Capella University Reviews of Doctorates in Public Administration

"The Doctor of Public Administration program has decent core classes, but the dissertation is a "bait and switch" scam designed to keep students on the tuition hook for years. Months will pass to receive mentor feedback and the approval of simple forms takes entire terms. The institution gets your money by forcing you to fill out forms and taking an entire term to reply, usually with a generic response, making the dissertation process take years when it should be relatively straight forward. I do not recommend for a doctoral degree unless you want to throw about $150-200k USD towards a 6-year program they advertise as $40-60k USD. Save your money and get a masters degree from a better school."

"Capella teachers brings out the best in you. After each term, a light switch turns on, bring out the best in you. In every term there is always something new that you have not learn and again bring out the best in you. Why I mention the best in you, the way your learn, write seems to get better with each term, teacher that you have. With different style of teaching, you always bring the style you had learn from the last term to the present term. Achievement is accomplished by bring out the best in you."

"Capella's doctoral program gives working adults a chance to achieve their academic dreams. I completed my Bachelor's and Master's at traditional brick-and-mortar universities. I really had wanted to pursue my doctorate, however after entering the workforce and needing to pay bills, living on a graduate student's stipend is not realistic or always possible. I was able to begin my doctorate with Capella online part-time, and it has definitely been worth it. It is not easy. You are held accountable and expected to meet high standards like any other doctoral program. The professors are all very accomplished in their fields. It is a lot of work, you need to be able to manage time on your own, and work on it every day. It seems that those who fail at their studies are not self-starters, and expect their hands to be held. I am beginning my dissertation soon and feel confident in Capella' guidance and how this will boost my personal and professional success. Yes, the cost is expensive, as it is a private university, but the Financial Aid team is very helpful, and I feel like you get your money's worth. Library services are flawless, and professors genuinely are invested in your success.Every time I had to contact any representative from the university, whether it be the advising team, financial aid officers, etc, they are all quick to respond and provide helpful information. Even their community group on Facebook provides a great way for students to connect with each other. If it wasn't for Capella, I wouldn't have been able to reach my dream of getting a doctoral degree!"

"I have learned a great deal at this school. I have faced many challenges and the professor at Capella push you to overcome those challenges. I have no problems with this school. You have to work hard to earn that degree. I enjoy my days at Capella."

"I am currently a student with Capella University, pursuing the Doctorate of Public Administration. I am not new to Capella University since I obtained my Masters in Criminal Justice with the University as well. However, the longer I remain with the University the worst the Financial Aid department becomes. I have compared the tuition rates with other online universities, and Capella is far more expensive than some of the ones I have compared them with. However, I am too far to turn around. My perspective graduation date is December 2016. When I began with the University in 2010 the Financial Aid department was far more professional and attentive than they have become in recent years. On a Master’s level my financial aid refund normally was about $1,800 providing I did not purchase books and I received it promptly on the first day of the month following the start day of each new academic quarter. As I continued to the Doctorate’s level, the refund amount decreased to roughly $1,200.00 if no purchases were deducted from the amount. I realize tuition rates do occur; however, throughout the year of 2014 the refund date moved from the first of the month (which is normally the third week of the academic quarter) to fifth and sixth week following the first day of class without explanation. When I contact the financial aid office for clarity, the staff is rude, unprofessional, and short tempered. If I wasn’t too far to turn around, I would drop Capella University as quickly as I would a hot potato."

"I have 2 BS degrees, a MS, and an MBA. I wanted to advance my education and a doctorate degree was the next option. I debated several online schools until I settled on Capella. The instructors hold doctorates from some very prestigious schools. The program was not easy and was very challenging. If you are lazy dont do this program. There is alot of work and even getting to the dissertation phase is insane. I will appreciate my doctorate when I get it because I know how challenging the process was. Im 5-10 years the quality of graduates that are impacting the world from capella will be recognized because this is not a handed out degree. It is worked for from the first class. I highly recommend capella."