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Capital University

Columbus, Ohio

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You, Without Limits. Capital University offers a liberal arts education designed to empower students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their chosen field. With more than 60 majors, Capital blends critical thinking, creativity, and professional development to prepare students not just for their first job, but for a lifetime of success.Students are encouraged to explore their passions through hands-on learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strong community engagement. 

As a Capital Comet, students are more than just a student, they’re part of a community. Whether a student is competing on one of our 23 NCAA Division III varsity teams, performing in a Conservatory of Music ensemble, or getting involved in one of over 100 student organizations, they are a valued member of the CapFam.

Get to know Capital University

1,585
Degree-Seeking Undergraduates
Enrolled female students
57%
 
Enrolled male students
43%
 
Gender Ratio
Full-time students
98%
 
Part-time students
2%
 
Full-time to Part-time Ratio
-0%1%2%3%4%5%6%7%8%9%10%11%12%13%14%15%16%17%18%19%20%21%22%23%24%25%26%27%28%29%30%31%32%33%34%35%36%37%38%39%40%41%42%43%44%45%46%47%48%49%50%51%52%53%54%55%56%57%58%59%60%61%62%63%64%65%66%67%68%69%70%71%72%73%74%75%76%77%78%79%80%81%82%83%84%85%86%87%88%89%90%91%92%93%94%95%96%97%98%99%100%
Retention rate
Full-time faculty
45%
 
Adjuncts
55%
 
Faculty Ratio
9:1
Student/teacher ratio
$42,744
Full-time tuition cost
-0%1%2%3%4%5%6%7%8%9%10%11%12%13%14%15%16%17%18%19%20%21%22%23%24%25%26%27%28%29%30%31%32%33%34%35%36%37%38%39%40%41%42%43%44%45%46%47%48%49%50%51%52%53%54%55%56%57%58%59%60%61%62%63%64%65%66%67%68%69%70%71%72%73%74%75%76%77%78%79%80%81%82%83%84%85%86%87%88%89%90%91%92%93%94%95%96%97%98%99%100%
6-year graduation rate
Rolling
Application deadline
-0%1%2%3%4%5%6%7%8%9%10%11%12%13%14%15%16%17%18%19%20%21%22%23%24%25%26%27%28%29%30%31%32%33%34%35%36%37%38%39%40%41%42%43%44%45%46%47%48%49%50%51%52%53%54%55%56%57%58%59%60%61%62%63%64%65%66%67%68%69%70%71%72%73%74%75%76%77%78%79%80%81%82%83%84%85%86%87%88%89%90%91%92%93%94%95%96%97%98%99%100%
Acceptance rate
-0%1%2%3%4%5%6%7%8%9%10%11%12%13%14%15%16%17%18%19%20%21%22%23%24%25%26%27%28%29%30%31%32%33%34%35%36%37%38%39%40%41%42%43%44%45%46%47%48%49%50%51%52%53%54%55%56%57%58%59%60%61%62%63%64%65%66%67%68%69%70%71%72%73%74%75%76%77%78%79%80%81%82%83%84%85%86%87%88%89%90%91%92%93%94%95%96%97%98%99%100%
Out-of-state students
-0%1%2%3%4%5%6%7%8%9%10%11%12%13%14%15%16%17%18%19%20%21%22%23%24%25%26%27%28%29%30%31%32%33%34%35%36%37%38%39%40%41%42%43%44%45%46%47%48%49%50%51%52%53%54%55%56%57%58%59%60%61%62%63%64%65%66%67%68%69%70%71%72%73%74%75%76%77%78%79%80%81%82%83%84%85%86%87%88%89%90%91%92%93%94%95%96%97%98%99%100%
Full-time faculty w/ terminal degree

Benefits

Student Activities

Student Activities

  • Campus Ministries
  • Choral groups
  • Concert band
  • Dance
  • Drama/theatre
  • International Student Organization
  • Jazz band
  • Literary magazine
  • Music ensembles
  • Opera
  • Radio station
  • Student government
  • Student newspaper
  • Student-run film society
  • Television station
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High-Impact Practices

