Walden University vs Capella University
Walden University is a private for-profit university in Minneapolis, MN, and Capella University is a private for-profit university in Minneapolis, MN. Both admit about 100% of applicants. Capella University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,956 a year against $33,817 at Walden University. Ten years after enrolling, Walden University alumni earn a median of about $42,810, against $42,189 for Capella University.
At a glance
Type
Private (for-profit)
Private (for-profit)
Location
Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis, MN
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
9,136
18,364
Acceptance rate
100%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.2–3.7
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Not reported
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$33,817
$17,956
Full cost / yr
$35,358
$22,820
In-state tuition
$12,762
$14,400
Out-of-state tuition
$12,762
$14,400
Application fee
Not reported
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$32,652
$17,485
$30k - $48k
$34,983
$17,324
$48k - $75k
Not reported
$17,490
$75k - $110k
Not reported
$21,292
Over $110k
Not reported
$22,820
Outcomes
Graduation rate
Not reported
27%
Freshman retention
0%
42%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$50,657
$48,500
Median earnings (10 yr)
$42,810
$42,189
Median debt at graduation
$20,834
$14,968
Student body
Pell grant recipients
55%
39%
First-generation students
51%
50%
International students
0%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
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.
- Is Walden University or Capella University harder to get into?
- They are about equally selective: both admit around 100% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Walden University or Capella University?
- Capella University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,956 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $33,817 at Walden University. 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 Walden University and Capella University?
- Before aid, Capella University costs about $22,820 a year and Walden University about $35,358. 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, Walden University or Capella University?
- Capella University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $17,485 there, against about $32,652 at Walden University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Walden University or Capella University?
- Capella University is the larger of the two, with about 18,364 undergraduates against 9,136 at Walden University.
- Do graduates of Walden University or Capella University earn more?
- Walden University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $42,810 ten years after enrolling, against about $42,189 for Capella University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Related comparisons
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school