Financial Aid
Regardless of your current income or assets, you may qualify for student financial aid programs to help with the cost of your education. You may also have financial options beyond those described here.
Federal financial aid: graduate studies
You must be enrolled at least half time to receive federal financial aid.
Federal Stafford Loan Program: Interest rates for student loans are lower than for most consumer loans. Loan amounts vary. The Stafford loan may be subsidized (government pays the loan interest during your studies) or unsubsidized (loan interest is added to your loan during your studies).
|
| Maximum Annual Loan Amount |
Maximum Aggregate Loan Limit |
$8,500 subsidized
$12,000 unsubsidized |
Combined subsidized and unsubsidized up to $138,500, of which no more than $65,500 can be subsidized. |
Eligibility and award amounts are reviewed annually by the Office of Financial Aid
Federal Graduate PLUS Loan Program: Offers master's and doctoral students a resource to bridge the gap between their other financial aid and their full education budget. The Graduate PLUS loan has a fixed interest rate, and repayment can be deferred until after graduation.
Federal financial aid: undergraduate studies
You must be enrolled at least half time to receive federal financial aid.
Federal Stafford Loan Program: The Stafford Loan may be subsidized (government pays the loan interest during your studies) or unsubsidized (loan interest is added to your loan during your studies). Loan amounts vary.
|
| Aid Type |
Yearly Limit |
1st year Stafford loans
(0-45 credits) |
$9,500 (max of $3,500 subsidized) |
2nd year Stafford loans
(46-90 credits) |
$10,500 (max of $4,500 subsidized) |
3rd-5th year Stafford loans
(91+ credits) |
$12,500 (max of $5,500 subsidized) |
Pell Grant Amounts
(all credit levels) |
Maximum of $5,550 |
| Lifetime Aggregate Totals |
$57,500 ($23,000 in subsidized) |
Eligibility and award amounts are reviewed annually by the Office of Financial Aid.
|
| Aid Type |
Yearly Limit |
1st year Stafford loans
(0-45 credits) |
$5,500 (max of $3,500 subsidized) |
2nd year Stafford loans
(46-90 credits) |
$6,500 (max of $4,500 subsidized) |
3rd-5th year Stafford loans
(91+ credits) |
$7,500 (max of $5,500 subsidized) |
Pell Grant Amounts
(all credit levels) |
Maximum of $5,550 |
| Lifetime Aggregate Totals |
$31,000 ($23,000 in subsidized loans) |
Eligibility and award amounts are reviewed annually by the Office of Financial Aid.
Private student loans
In addition to federal (government-sponsored) student loans, many Capella students seek private student loans from Capella's recommended lenders and other financial institutions.
How do I apply for federal financial aid?
When you apply for admission to Capella University, you can also complete our online financial aid application. We will show you, step by step, how to be considered for federal financial aid as well as other aid awards.
How is my federal financial award determined?
Capella's Office of Financial Aid determines your federal financial award based on the information you provide on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To determine the types and amounts of awards for which you may be eligible, we apply a federal formula that includes your Expected Family Contribution, as determined from your FAFSA, and the estimated Cost of Attendance at Capella, which includes tuition, fees, books and supplies.
|
| $18,500 |
12-month cost of attendance (graduate program) |
| $5,000 |
Expected family contribution |
| $13,500 |
Financial need |
A federal financial aid award will be determined after:
- Your financial aid file is complete with all needed documents.
- You meet all eligibility requirements.
- You are admitted to a degree or certificate program.
Can I get help to purchase books and software before my first quarter?
Once you have completed all of your financial aid documents and have accepted your financial aid award, you have the option of participating in our Financial Aid Book Allowance program. This optional program applies a credit to your account at Capella's online bookstore, MBS, using your anticipated financial aid refund amount. You can then use the credit to purchase books before the start of your course.
Federal financial aid policies
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Learning & Career Outcomes
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