Capital University

Overview

Capital University, founded in 1830 by German Lutheran settlers, is one of Ohio's oldest and most distinguished church-affiliated universities. Located on a 48-acre campus in Bexley — a suburb of Columbus — Capital offers the intimacy of a small university alongside unmatched access to one of the fastest-growing major cities in the Midwest. The university is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the same denomination as Wittenberg University in Springfield, and both institutions share a commitment to rigorous liberal arts education grounded in Lutheran values of service, inquiry, and human dignity.

Capital serves approximately 3,000 students across undergraduate programs in the College of Arts and Sciences, the Conservatory of Music, the School of Nursing, the School of Education, and Capital University Law School. This unusual breadth — from music performance to professional nursing to legal education — makes Capital one of the most versatile private universities in Ohio.

Academics & Programs

Capital offers more than 60 areas of study, combining the breadth of a liberal arts education with strong professional and pre-professional programs.

Notable Academic Programs

• Conservatory of Music: A well-regarded professional music school offering programs in performance, music education, music therapy, and music technology. Strong connections to the Columbus arts community provide exceptional performance and internship opportunities.
• School of Nursing: An ACEN-accredited nursing program with strong clinical partnerships across Columbus's world-class healthcare system, including OhioHealth and Nationwide Children's Hospital.
• Capital University Law School: An ABA-accredited law school in downtown Columbus offering J.D. and LL.M. degrees, with particular strengths in tax law, business law, and advocacy.
• Education: A strong teacher preparation program recognized by the State of Ohio for producing effective classroom teachers.
• Business Administration: Growing programs benefiting from Capital's Columbus location and access to a major corporate and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Lutheran Liberal Arts Tradition

Like Wittenberg University, Capital grounds its education in the Lutheran intellectual tradition — emphasizing questioning, service, and the integration of faith and reason. Both institutions encourage students to pursue vocation in the deepest sense: finding meaningful work that serves the common good.

Campus & Location

Capital's compact 48-acre campus in Bexley is one of the most distinctive in Ohio — a leafy, historic residential neighborhood that feels removed from the city while remaining just minutes from downtown Columbus. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings centered on an attractive main green.

• Schumacher Gallery: A respected campus gallery featuring fine art collections open to the public.
• Mees Hall: The historic centerpiece of campus, housing student services and administrative offices.
• Ruffing Natatorium: An aquatics and recreation facility serving the campus community.

Campus Life & Student Experience

Campus life at Capital benefits enormously from its Columbus location. Bexley is a charming walkable neighborhood, and all of Columbus — with its restaurants, arts venues, professional sports, and thriving job market — is easily accessible. More than 80 student organizations, Greek life, and a rich music performance calendar give the campus a vibrant feel. The Conservatory's performance events are especially valued by the entire campus community.

Athletics

The Capital Crusaders compete in NCAA Division III as members of the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC). Capital sponsors 21 varsity sports and has a proud history of competitive success across multiple disciplines. OAC competition brings regular matchups with conference rivals including Otterbein, Baldwin Wallace, John Carroll, and Mount Union.

Admissions

Capital admits approximately 75% of applicants, making it an accessible choice for students seeking a quality private university education in Columbus. Admissions is holistic, with attention to academic preparation, character, and personal goals.

• Acceptance Rate: ~75%
• Middle 50% SAT: 1070-1290
• Middle 50% ACT: 21-27
• Test-Optional: Yes
• Application: Common Application

Costs & Financial Aid

Capital's listed tuition of approximately $39,000 per year makes it one of the more affordable private universities in Ohio, particularly given its urban location and professional program offerings.

Capital offers merit scholarships and need-based aid to a large proportion of students. The university's ELCA affiliation aligns it with Wittenberg University, which similarly offers strong merit aid and a compelling net cost for students who value a faith-grounded liberal arts education.

Outcomes & Alumni

Capital graduates are well placed in healthcare, education, law, music, and business — particularly in the Columbus metropolitan area, where the university has deep employer relationships.

• Strong nursing NCLEX pass rates and high employment in Columbus healthcare systems.
• Law school graduates with strong bar passage rates and placement in Ohio firms.
• Notable alumni include musicians, educators, attorneys, and civic leaders across Ohio.

Frequently Asked Questions