Capella vs Liberty University

Capella University and Liberty University, both established and reputable institutions, offer distinct educational experiences. Capella, a pioneer in online education, boasts a 100% online learning format, while Liberty provides both online and on-campus programs. With an acceptance rate of 100%, Capella welcomes a diverse student body, while Liberty's 58% acceptance rate reflects its selective admissions process. Capella's popular majors include Business, Information Technology, and Health Sciences, while Liberty excels in programs like Business, Education, and Religion. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more about these universities' graduation rates, student demographics, and other key differences, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your academic goals and preferences.

	Capella University	Liberty University
Overview
Location	Minneapolis, Minnesota	Lynchburg, Virginia
Campus setting	City: Large	City: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (For Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Quarter	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	60.0%	79.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation		Evangelical

Admission
Acceptance rate	Open Admission	99.3%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50	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		28,448
Total number of admissions given out		28,244
Admitted students who chose to enroll		5,461
Yield rate		19.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)		N/A
High school GPA	N/A	Required
Recommendation letters	N/A	Not required
High school transcript	N/A	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	N/A	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$21,572	$42,620
Average net price	$17,840	$27,891
Tuition	$14,148	$21,663
Room & board		Room/dormitory: $6,150 Meal plan: $4,560
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	100.0% Average amount $3,202	89.0% Average amount $12,431
Students receiving federal student loan	100.0% Average amount $7,943	52.0% Average amount $5,619
Students taking out private loans	0.0% Average amount $0	9.0% Average amount $17,351

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	12,383 Men 19.2% Women 80.8%	47,696 Men 43.0% Women 57.0%
Graduate students	26,333 Men 17.0% Women 83.0%	47,013 Men 38.7% Women 61.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	76.0%
International students	0.6%	0.7%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	N/A	8,222
First year students are required to live on campus?	N/A	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	Virginia North Carolina Pennsylvania Texas Florida

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Psychology Business Education Computer and Information Science	Education Business Health Professions Psychology Theology
Students to faculty ratio	32:1	17:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	50.0%	62.1%
Dropout rate	50.0%	30.2%
Transferred out	N/A	5.6%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	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	Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $84,316 Year 2: $62,012 Year 3: $91,964 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $80,385 Year 2: $80,964 Year 3: $87,831 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $52,657 Year 2: $68,219 Year 3: $77,205 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,410 Year 2: $72,022 Year 3: $73,900 Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,556 Year 2: $51,106 Year 3: $65,313 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,731 Year 2: $62,936 Year 3: $64,580 Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $44,576 Year 2: $57,705 Year 3: $62,807 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $60,423 Year 2: $57,714 Year 3: $62,225 Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: $40,885 Year 2: $56,415 Year 3: $62,169 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $58,240 Year 2: $59,895 Year 3: $61,052

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Capella University and Liberty University?

Capella University focuses primarily on online education for working adults, offering competency-based learning options and a strong emphasis on professional development. Liberty University, while also offering extensive online programs, maintains a strong traditional campus presence and integrates a Christian worldview into its curriculum. Capella is generally considered more flexible in terms of pacing, while Liberty offers a more structured online learning experience.
Which university is more affordable: Capella University or Liberty University?

Tuition costs can vary significantly depending on the specific program and degree level. Generally, Liberty University tends to have slightly lower tuition rates for undergraduate programs. However, Capella University's competency-based learning model can potentially save students money by allowing them to complete courses faster if they demonstrate prior knowledge. It's best to compare the specific program costs for your desired field of study at both institutions.
What types of programs do Capella University and Liberty University offer?

Both universities offer a wide range of programs. Capella University is known for its graduate programs in business, counseling, human services, and technology. Liberty University offers a broader spectrum of programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees in areas like business, law, ministry, education, and aviation. Liberty also has a strong focus on programs related to Christian studies.
How does the online learning experience differ between Capella University and Liberty University?

Capella University's online learning is often self-paced, with a focus on competency-based education, allowing students to progress as they demonstrate mastery of the material. Liberty University's online programs typically follow a more structured schedule with set deadlines and regular interaction with instructors and classmates. Both universities utilize online learning platforms, but the delivery and pacing of the courses differ.
What is the accreditation status of Capella University and Liberty University?

Both Capella University and Liberty University are regionally accredited. Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Regional accreditation is a widely recognized standard of quality in higher education.
Does Capella University or Liberty University have a stronger focus on research?

Liberty University has a growing research presence, particularly in areas related to its academic strengths, such as theology and law. Capella University's focus is primarily on applied research and professional practice, aiming to equip graduates with skills directly applicable to their careers. While both institutions support research, Liberty University has a more pronounced emphasis on traditional academic research.
What is the student demographic like at Capella University and Liberty University?

Capella University primarily serves working adults seeking to advance their careers, with a significant portion of students enrolled in graduate programs. Liberty University has a more diverse student body, including traditional undergraduate students, online learners, and a substantial population of students who identify as evangelical Christians. Liberty's student body is generally younger than Capella's.
How does the career support and resources compare between Capella University and Liberty University?

Both universities offer career services to their students, including resume writing assistance, job search strategies, and interview preparation. Capella University's career services are tailored to the needs of working professionals, focusing on career advancement and skills development. Liberty University provides a broader range of career services, including on-campus recruiting events and internship opportunities, catering to both traditional and online students.
What is the religious affiliation of Capella University and Liberty University?

Capella University is a non-denominational institution with no religious affiliation. Liberty University is a private Christian university founded on evangelical principles. Its curriculum and campus life are infused with a Christian worldview.
Which university is better for someone seeking a flexible, self-paced online learning experience?

If you prioritize flexibility and a self-paced learning environment, Capella University is likely a better fit. Its competency-based education model allows you to progress at your own speed and focus on areas where you need the most development. Liberty University's online programs, while still flexible, generally follow a more structured schedule.

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