Capella University vs Western Governors University (WGU)

Capella University vs Western Governors University (WGU)

I'm wondering if anyone can give some updated light on which school (Capella vs WGU) would be better to attend. Are there discussion boards, group projects, and how many papers for each class?

What Members Are Saying (AI-Generated Summary)

Members are discussing their experiences with Capella University's BSN-MSN program, including the number of courses required, the flexibility of the program, and the translation of points into traditional GPA. They also share advice on choosing specializations, arranging preceptorships, and asking questions about remote practicum experiences. Some users express concerns about changing specializations mid-program and the impact on GPA translation for future educational or employment purposes.

85 Answers

Specializes in Pediatric Specialty RN.

I was deciding between these two myself. I went all the way through the admissions process for WGU and then realized that I would be required to do a synchronous class for the first 3-4 weeks....twice a week at the same time for 3-4 weeks I'd need to be at my computer participating in a 2 hour synchronous class. For an online university, this felt ridiculous. I can't work my schedule to be off the same two days every week for a month. That plus the fact I'd have to take chem and stats at WGU swayed me towards Capella. WGU also has a class where you have to get 90 hours of participation, interviews, or site surveys of community health resources. That sounded like a lot of driving around and interviewing people, none of which I was truly interested in.

I chose Capella ultimately....I have no idea how that's going to work out as I only start there on August 5. But apparently it's research papers and power point projects and no synchronous classes. No groups. There is a capstone at the end, but it's mostly just putting together everything you've learned. According to the enrollment counselors and other stories online, it's doable to finish in 6-8 months.

Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

I attended WGU. When I was there, there were no discussion boards and no group assignments. The RN to BSN program was a mix of papers and proctored exams. The MSN portion was 100% research papers.

11 hours ago, not.done.yet said:

I attended WGU. When I was there, there were no discussion boards and no group assignments. The RN to BSN program was a mix of papers and proctored exams. The MSN portion was 100% research papers.

55 minutes ago, Nurse Magnolia said:

I was deciding between these two myself. I went all the way through the admissions process for WGU and then realized that I would be required to do a synchronous class for the first 3-4 weeks....twice a week at the same time for 3-4 weeks I'd need to be at my computer participating in a 2 hour synchronous class. For an online university, this felt ridiculous. I can't work my schedule to be off the same two days every week for a month. That plus the fact I'd have to take chem and stats at WGU swayed me towards Capella. WGU also has a class where you have to get 90 hours of participation, interviews, or site surveys of community health resources. That sounded like a lot of driving around and interviewing people, none of which I was truly interested in.

I chose Capella ultimately....I have no idea how that's going to work out as I only start there on August 5. But apparently it's research papers and power point projects and no synchronous classes. No groups. There is a capstone at the end, but it's mostly just putting together everything you've learned. According to the enrollment counselors and other stories online, it's doable to finish in 6-8 months.

Too bad it seems that WGU moved toward ruining their program for some people. Given this information, I would also choose Capella.

Specializes in Informatics.

I just finished up my BSN with Capella. As stated before WGU wanted me to do a bunch of extra courses, and Capella waved me in and I just had to the 8 Nursing core classes. I highly recommend the Flexpath option if you are motivated. I got my BSN in 6 months for about $4500. I loved that there was no discussion boards or group work. You do have to "log" some "clinical" hours but there is not mandatory requirement that they be at a hospital you can pretty much write your own ticket.

Specializes in Pediatric Specialty RN.
4 hours ago, tydawg said:

I just finished up my BSN with Capella. As stated before WGU wanted me to do a bunch of extra courses, and Capella waved me in and I just had to the 8 Nursing core classes. I highly recommend the Flexpath option if you are motivated. I got my BSN in 6 months for about $4500. I loved that there was no discussion boards or group work. You do have to "log" some "clinical" hours but there is not mandatory requirement that they be at a hospital you can pretty much write your own ticket.

Glad to hear this! I start at Capella tomorrow! Hoping to finish fast as I only need to take the 8 core nursing courses.

