Capella University is a fully online, for-profit university headquartered at 225 South 6th Street in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. Founded in 1993 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Capella offers bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and certificate programs through its online FlexPath and GuidedPath formats. The university draws working adults and career-changers who need flexibility, with strong programs in business, psychology, technology, and education. Because Capella operates without a physical campus, students interact through digital courserooms, video conferencing, and asynchronous discussion boards. Its Minneapolis headquarters serves a national student body entirely online.
Capella University is a fully online institution with no physical campus, so there is no live-on requirement for any students. All coursework, advising, and student services are delivered entirely through Capella's online learning platform.
Because Capella has no campus housing of any kind, all students are responsible for securing their own housing from the moment they enroll. Students who choose to live in Minneapolis while completing their degree online have access to a wide range of rental options across the city.
Students planning to relocate to Minneapolis for Capella should begin apartment searches 60 to 90 days before their intended move-in date. The Minneapolis rental market is competitive in spring and summer, so early outreach to landlords and property managers is recommended.
Housing policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Capella University before signing a lease.
Students targeting a January or spring semester start who want to settle in Minneapolis should begin searching in October or November of the prior year. Inventory in desirable neighborhoods like Uptown and the North Loop tightens quickly after the holidays. Locking in a lease early gives you time to set up your workspace and internet connection before classes begin. Many landlords offer January 1 move-in dates that align well with a winter enrollment.
The busiest rental period in Minneapolis runs from March through June, driven largely by University of Minnesota students and general city demand. Capella students relocating for summer or fall should be actively touring units and submitting applications by April at the latest. Expect competition for well-priced units under $1,500 in central neighborhoods. Having pay stubs, references, and a deposit ready speeds up the application process considerably.
Students who need housing within 30 days still have options, particularly in neighborhoods like Nokomis, Powderhorn, and Northeast Minneapolis. Corporate furnished apartment services near downtown cater to remote professionals and can bridge a gap while you search. Month-to-month leases are more available in fall and winter than in peak season. Setting up alerts on Zillow, Apartments.com, and local Facebook groups can surface new listings the day they post.
Uptown sits roughly three miles southwest of downtown and is one of Minneapolis's most walkable and lively neighborhoods. Renters find a dense mix of studio to two-bedroom apartments, strong walkability to coffee shops and coworking spaces, and easy bus access to downtown. Median rents run higher than the city average, but the convenience for solo remote workers is hard to match.
The North Loop, just northwest of downtown, has become the city's top destination for young professionals working remotely or in tech. Converted warehouse buildings offer modern units with exposed brick and high-speed internet infrastructure. It is within walking distance of the Minneapolis riverfront trails and Target Field. Expect rents on the higher end, with most one-bedrooms falling between $1,600 and $2,200.
Northeast is a creative, artsy district known for its galleries, breweries, and relatively affordable rents compared to Uptown. The neighborhood has a strong community feel and good transit connections along Central Avenue. One-bedrooms typically run $1,100 to $1,500, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious online students. The area is also very bikeable, with trails connecting to the broader Minneapolis network.
These south Minneapolis neighborhoods attract renters who want quieter streets and proximity to Lake Nokomis and the Minnehaha Creek trail system. Rents are among the most affordable in the city for the quality of housing available. The 35W bus corridor connects residents to downtown in under 30 minutes. Both neighborhoods have strong local coffee shops and libraries that work well as remote study spots.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
Capella uses two pricing models. FlexPath self-paced courses are priced per 12-week billing period, while GuidedPath courses are charged per credit hour. Tuition varies by program and degree level, so prospective students should request a program-specific cost estimate from Capella's enrollment team and factor in fees for textbooks, technology, and any required residencies.
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