At $23,585/yr net price, Capital University graduates earn $54,143/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,143/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,585 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $94,340 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,143/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,143/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 65.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,889 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $20,774/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,860/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,265/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,482/yr |
| $110,001+ | $27,218/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $83,177 | $42,583 |
| 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 | $25,000 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $59,846 | $27,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $57,318 | |
| Law. | Doctoral | $51,237 | $106,377 |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | Bachelor | $49,683 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,044 | $23,949 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | Bachelor | $40,068 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
65.5% of students at Capital University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 35% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Capital University delivers mixed financial returns, with strong outcomes in business and nursing but concerning debt levels across several programs. The $23,585 annual net price leads to median debt of $26,889, which becomes problematic when you consider the overall median earnings of $54,143 after ten years.
Business Administration stands out as the clear winner financially, with graduates earning $83,177 annually, though you'll carry $42,583 in debt to get there. Nursing offers better debt-to-income ratios at $60,035 in earnings with just $25,000 in debt, making it your safest bet for strong returns. Computer Science graduates earn $59,846 with reasonable $27,000 debt loads.
The 65% graduation rate and 74% retention rate signal that many students struggle to complete their programs, which dramatically worsens your financial risk if you don't finish. This makes Capital particularly risky if you're uncertain about your major or academic preparedness.
Only 31% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited need-based support. Merit scholarships exist but aren't generous enough to significantly alter the cost structure for most students. The Ohio job market supports Capital's business and healthcare programs well, but other majors may struggle to justify the private school premium.
Capital works financially if you're committed to business, nursing, or computer science and confident you'll graduate. The Columbus location provides internship opportunities that can boost earnings potential. However, if you're exploring liberal arts or undecided on your major, you'll likely find better value at Ohio's public universities where the lower costs provide more room for career exploration without crushing debt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Capital University worth the cost?
Capital University's graduates earn $54,143 after 10 years, which is below average for the $26,889 median debt students carry. The 65% graduation rate means one-third of students don't finish, making the investment risky for many.
What are the best paying programs at Capital University?
Business Administration leads with $83,177 in median earnings, followed by Legal Support Services at $69,338. These programs offer the strongest financial returns compared to the university's overall graduate earnings of $54,143.
How much debt do Capital University students graduate with?
The median debt is $26,889, which creates a challenging debt-to-income ratio given that graduates earn $54,143 after 10 years. Students should consider whether their chosen program justifies this debt load.
Does Capital University have good financial aid?
The net price of $23,585 per year suggests moderate financial aid availability. However, students still graduate with significant debt, and the relatively low post-graduation earnings make affordability a real concern.