I'm trying to get a handle on the real world costs of attending a PhD program at Capella. I've been quoted a yearly cost of $14500, plust indirect costs of nearly $12000. I understand the $14500 as the tuition of classes, but is it really $12000 of indirect costs for stuff like books, software travel? I understand I have to go to Minnesota, but are these costs nearly the same amount as my tuition? These prices are quoted from Capellas website and although Capella is expensive their program is direct and relevant. Still, $25000 per year for a nearly two year program is hard to justify. Reggie
IF you can finish the program in two years, and assuming, of course, that most of your masters credits are transferred.... and that is an if. Not everyone gets full 45 credits transferred. From what I've seen the total costs of their PhD (both direct and indirect) can range from 29,000-35,000 (assuming you get all credits transferred into the phd). For most of their programs (in particular the psychology program)you pay by course rather than by semester. I'm not sure if this is the case for their business programs though... you might want to check about that. However, you can minimize costs by using some of the school's student services. I think that the school tries to network students looking for roommates in residential areas. If you can't afford to stay in a hotel, this might work best for you. Also, I've heard that the school will be offering more scholarships for doctoral students starting next year. -S
Reggie, you don't specifically identify which program you are talking about, and that makes a difference. I'm sure teh Psy program is more costly. One question I have is, from whom are you hearing this "nearly" two years idea? It is conceptually possible to complete a doctoral program in two years from Capella. But I know a whole lot of graduates that had two years in mind when they started and passed up the two year mark considerably before they finished. I stopped paying at the 3 year 3 month mark. I had planned on two and a half years. I know a few that have done it, and you may be able to do it as well. Just don't bank on it unless you have all your ducks in a row, know what your dissertation topic is up front, are extremely organized, and an excellent writer. Second, the $12000 you indicate must be a typo. I guarantee you I did not spend over $1200 each year in indirects.
There was apparently a tempest in a teapot last year when someoine enrolled in their PhD progra, for instructional technology was hit with a $1,200 per month ongoing enrollment fee - on top of all the other fees. They appear to have a very aggressive for-profit model. More than one post fro people with large tuition loans - like the brer rabbit - tar baby situation
I don't know what "other" fees you might be referencing? I completed my doctoral program with Capella and I paid tuition (which I think you are referencing as an enrollment fee). I didn't have any other "fees". Like any other school, I also bought my books, but this is hardly a hidden fee. Their tuition model is not that uncommon. They have a single quarterly rate. This is independent of how many classes you take. Take one class and it is the same cost as taking three classes
If the school of psy charges per course, I think it is the only program at Capella that does so. I think all other programs are a flat rate per quarter, regardless of how many classes you take.
Clarification Thanks for the reply. I'm applying to the PhD program in Education (Teaching and Training Online). The nearly two years comment is based on the fact that I already have a Masters, and seem to be able to transfer in about 48 credits. I've followed discussion about how many classes one can take, and even presumming I take 3 classes per quarter, the program is still around 2 years for completion (if not more). The incidential cost is taken from my Finanicial aid information Capella has given me. They have stated that for the 2003-2004 year, my academic costs that I must cover are approximately $14000 (tuition). They then state that indirect costs (books, travel, materials) are approximately $12000 (no typo!). The loan I'd have to cover is $25500 for 2003-2004. A two year program, if not longer, obviously adds up to around $50,000. The indirect costs astonished me, but I've not done a program like this. 28,000 for two years is one thing, but around $50,000 is another. Thanks for the response. Reggie
I checked with them today. The psychology and IT program do not require a quarterly flat fee. The programs that require quaterly tuition are the business, education and human services program. -S
I don't think I've spoken to any Capella grad who spent over 50,000 (both direct and indirect) for their doctorates. I seriously don't think that the indirect costs are 12000 for the average student, unless you are travelling from Australia or Europe. Nevertheless, Capella has some very good programs, particularly the psychology school. But if you're into education, I think that there are other real good options out there that are much cheaper and some enjoy more academic recognition. The champ so far is the University of Nebraska's almost 100% online doctorate in education. You might also check Pepperdine university's online doctorates as well, but I think that they are quite more expensive. -S
Re: Clarification Okay, that answers it. This is standard Federal Student Loan speak, not specific to Capella. See the following on "Indirect Costs": Indirect costs are other estimated educational expenses the student may incur such as books and supplies, personal expenses, an allowance for transportation to and from school, and an estimate for room and board if the student lives off campus. Indirect costs are included under "books," "miscellaneous," (or "room" and "board" for off-campus students). Indirect costs may vary according to each student’s needs. The standard student loan quote on indirect costs include living expenses. If you are a working adult and are not planning on relying on your school loan for rent and food, a great deal of this indirect cost does not apply to you.
