Have you been discriminated against, harassed, abused, lied to, and/or cheated by Capella University and want to file a complaint? Here are some suggestions:

• Federal Law Enforcement Agencies
  • United States Dept. of Education, Office for Civil Rights
  • United States Dept. of Education, Family Policy Compliance Office
  • FBI Internet Fraud Complaint Center
  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Bureau of Consumer Protection
• Accreditation Agencies
  • The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
• State Agencies
  • Minnesota Higher Education Services Office
  • Minnesota Attorney General's Office: Consumer Protection Division
  • Minnesota Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility
• Private Agencies
  • Better Business Bureau

Federal Law Enforcement Agencies

While Capella University is a private institution, it does receive funding for various things from the Federal Government and is; therefore, accountable to the laws enforced by the following agencies. It is important to note that you should file complaints against the university at the earliest possible moment so that you don't miss any statutes of limitations that might expire. Furthermore, Capella University is prohibited from retaliating against anyone for lawfully filling claims against them, whether or not the University is ultimately found in violation of Federal laws. Also, you can not be retaliated against even if your complaint is not validated by these agencies as long as you have filed your complaints in good faith. In the event that Capella does retaliate, you should immediately file a new complaint with these same agencies - don't give up your rights!

United States Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights

It is known that a complaint was filed against Capella University, with the United States Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights on April 19, 2004 on allegations that their implementation of WebCT was not accessible to those with disabilities and that Capella University has failed to provide adequate accommodations to students that are entitled to receive them. Specifically, allegations were made that there are violations of Title II of the American's with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504). Then, on July 9, 2004, another complaint was filed against Capella University on allegations of harassment, intimidation, and retaliation in regard to the initial complaint. This complaint alleges more violations of the ADA and Section 504, and also contends that there are violations of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and First Amendment Violations. While Capella University is a "for-profit" institution, they also receive Federal monies. As such, it is believed that students' First Amendment Rights are protected and that Capella University is also liable (including punitive damages) under Section III of the ADA. Research is currently being conducted to ensure that Capella can be held accountable to First Amendment issues and Section III.

If you believe that Capella University has discriminated against you, it is highly recommended that you visit OCR's web site and then file your complaint, online, using the Office for Civil Rights Discrimination Complaint Form. OCR may also be reached at:

Chicago Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
111 N. Canal Street, Suite 1053
Chicago, IL 60606-7204
Telephone: 312-886-8434
FAX: 312-353-4888
TDD: 312-353-2540
E-mail: OCR_Chicago@ed.gov

United States Department of Education, Family Policy Compliance Office

Capella University refuses to turn over all education records to students as required by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). If you are abused by Capella, it is strongly encouraged that you request your "complete education record(s) as defined by FERPA. By Federal Law, they have no more than forty five (45) days to submit everything that is maintained as part of that record. If (or when) Capella University fails to do so, complaints should be filed with the United States Department of Education, Family Policy Compliance Office, the law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing violations of FERPA.

Family Policy Compliance Office
US Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-5901
(202) 260-3887 - Voice
(202) 260-9001 - FAX

FBI Internet Fraud Complaint Center

This agency is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C). Has Capella University stolen money from you? If they have, file a complaint against the University with the Internet Fraud Complaint Center.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Bureau of Consumer Protection

Here's another Federal Agency that may be used to report Capella University in the event that you believe that have committed fraud. Use the FTC Online Consumer Complaint Form to file your complaint.

Accreditation Agencies

While these agencies have limited, if any, power to enforce laws pertaining to education, they can investigate Capella for their fitness to retain their accreditation. Please review the information on these sites very carefully and then file against Capella University for any perceived problems pertaining to accreditation.

The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

When entering "Capella University" into a search engine query, one of the first things that will be noticed is that Capella University always mentions that they are "an accredited online university." Sadly, this means that they eventually received accreditation (apparently, after trying for many years) with their regional accreditation agency. It should be noted; however, that this does not say a great deal about the actual (or lack of) quality that one will receive at Capella. How many real universities state that they are an "accredited" institution as part of their byline? As a for-profit online "school," this status seems to serve Capella as an advertising gimmick. Capella students who believe that they are receiving a substandard education for the exorbitant fees they are charged should file complaints with the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools at:

Higher Learning Commission
30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400
Chicago, IL 60602-2504
(800) 621-7440; (312) 263-0456
Fax: (312) 263-7462

State Agencies

Capella University is located in Minneapolis, MN and all students, regardless of their home state, may file complaints against Capella with the Minnesota Higher Education Services Office. Please note that, dependent upon where you live, you may also be able to file complaints against Capella with an agency in your state as well.

Minnesota Higher Education Services Office

Capella University is registered with the Minnesota Higher Education Services Office. This is certainly one agency that complaints should be filed with. Let them know about your experiences with Capella University.

Minnesota Higher Education Services Office
1450 Energy Park Drive, Suite 350
St. Paul, MN 55108-5227
(651) 642-0533

Minnesota Attorney General's Office: Consumer Protection Division

Do you believe you've been subjected to "abusive or unlawful business practices" by Capella University? If so, the Minnesota Attorney General's Office: Consumer Protection Division might be a good place to file a complaint. They may also be reached at:

Minnesota Attorney General's Office: Consumer Protection Division
1400 NCL Tower
445 Minnesota Street
St. Paul, MN 55101
(651) 296-3353 or 1-800-657-3787
TTY: (651) 297-7206
TTY: 1-800-366-4812
(TTY numbers are for callers using teletypewriter devices)

Don't delay, file today.

Minnesota Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility

If an attorney from Capella University has contacted you, and you believe that that individual has subjected you to unethical and/or illegal treatment, be sure to contact the:

Minnesota Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility
1500 Landmark Towers
345 St. Peter Street
St. Paul, Minnesota 55102-1218
(800) 296-3952
(651) 296-3952

Private Agencies

Better Business Bureau

Yes, it's possible to file a complaint against Capella University with the Better Business Bureau. If you've been scammed, fill out the BBB's online complaint form today. Capella may not be a member, but that shouldn't stop you from filing a complaint with the BBB.