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Capital University

#439 in US ranking Columbus, OH
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Programs:
4 years or more

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Capital University award
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Cost

Cost / year
$57,739
Tuition & fees
$44,304
Avg. aid
$30,746
Receiving aid
99%

Admissions

Acceptance rate
70%
SAT range
910–1180
ACT range
18–25

Outcomes

Graduation rate
60%
Median salary
$45,220
1 yr after graduation

Courtesy of Capital University

What is the history 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.

What are the faculties and departments at Capital University?

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.

What is the location of Capital University?

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.

What is the mission and vision of Capital University?

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.

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Capital University Profile - Basic Information

Name of the institution

Capital University

Level of institution

Four or more years

Control of institution

Private

Setting type

Suburb: Large

Institutional Category

Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or above

Institution size category

1,000 - 4,999

Religious affiliation

Protestant (Evangelical Lutheran Church)

School type

Comprehensive higher education institution

Main student body

Coeducational

Calendar system

Semesters

Foundation year

1830

Capital University Accreditation

Capital 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.

Capital University Programs and Degrees

iconBachelor's degree
iconPostbaccalaureate certificate
iconMaster's degree
iconDoctor's degree - professional practice

Data 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.

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