I'm currently a doctoral student at Capella and will be taking my comps this summer. With already three degrees under my belt (brick and mortar ones), I really can't say that Capella's education is inferior. The courses are far more challenging than the doctoral level ones I took at NOVA Southeastern U in FL. They are far, far more challenging than the masters level courses I took at the University of Pittsburgh. In any case, everyone deserves to make an informed decision.

If you talk to grads from lots of colleges and universities you will learn that some are happy; some are not happy. My comment, really, is regarding Capella's tuition. I have seen, in many places online, negative commentary on their "high tuition and fees." Well, I don't pay any fees at all, and (since I take three courses a semester) my per-credit tuition is just around $350 a credit hour. I'd challenge anyone to find a doctoral institution with a better rate than that, be it brick and mortar or online, especially since there are no extra fees. Northcentral U is cheaper, but they offer no financial aid. Further, once a student enters the comps and diss stage, the tuition drops even lower.

I think it really all comes down to what you're seeking. I didn't need a fancy library or a huge campus with lots of social and academic groups. I have four children and work for a university that has a huge library. I couldn't see paying for things I did not need and would not use, only to find myself "trapped" in a classroom for three hours a night, several nights a week, for which I had to drive three hours.

I say bravo to Capella! I'm proud to attend a school that empowers people who are self-motivated and who have more going on in their lives than the need to spend half their lives "on campus."