


Courtesy of Capital University
Capital University traces its origins to a Lutheran theological seminary founded in 1830. The institution later expanded beyond ministerial education, became Capital University, and developed into a private university offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional study.
Its history still shapes its academic identity. Trinity Lutheran Seminary is part of the university, while the broader curriculum includes fields such as nursing, business, education, music, and law. For applicants, that combination means Capital is neither solely a religious school nor solely a liberal arts college: it offers professional programs alongside the arts and sciences.
Capital University offers undergraduate majors and graduate and professional programs across the arts, sciences, business, education, health professions, and theology. Its named academic units include the Conservatory of Music, the School of Nursing, Capital University Law School, and Trinity Lutheran Seminary.
Undergraduate choices include biology, communication, computer science, criminology, education, music, nursing, psychology, social work, and business-related fields. Students comparing majors should look beyond the degree title: clinical placements, teacher-licensure requirements, auditions, and other program-specific steps can affect both admission and the time needed to finish. Law and seminary programs have separate professional admissions processes rather than the standard first-year undergraduate process.
Capital University's main undergraduate campus is in Bexley, a municipality adjoining Columbus, Ohio. Students have a residential campus setting with access to the jobs, cultural institutions, and services of the Columbus metropolitan area.
The location may be useful for internships and off-campus employment, but the convenience of a particular opportunity depends on its hours and transportation requirements. Nearly half of students commute, making travel time and parking practical considerations. First-year students are permitted to park a car on campus. John Glenn Columbus International Airport is the nearest major airport for students traveling farther afield.
Capital University describes its educational purpose in terms of preparing students to think critically, lead, and serve. Its Lutheran heritage remains part of its institutional identity, particularly through Trinity Lutheran Seminary, while the university enrolls students pursuing a wide range of secular and religious fields.
These are statements of institutional purpose, not measures of any individual student's experience. Applicants who care about the role of religion in campus life can distinguish the university's historical affiliation from the requirements of their particular degree program.
Name of the institution
Capital UniversityLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
Suburb: LargeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
1,000 - 4,999Religious affiliation
Protestant (Evangelical Lutheran Church)School type
Comprehensive higher education institutionMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1830Capital University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Doctor's degree - professional practiceData last updated on November 5, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.