Capella vs Northern Michigan University (NMU)
Capella University and Northern Michigan University, while both offering distinct educational experiences, present contrasting characteristics that may influence your academic journey. Capella University, a private, online institution, boasts a remarkably high acceptance rate of 100%, making it an accessible option for aspiring students. In contrast, Northern Michigan University, a public, face-to-face institution, maintains a more selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 84%. Furthermore, the student body demographics and popular majors at these universities differ significantly. Capella University's student population is predominantly female (67%) and pursues degrees in business, health sciences, and information technology. Northern Michigan University, on the other hand, has a more balanced gender ratio (52% female, 48% male) and offers popular majors in education, business, and engineering. To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a comprehensive comparison table that delves into these differences and more, including graduation rates, tuition fees
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![]() Capella University |
![]() Northern Michigan University |
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Overview |
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Location | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Marquette, Michigan |
Campus setting | City: Large | Town: Remote |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Private (For Profit) | Public |
Calendar system | Quarter | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 60.0% | 72.0% |
![]() |
No | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | Open Admission | 71.3% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$50
Graduate:
$50
|
Undergraduate:
$35
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 | 6,553 | |
Total number of admissions given out | 4,670 | |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 1,496 | |
Yield rate | 32.0% | |
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 |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price | $21,572 |
In state:
$26,076
Out of state:
$31,572
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Average net price | $17,840 | $17,686 |
Tuition | $14,148 |
In state:
$12,098
Out of state:
$17,594
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$6,212
Meal plan:
$5,700
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
100.0%
Average amount $3,202 |
100.0%
Average amount $8,291 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
100.0%
Average amount $7,943 |
60.0%
Average amount $4,882 |
Students taking out private loans |
0.0%
Average amount $0 |
13.0%
Average amount $12,023 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
12,383
Men 19.2% Women 80.8% |
6,611
Men 41.4% Women 58.6% |
Graduate students |
26,333
Men 17.0% Women 83.0% |
603
Men 31.8% Women 68.2% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Moderate
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Very Low
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Out-of-state students | N/A | 27.5% |
International students | 0.6% | 1.2% |
Campus local/setting | City: Large | Town: Remote |
Dormitory capacity | N/A | 2,956 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | N/A | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | N/A | Michigan Wisconsin Illinois Minnesota California |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
|
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Students to faculty ratio | 32:1 | 19:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Higher Learning Commission | Higher Learning Commission |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 50.0% | 49.4% |
Dropout rate | 50.0% | 48.5% |
Transferred out | N/A | N/A |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Management Information Systems and Services (Doctoral Degrees)
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Doctoral Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Doctoral Degrees)
Homeland Security (Doctoral Degrees)
Health and Medical Administrative Services (Doctoral Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business/Commerce, General (Doctoral Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Doctoral Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
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Construction Engineering Technologies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas)
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions (Bachelor's Degrees)
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degrees)
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