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Capital University

Columbus, OH·Private nonprofit·1,709 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. financial aid brings net price below sticker.

73%
Accept
1,709
Students
$23,585
Net Price
66%
Grad Rate
$48,400
Earnings
10 yr
$20,927
Debt

About This School

Capital University is a private nonprofit institution located in Columbus, Ohio with approximately 1,709 undergraduate students enrolled. Capital University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 73%. The average net price after financial aid is $23,585 per year. The graduation rate is 66%, and the typical graduate earns $48,400 within 10 years of enrollment.

Capital University is a private university in Bexley, Ohio, United States. Capital was founded as the Theological Seminary of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Ohio in 1830 and later was associated with that synod's successor, the American Lutheran Church. The university has undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as a law school. Capital University is the oldest university in Central Ohio and is one of the oldest and largest Lutheran-affiliated universities in North America.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: a 66% graduation rate and 74% freshman retention suggest that roughly one in four students who start here don't finish, which is worth asking about directly. On the positive side, median debt at graduation is a manageable $20,927, and being located in Columbus gives students real access to internships and employers in a growing metro area. Worth considering if you're drawn to a small, faith-affiliated campus with a law school pipeline, but come in with a plan to stay engaged — students who drift here seem to struggle to finish.

Founded
1830
Setting
Large suburb

Popular Programs

Health Professions18%
Business & Marketing17%
Education14%
Social Sciences8%
Psychology8%
Visual & Performing Arts7%
Biological Sciences5%
Communications5%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1118
Reading 75th %ile600
Math 75th %ile590

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite23

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$41,788
Out-of-State Tuition
$41,788
Avg Net Price
$23,585
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants31%
Median debt at graduation$20,927

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
66%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
74%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$48,400
after enrollment
Median Debt
$20,927
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$20,927
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$36,400
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$48,400
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.3x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White68%
Black12%
Hispanic/Latino7%
Asian3%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,709 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Capital University

1 College and Main

Columbus, OH 43209-2394

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Ohio

Browse all Ohio schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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