WGU is cheaper. I did a MSN through capella. But it did cost me much more than WGU so thats a down side

Specializes in Pediatric Specialty RN.
1 hour ago, Oldmahubbard said:

Please tell me this meaningless degree is not possible

Doable in 6-8 months? What?

I have two bachelor’s degrees with zero desire to get a third except it’s required to move up the ladder in my hospital. I have over 200 credits of college level coursework. Because of that, I only have to take the 8 core required nursing classes (someone with only an RN and no other nursing classes would have to fulfill the 120 credits and it would take them much longer).

When someone says they completed the degree in 6-8 months, that’s because they ALREADY have completed the other credits elsewhere.

Because I had a higher GPA I could participate in the flex path program which means I get to work at my own pace. I’m figuring one month per class for a total max time of 8 months to complete my BSN. Or if it makes you feel better, 8 months plus 6 years to earn all of the other credits! I started on Monday and am 1/3 done with my first class.

Don’t judge the program based on how long it takes some people to complete. It’s accredited. Not only that, my employer pays for it 100% IF we go to this particular school. Good enough for me!

I am late to this thread, but wanted to let you all know that Capella has significantly increased their tuition. It is now $3200/12 weeks. That makes it quite a bit more expensive, in my opinion. Also, their credit hour calculations are very confusing, as they keep track in quarter hours instead of semester hours. They require 180 quarter hours, and their 8 core nursing classes = only 48 quarter hours. Your ADN, is worth roughly 90 quarter hours. This means you will have to get another 50 quarter hours, or 9 classes more towards your BSN. That is alot, and according to their website, only 10% of students complete the program in <9 months. With that in mind, this program is no longer a way to save $.

22 minutes ago, lperry said:

I am late to this thread, but wanted to let you all know that Capella has significantly increased their tuition. It is now $3200/12 weeks. That makes it quite a bit more expensive, in my opinion. Also, their credit hour calculations are very confusing, as they keep track in quarter hours instead of semester hours. They require 180 quarter hours, and their 8 core nursing classes = only 48 quarter hours. Your ADN, is worth roughly 90 quarter hours. This means you will have to get another 50 quarter hours, or 9 classes more towards your BSN. That is alot, and according to their website, only 10% of students complete the program in <9 months. With that in mind, this program is no longer a way to save $.

I did the RN to MSN from 2013-2015. it was cheaper then but still i felt it was expensive. the professors and staff were helpful with school, references and all for getting employed. That being said ifthe price has gone up that much i would pick wgu. you dont want massive student loan debt.

Specializes in Pediatric Specialty RN.
4 hours ago, lperry said:

I am late to this thread, but wanted to let you all know that Capella has significantly increased their tuition. It is now $3200/12 weeks. That makes it quite a bit more expensive, in my opinion. Also, their credit hour calculations are very confusing, as they keep track in quarter hours instead of semester hours. They require 180 quarter hours, and their 8 core nursing classes = only 48 quarter hours. Your ADN, is worth roughly 90 quarter hours. This means you will have to get another 50 quarter hours, or 9 classes more towards your BSN. That is alot, and according to their website, only 10% of students complete the program in <9 months. With that in mind, this program is no longer a way to save $.

For my purposes, it’s cheaper than everywhere else because my employers pays 100% of our BSN if, and only if, we go through Capella. But for others they should definitely check the costs. I only need 8 classes. I’ll be finished in 6-7 months

25 minutes ago, Nurse Magnolia said:

For my purposes, it’s cheaper than everywhere else because my employers pays 100% of our BSN if, and only if, we go through Capella. But for others they should definitely check the costs. I only need 8 classes. I’ll be finished in 6-7 months

for free do it. I liked the quality of education and access to professors. Im signed up to do my PhD with them in January.

Specializes in Informatics.

I too am looking to pursue my MSN in Education. I narrowed my options down to Capella or Purdue Global. They both offer the go at your own pace set up.

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