Getting into Capella University is straightforward compared to traditional universities. There is no competitive selection process, no SAT or ACT requirement, and no application essay. The requirements are designed to confirm that you have the academic foundation to succeed at the degree level you are applying for, not to filter out applicants based on prestige factors.
Here is exactly what you need at each level and how the application process works.
The Basics That Apply to Everyone
Before getting into degree-specific requirements, a few things apply to all applicants regardless of program.
All applicants must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English fluently. This applies to domestic and international applicants alike. Capella does not offer English as a Second Language programs, so English proficiency is a baseline expectation for all enrolled students.
No application fee is required. Unlike many traditional universities, Capella does not charge to submit an application.
The admissions process is rolling — there are no fixed application deadlines for most programs. You can apply at any time and start in the next available term once your application is complete and approved.
Bachelor’s Degree Requirements
For undergraduate programs, the primary requirement is a high school diploma or its equivalent, such as a GED. However, Capella’s bachelor’s programs are designed for adult learners, and the university has an age consideration worth knowing about.
Applicants under 24 years old are generally expected to have completed at least 60 transferable college credits before enrolling. If you are under 24 and do not have 60 prior college credits, you may still qualify under specific exceptions — active duty military personnel and veterans, for example, are exempt from the age consideration entirely.
For applicants who already have some college experience, transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions are accepted and can shorten your program. Capella also accepts Prior Learning Assessment credits for knowledge gained through professional experience, certifications, and non-academic training, which can further reduce the time and cost required to complete a bachelor’s degree.
There is no minimum GPA requirement stated for undergraduate admission in the general requirements, though individual programs may have their own standards. A government-issued photo ID is required as part of the application.
Master’s Degree Requirements
Graduate admission at Capella requires a bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by a Department of Education-recognised agency or an internationally recognised institution.
The minimum GPA requirement varies by learning format. For GuidedPath programs, the minimum undergraduate GPA is 2.3 on a 4.0 scale. For FlexPath programs, the minimum is 2.8. Applicants who fall below the recommended GPA threshold may be considered through a holistic review process, which means you can submit additional documentation — such as professional references, a personal statement, or evidence of professional accomplishments — to support your application.
No GRE or GMAT is required for any master’s program at Capella. This removes a barrier that stops many working professionals from pursuing graduate education and is one of the more practically significant aspects of Capella’s admissions approach.
Official bachelor’s transcripts must be submitted as part of the application. Some programs also require documentation related to professional licenses, background information, or work experience. Program-specific requirements are listed on each program’s page and are worth reviewing before you start your application.
Doctoral Degree Requirements
Doctoral admission requires a master’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Official master’s transcripts are required.
Some doctoral programs have additional requirements beyond the baseline. Programs in fields like nursing, counseling, and psychology may require documentation of current professional licensure, specific work experience in the field, or relevant clinical background. These requirements exist because doctoral programs in applied fields assume you are already practicing professionally.
GRE and GMAT are not required at the doctoral level either, which is consistent across all of Capella’s degree programs.
FlexPath Admission vs GuidedPath Admission
The GPA threshold is the main practical difference between qualifying for FlexPath and qualifying for GuidedPath. FlexPath requires a minimum 2.8 undergraduate GPA at the master’s level, while GuidedPath requires only a 2.3.
If your undergraduate GPA is below 2.8, you are not automatically excluded from FlexPath permanently. Capella allows students who begin in GuidedPath to transfer into FlexPath after successfully completing a set number of courses with a GPA of 2.8 or higher. This pathway gives students with lower GPAs the opportunity to demonstrate academic performance before switching to the self-paced format.
Some programs may have additional FlexPath-specific eligibility criteria beyond the GPA threshold. Checking the specific program page for the most current requirements is always the most reliable step.
Program-Specific Additional Requirements
Certain programs require more than transcripts and a completed application.
Nursing programs require applicants to hold a current, active, unrestricted RN license that must be maintained throughout the program. The license must be independently verifiable. Some nursing programs have additional state-specific restrictions — Capella is not currently accepting BSN applications from Washington state residents, for example.
Counseling programs with CACREP accreditation may require background documentation given the nature of clinical work. Psychology programs with licensure pathways often have similar documentation requirements.
Healthcare and social work programs may require evidence of relevant professional experience or field-specific credentials. These requirements vary by program and are listed individually on each program page.
What the Application Process Looks Like
The application is completed online through Capella’s website. You create an account, fill out the application form, and upload required documents — primarily transcripts and any program-specific materials. The process can be started and saved at any point, so you do not need to complete it in a single session.
Many prospective students speak with an enrollment advisor before or during the application process. Enrollment advisors at Capella are not neutral — they are also there to help you enrol — but they can clarify program-specific requirements, explain financial aid options, and help you choose between GuidedPath and FlexPath. Using them as an information resource is reasonable as long as you do your own independent research as well.
Once your application and documents are submitted, review times vary but most applicants receive a decision relatively quickly given the rolling admissions model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Capella require a GMAT or GRE for graduate admission? No. Neither the GMAT nor the GRE is required for any master’s or doctoral program at Capella. This applies to the MBA, all MS programs, and all doctoral programs.
What is the minimum GPA to get into Capella? For master’s programs in GuidedPath, the minimum is 2.3. For FlexPath, it is 2.8. For doctoral programs, it is 3.0. Applicants below these thresholds may be considered through a holistic review with supporting documentation.
Is there an application fee? No. Capella does not charge an application fee for any of its programs.
Can international students apply to Capella? Yes, though international students face additional requirements. Transcripts from non-US institutions must be evaluated by a recognised credential evaluation service. English proficiency must be demonstrated if English is not the applicant’s first language. International students should also be aware that Capella’s fully online format means no on-campus visa is issued.
How long does it take to get an admissions decision? Capella has rolling admissions and typically processes applications relatively quickly. The exact timeline depends on how promptly all required documents are submitted. Incomplete applications take longer to process.
Can I start Capella without meeting the FlexPath GPA requirement? Yes. Students who do not meet the 2.8 GPA threshold for FlexPath can begin in GuidedPath. After completing a set number of courses with a GPA of 2.8 or higher in GuidedPath, they become eligible to transfer into FlexPath.
What to Do Before You Apply
Pull together your official transcripts before starting the application. Unofficial transcripts can be used initially, but official transcripts from your previous institution will be required to finalise your enrollment.
Check the program-specific requirements page for the exact degree you are applying for, not just the general admissions requirements. Nursing, counseling, psychology, and health professions programs often have additional documentation requirements that are not part of the baseline.
If your GPA is below the recommended minimum, prepare supporting materials before applying. A well-documented professional history, relevant certifications, and a clear statement of purpose can support a holistic review case meaningfully.
Sources: Capella University official admissions requirements page, Capella University April 2026 catalog, Niche.com institutional review data, CollegeVine admissions information.