I keep hearing about UNL for a PhD in Education but when I looked at it I think it's important to note that they had 2 PhD programs in Education...the first is not entirely online at all. It said they offer several of the courses online but not anywhere near to the whole program. The second program is entirely online but only for Nebraska residents. Yet I keep hearing people talk about UNL so am I missing something?
UNL and Capella question "It is conceptually possible to complete a doctoral program in two years from Capella. But I know a whole lot of graduates that had two years in mind when they started and passed up the two year mark considerably before they finished." Paul, Thanks for the comments and insight. Your observation about indirect costs and Financial aid makes sense. I noticed that Capella suggests that the Comprehansive part of the PhD program usually takes one quarter, and dissertation at least 2 quarters. Is that about right? Holly, Please take a look at this url: http://edadone.unl.edu/Welcome.htm This is a program anyone can do, no matter where you are. I applied, and would have liked to have entered, but in consultation with the staff was told it was not a good fit for me in terms of the specific curriculum. I've heard that only 20% are accepted. The program is really designed for someone wanting to enter into an Administrative position for higher education (primarily college/university). I'm more interested in technology in education. Having said that I'm presently taking an on-line class from Nebraska for certificate reasons. Although it is cheap ($680 for 3hrs), the prof is teaching his first class and it is not what I expected. Little support and communication on his part. The on-line portion is great though and I love the flexibility. Plus, if I ever teach an on-line class I know what not to do! Reggie
Re: UNL and Capella question The main reason I went longer than my hoped for two and a half years is because you cannot predict how long it will take to complete your dissertation and what life speed bumps will be placed in your path along the way. I think it took me, from start to officially signed off and completed, about five months for my comps. This is not to say this is the norm. Some can get through much quicker and some take longer. Keep in mind that your six comp papers will likely total in the neighborhood of 100 plus pages. It would be a real challenge to research six topic areas and write over 100 pages in one quarter. It can be done, but not by me. My dissertation took exactly one year. It probably could have been nine months, but I had a particularly unexpected event during that period. Still, unless you are extremely focused and have complete and open access to your subjects, six months sounds like a challenging time frame. Again, people have done it. Keep in mind, my experiences are my own and may not be yours. I do know some Capella grads that took control from day one, were focused and well organized, knew their dissertation topic very early on, and completed in two years. It took me just under three and a half years. Was it worth the cost? This is subjective and everyone is different. For me, I would not have changed a thing. I imagined a fulfilling program, but it eclipsed what I anticipated. The knowledge gained and research experience that was an every day part of the program left me knowing that I am a researcher and a practitioner scholar. The other learners I met along the way also added to my experience. I had a dissertation committee that was highly credentialed and each member took a personal interest in assisting me along the way without being overly intrusive or filled with a “superior than thou” attitude. It was an expensive endeavor, but with current school loan interest rates at 3.5%, it is pretty cheap money repaid over a very long period of time. If I had chosen not to take this leap, the three and a half years would still have passed and I would have nothing. Having made the decision to commit to the program, I am now able to place those three little letters after my name and know that they were well earned with lots of sweat, effort, long nights, writing – writing- and more writing, and satisfying academic rigor. It is a big decision. It looks like you are doing your proper due diligence. Best of luck to you in your decision making process.
