About Capital University
Capital University attracts students seeking a close-knit Lutheran campus experience in Ohio's capital region. The university enrolls 1,709 students across its suburban Columbus location, offering the intimacy of a small college with access to big-city internships and cultural opportunities. With a 72% acceptance rate and average SAT scores around 1,073, Capital welcomes B-students ready to grow academically. The school maintains strong ties to its Evangelical Lutheran heritage while serving students of all backgrounds. A 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students by name, not just student ID numbers.
The financial picture tells a compelling story for middle-class families. While sticker price hits $57,034, the average student pays just $23,585 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $54,143 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $26,889 manageable with monthly payments around $285. Students from families earning under $75,000 often pay less than $23,000 annually.
Capital fields 16 varsity sports teams competing in NCAA Division III, with 453 student-athletes representing over a quarter of the student body. The 65.5% six-year graduation rate reflects the school's commitment to helping students finish what they start, though some take longer than the traditional four years.
The financial picture tells a compelling story for middle-class families. While sticker price hits $57,034, the average student pays just $23,585 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $54,143 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $26,889 manageable with monthly payments around $285. Students from families earning under $75,000 often pay less than $23,000 annually.
Capital fields 16 varsity sports teams competing in NCAA Division III, with 453 student-athletes representing over a quarter of the student body. The 65.5% six-year graduation rate reflects the school's commitment to helping students finish what they start, though some take longer than the traditional four years.
Academics & Faculty
Capital University operates as a full Lutheran university with a strong liberal arts foundation and professional programs. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in small classes. About 65% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the close mentoring relationships faculty develop with undergraduates. The university is particularly known for its Conservatory of Music, which has produced professional musicians and music educators for over a century. Strong nursing and business programs also attract many students. The Lutheran heritage shapes the curriculum through required religion courses and an emphasis on service learning. Most classes have fewer than 20 students, creating an intimate academic environment where professors know students by name.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 45.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 63.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 65.5%
- Retention Rate
- 73.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,143
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $83,177 |
| Legal Support Services. | Certificate | $69,338 |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Master | $67,660 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $60,035 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $59,846 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $57,318 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $51,237 |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | Bachelor | $49,683 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,044 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | Bachelor | $40,068 |
Campus Life
Capital University sits in suburban Columbus, giving students access to Ohio's largest city while maintaining a close-knit campus feel. With housing for 977 students and total enrollment of 1,709, about 57% of students live on campus. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll know your professors personally, and they'll likely recognize you walking across the quad.
Ohio winters require a heavy coat and boots for trudging through snow between classes, while spring and fall offer perfect weather for outdoor activities. Students take advantage of Columbus being just minutes away, heading downtown for internships, concerts, and Crew soccer games. The 453 student-athletes competing in 16 Division III sports create a spirited campus atmosphere without the pressure of athletic scholarships. With 94% of students from Ohio, weekends often involve exploring Columbus neighborhoods like the Short North or German Village. The Lutheran heritage shows up in campus traditions and community service opportunities, though students of all backgrounds find their place in this tight-knit community.
Ohio winters require a heavy coat and boots for trudging through snow between classes, while spring and fall offer perfect weather for outdoor activities. Students take advantage of Columbus being just minutes away, heading downtown for internships, concerts, and Crew soccer games. The 453 student-athletes competing in 16 Division III sports create a spirited campus atmosphere without the pressure of athletic scholarships. With 94% of students from Ohio, weekends often involve exploring Columbus neighborhoods like the Short North or German Village. The Lutheran heritage shows up in campus traditions and community service opportunities, though students of all backgrounds find their place in this tight-knit community.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 977 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1830
Campus Safety (2023)
34 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Stalking | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 19°–37°F
- July Avg
- 64°–86°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 43.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 28.2"
Student Demographics
Capital University draws heavily from Ohio, with nearly all students coming from in-state. This reflects the school's strong regional reputation built over nearly two centuries in Columbus. The student body leans female, typical of private universities with strong liberal arts and education programs. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves a mix of economic backgrounds. The Lutheran affiliation attracts families seeking faith-based education, though the 72% acceptance rate shows Capital welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds who want personalized attention in small classes.
- Men
- 42.2%
- Women
- 57.8%
- White
- 67.8%
- Black
- 12.1%
- Hispanic
- 7.0%
- Asian
- 2.6%
- In-State Students
- 94.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 31.0%
Location
Capital University sits in Columbus, Ohio's Bexley suburb, just minutes from downtown in the state's largest metropolitan area. The campus occupies 48 acres in this tree-lined residential community of about 13,000 people. Columbus offers students access to internships, cultural events, and job opportunities across the metro area's 2.1 million residents. The city ranks consistently among the best places for young professionals and new graduates. Bexley itself maintains a small-town character with historic homes and walkable neighborhoods, while downtown Columbus provides major league sports, museums, and a thriving arts scene. The Ohio State University's massive presence shapes much of the city's college-friendly atmosphere. Students considering colleges in Ohio may also compare Capital University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Columbus, Ohio 43209-2394
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,143
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $55,095
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $36,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 62.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $285/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,889
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Capital University?
Capital University accepts 72% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a private Lutheran institution. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 960-1186 on the SAT, with an average of 1073.
How much does Capital University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $23,585 after aid, less than the $41,788 sticker price. About 31% of students receive Pell Grants, and graduates typically leave with $26,889 in debt.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Capital University?
Capital maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,709 total students. The small suburban campus near Columbus emphasizes personalized attention and close faculty mentorship.
What do Capital University graduates earn after college?
Alumni earn a median salary of $54,143 ten years after graduation with a strong 97% employment rate. The university's career-focused programs and Columbus location provide solid job placement opportunities.
Where is Capital University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in suburban Columbus with housing for 977 students out of 1,709 total enrollment. About 94% of students come from Ohio, creating a tight-knit community feel at this Lutheran-affiliated school.
Does Capital University offer athletic scholarships?
Capital awards $0 in athletic scholarships as a Division III institution in the Ohio Athletic Conference. The Crusaders field 16 varsity sports with 453 student-athletes competing purely for the love of the game.
