Capella vs Bellevue University

Capella University and Bellevue University, both accredited online institutions, offer a wide range of programs and flexible learning options for students seeking higher education. While they share some similarities, there are key differences between the two universities that prospective students should consider. Capella University boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for students with diverse backgrounds. Bellevue University, on the other hand, has a smaller student body, resulting in a more intimate learning environment. Additionally, the two universities differ in their popular majors, with Capella University excelling in business and healthcare programs, while Bellevue University is known for its strong offerings in criminal justice and psychology. To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a comprehensive comparison table that delves into these differences in greater detail, including graduation rates, student body demographics, and available programs.

	Bellevue University	Capella University
Overview
Location	Bellevue, Nebraska	Minneapolis, Minnesota
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (For Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Quarter
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	72.0%	60.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	Open Admission	Open Admission
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $75	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants
Total number of admissions given out
Admitted students who chose to enroll
Yield rate
Test scores (SAT/ACT)
High school GPA	N/A	N/A
Recommendation letters	N/A	N/A
High school transcript	N/A	N/A
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	N/A	N/A

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$35,088	$21,572
Average net price	$15,229	$17,840
Tuition	$7,560	$14,148
Room & board	$10,635
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	60.0% Average amount $5,955	100.0% Average amount $3,202
Students receiving federal student loan	20.0% Average amount $5,525	100.0% Average amount $7,943
Students taking out private loans	1.0% Average amount $10,000	0.0% Average amount $0

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	8,903 Men 44.3% Women 55.7%	12,383 Men 19.2% Women 80.8%
Graduate students	2,999 Men 43.8% Women 56.2%	26,333 Men 17.0% Women 83.0%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Moderate
Out-of-state students	90.0%	N/A
International students	0.1%	0.6%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	286	N/A
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	N/A
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Texas Nebraska Florida Arkansas California	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Computer and Information Science Social Sciences Psychology Health Professions	Health Professions Psychology Business Education Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	19:1	32:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	22.6%	50.0%
Dropout rate	N/A	50.0%
Transferred out	34.0%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,259 Year 2: $78,971 Year 3: $95,916 Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $83,595 Year 2: $80,152 Year 3: $83,164 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $83,177 Year 3: $81,575 Management Information Systems and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $78,343 Year 3: $77,959 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $72,528 Year 2: $71,495 Year 3: $73,578 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $59,241 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $71,969 Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $66,878 Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $69,276 General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,231 Year 2: $56,415 Year 3: $62,468 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,272 Year 2: $60,689 Year 3: $59,377 Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $56,155 Year 2: $51,273 Year 3: $59,135	Management Information Systems and Services (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $127,993 Year 3: $128,733 Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $106,301 Year 2: $111,435 Year 3: $119,533 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $114,251 Year 2: $102,409 Year 3: $109,147 Homeland Security (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $101,964 Year 3: $107,926 Health and Medical Administrative Services (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $85,861 Year 2: $101,072 Year 3: $106,574 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $104,654 Year 2: $99,886 Year 3: $100,616 Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $52,456 Year 2: $94,408 Year 3: $96,294 Business/Commerce, General (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $90,971 Year 2: $89,170 Year 3: $95,852 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $85,010 Year 2: $93,816 Year 3: $92,845 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $90,425 Year 2: $88,678 Year 3: $92,470

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary differences between Capella University and Bellevue University?

Capella University and Bellevue University both offer online degree programs, but they cater to slightly different student profiles. Capella is known for its competency-based education and focus on working professionals seeking advanced degrees, particularly in fields like business, counseling, and technology. Bellevue University, while also serving working adults, has a broader range of programs, including undergraduate degrees, and emphasizes a more traditional online learning experience with structured courses and schedules. Capella often uses a guided path approach, while Bellevue offers more flexibility in course selection within a degree program.
Which university, Capella or Bellevue, is better for working professionals?

Both universities are designed for working professionals. Capella University's competency-based education model allows students to progress at their own pace, potentially accelerating degree completion based on prior knowledge and experience. Bellevue University offers flexible online courses and scheduling options, making it convenient for balancing work and studies. The 'better' choice depends on your learning style and program needs. If you prefer a self-directed, competency-focused approach, Capella might be a better fit. If you prefer a more structured online learning environment with a wider array of program choices, Bellevue could be more suitable.
How do the tuition costs compare between Capella University and Bellevue University?

Tuition costs can vary significantly depending on the specific program and degree level. Generally, Capella University's tuition structure is often based on a per-credit or per-course fee, and can sometimes be higher than Bellevue University's, especially for doctoral programs. Bellevue University tends to have competitive tuition rates, particularly for undergraduate programs. It's essential to check the specific tuition rates for your desired program on each university's website, as well as any available financial aid or scholarship opportunities.
What types of degree programs are offered at Capella University and Bellevue University?

Capella University specializes in graduate-level programs, particularly in business, technology, counseling, and human services. They offer master's and doctoral degrees, as well as certificate programs. Bellevue University offers a broader range of programs, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, as well as certificate programs. Bellevue has programs in business, healthcare, human services, and technology, among others. If you're looking for a specific undergraduate program, Bellevue is more likely to offer it.
How does the online learning experience differ between Capella University and Bellevue University?

Capella University's online learning experience often involves a competency-based approach, where students demonstrate mastery of skills and knowledge through assessments. This allows for a more personalized learning path. Bellevue University's online learning experience is typically more structured, with scheduled courses, assignments, and interaction with instructors and classmates. Both universities utilize learning management systems to deliver course content and facilitate communication, but the overall structure and pace of learning can differ significantly.
Are Capella University and Bellevue University regionally accredited?

Yes, both Capella University and Bellevue University are regionally accredited. Regional accreditation is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a university, as it ensures that the institution meets certain quality standards and that credits earned are more likely to be transferable to other institutions. Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and Bellevue University is also accredited by the HLC.
What kind of student support services do Capella University and Bellevue University offer?

Both Capella University and Bellevue University provide a range of student support services to help students succeed in their online programs. These services typically include academic advising, career services, library resources, technical support, and disability services. Capella University also offers personalized coaching and mentoring, while Bellevue University provides tutoring and writing assistance. The specific services and their availability may vary, so it's best to check each university's website for details.
Which university, Capella or Bellevue, has a stronger focus on research?

Capella University generally has a stronger emphasis on research, particularly at the doctoral level. Their doctoral programs often require students to conduct original research and contribute to their respective fields. Bellevue University also supports research activities, but its focus is often more on practical application and professional development. If research is a primary focus for your graduate studies, Capella University might be a better choice.
How do the faculty and instructors compare at Capella University and Bellevue University?

Both Capella University and Bellevue University employ faculty and instructors with relevant academic credentials and professional experience. Capella University's faculty often have extensive experience in their respective fields and are focused on guiding students through the competency-based learning process. Bellevue University's faculty also bring practical experience to the classroom and are dedicated to providing a structured and engaging online learning environment. The specific qualifications and expertise of faculty members will vary depending on the program and department.
What are the admission requirements for Capella University and Bellevue University?

Admission requirements vary depending on the program and degree level. Generally, both Capella University and Bellevue University require applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent for undergraduate programs and a bachelor's degree for graduate programs. Specific programs may have additional requirements, such as minimum GPA scores, standardized test scores (e.g., GRE, GMAT), or professional experience. It's essential to check the admission requirements for your desired program on each university's website.

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