68% of students graduate at University of Northwestern-St Paul, compared with 27% at Capella University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Northwestern-St Paul alumni earn a median of about $50,755, against $42,189 for Capella University.

University of Northwestern-St Paul

Saint Paul, MN · Private

Capella University

Minneapolis, MN · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Private
Private (for-profit)
Location
Saint Paul, MN
Minneapolis, MN
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,442
18,364
Acceptance rate
93%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.15–3.65
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
868–1271
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
20–28
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Not reported
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$27,705
$17,956
Full cost / yr
$51,325
$22,820
In-state tuition
$37,920
$14,400
Out-of-state tuition
$37,920
$14,400
Application fee
Not reported
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$26,696
$17,485
$30k - $48k
$23,884
$17,324
$48k - $75k
$21,689
$17,490
$75k - $110k
$25,267
$21,292
Over $110k
$31,348
$22,820
Outcomes
Graduation rate
68%
27%
Freshman retention
83%
42%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$47,544
$48,500
Median earnings (10 yr)
$50,755
$42,189
Median debt at graduation
$21,325
$14,968
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
39%
First-generation students
16%
50%
International students
1%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Aug 1
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is University of Northwestern-St Paul or Capella University harder to get into?
University of Northwestern-St Paul is harder to get into. It admits about 93% of applicants, compared with 100% at Capella University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, University of Northwestern-St Paul or Capella University?
Capella University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,956 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $27,705 at University of Northwestern-St Paul. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at University of Northwestern-St Paul and Capella University?
Before aid, Capella University costs about $22,820 a year and University of Northwestern-St Paul about $51,325. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, University of Northwestern-St Paul or Capella University?
Capella University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $17,485 there, against about $26,696 at University of Northwestern-St Paul. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Northwestern-St Paul or Capella University?
Capella University is the larger of the two, with about 18,364 undergraduates against 1,442 at University of Northwestern-St Paul.
Does University of Northwestern-St Paul or Capella University have a better graduation rate?
University of Northwestern-St Paul has the higher graduation rate, at about 68% against 27% at Capella University.
Do graduates of University of Northwestern-St Paul or Capella University earn more?
University of Northwestern-St Paul alumni earn more on average: a median of about $50,755 ten years after enrolling, against about $42,189 for Capella University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.

Related comparisons

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