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 gives you a mixed financial return. Ten years out, the median earnings sit near the middle for a private nonprofit, while the net price and debt load are moderate. The 65.5% graduation rate and 73.55% retention rate mean a real slice of students leave before finishing, and leaving with debt but no degree is the worst outcome here.
Your major decides your outcome. Nursing pays off best at Capital, and given Columbus's large hospital systems, those graduates have a clear regional path to jobs. Computer science and accounting land close behind, both clearing $57,000. Business administration is the weak spot: at $42,044, it trails nursing by roughly $18,000 a year while carrying similar debt. If you enroll here for a general business degree, the numbers are hard to justify.
The main financial risk is finishing. With one in four students not returning after year one, borrowing against a degree you may not complete is the trap. Pick a program with proven earnings before you take on loans.
The net price tiers are unusual. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay less than families in the $48,000-$75,000 bracket. Aid is generous at the bottom, but the middle-income squeeze is real: families earning $75,000 to $110,000 pay over $24,000 a year, close to sticker.
Capital fits you if you want nursing, computer science, or accounting and you finish. If you're coming for business administration, or if you're unsure you'll stay past freshman year, the return here is too thin to bank on, and a lower-cost option makes more sense.
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.