Capella University

Capella University stands as a pioneering force in online higher education, offering a dynamic and accessible learning experience tailored for adult learners and career-focused professionals. Founded as a private for-profit online institution, Capella has grown to serve over 43,915 students, guided by President Constance St. Germain. It is renowned for its commitment to providing flexible pathways to degrees, enabling students to advance their education without disrupting their careers and lives.

Established in 1993 by Dr. Harold Abel and Stephen Shank as The Graduate School of America, the institution quickly earned regional accreditation by 1997, solidifying its academic legitimacy. Renamed Capella University in 1999, it expanded its offerings to include bachelor's degree programs by 2000. This foundation of innovation and adaptability continued as Capella Education Company became a publicly traded entity in 2006, demonstrating its robust growth and strategic vision for the future of online learning.

Academically, Capella University has garnered significant recognition for its program quality and relevance. The National Security Agency (NSA) designated Capella as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education, highlighting its strong cybersecurity and IT programs. Furthermore, its project management degrees have received accreditation from the Project Management Institute (PMI) Global Accreditation Center, affirming their alignment with industry standards. Capella's dedication to student success was also acknowledged with the CHEA Award for Outstanding Institutional Practice in Student Learning Outcomes.

Continuing its evolution, Capella merged with Strayer Education Inc. in 2018 to form Strategic Education, Inc., further strengthening its position in the online education landscape. The university has also expanded its reach by adding learning sites in Atlanta, Georgia, and Orlando, Florida, in 2019, complementing its primarily online model. Recent partnerships, such as with Optum in 2023 for a nursing education program, underscore Capella's ongoing commitment to delivering career-relevant education and meeting the evolving needs of the workforce.