High-Impact Practices

  • First-Year Seminars and Experiences
  • Common Intellectual Experiences
  • Learning Communities
  • Writing-Intensive Courses
  • Collaborative Assignments and Projects
  • Undergraduate Research
  • Diversity/Global Learning
  • Service-Learning, Community-Based Learning
  • Internships/Coops/Practicums
  • Capstone Courses and Projects/Senior Experience
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Campus Resources

Campus Resources

  • Career Services
  • Writing Center
  • Academic Advisors
  • Library Services
  • Faculty Mentors
  • Disability Services
  • Multicultural Engagement Center
  • Health Services
  • Academic Tutors
  • Financial Aid Advisors
  • Student Success Initiative
  • Veteran Services
  • Peer Mentors
  • Counseling
SHOW MORE
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College Highlights

Engaged Students
Great Teaching
Vibrant Communities
Successful Outcomes
Admission & Aid
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Engaged Students

Capital students learn by doing. The university integrates experiential learning into nearly every program through internships, clinical placements, service projects, research collaborations, and global study experiences. Nursing majors complete rotations in top-ranked hospitals across Columbus, business students consult with local companies and startups, and education majors gain classroom experience early and often. Students in the arts perform in professional venues and showcase their talents throughout the city. These experiences help students apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world contexts, ensuring their education feels both practical and personal.

Columbus itself serves as an extended learning lab, with countless opportunities in healthcare, finance, government, and technology just minutes away. Capital’s connections to local industries and civic organizations make it easy for students to test their skills, refine their goals, and make meaningful contributions before graduation. By combining coursework with experiential learning, Capital fosters confident graduates who are ready to meet the challenges of the modern workplace.

“Columbus is a growing area. This means that the opportunities it offers are growing with it. Within the city, I’ve found things like internships, networking opportunities, and a growing culture. One example of this is my current internship. I am currently interning as a Finance and Accounting Intern at Chemical Abstract Services (CAS). CAS has its global headquarters in Columbus which provides an invaluable learning environment to hone my professional skills. I’ve had a great time at CAS which is only possible because of Columbus. That being said, CAS is one of many companies that have taken root in Columbus. There’s an infinite number of opportunities open to students who are hungry to grow. It feels good to be growing my life in a city that’s growing with me.”
– Nick Smith ‘26, Finance

CLASS SIZE
The number of sections of each class size.
2-9: 189 | 10-19: 221 | 20-29: 103
30-39: 12 | 40-49: 5 | 50-99: 0 | 100+: 1

ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY
Nonresident: 1%
Hispanic/Latine: 8%
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 14%
White, non-Hispanic: 66%
Native/Indigenous American or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 0%
Asian, non-Hispanic: 2%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 0%
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 6%
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 3%

Great Teaching

At the heart of Capital University is a faculty committed to student growth. Professors are mentors as much as they are teachers, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Small class sizes ensure that every student receives individualized attention and has the chance to engage meaningfully in discussion, problem-solving, and hands-on projects.

Capital’s academic programs balance the rigor of the liberal arts with practical preparation for careers in areas like nursing, education, law, and business. Faculty draw on both scholarship and professional experience to help students connect theory to practice, ensuring that every graduate leaves with the skills to think deeply and act effectively.

“My relationship with my advisor has been truly invaluable. I have immense respect for her, not just for her extensive knowledge in the field but also for the incredible businesswoman energy she exudes. She’s a real role model for me. Beyond that, she’s genuinely helpful and invested in my success. It’s clear she really wants to see me thrive, and she goes above and beyond to provide guidance and support. Whether it’s offering career advice, connecting me with relevant resources, or simply providing encouragement, I know I can always count on her. She’s been instrumental in shaping my academic and professional journey, and I’m incredibly grateful for her mentorship.” – Gracie Fryer ‘25, Marketing

SPECIAL STUDY OPTIONS
Programs available at this institution.
Accelerated program
Cross-registration
Distance learning
Double major
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Exchange student program (domestic)
External degree program
Independent study
Internships
Liberal arts/career combination
Student-designed major
Study abroad
Teacher certification program
Undergraduate research

Vibrant Communities

Capital’s campus community is warm, diverse, and full of opportunity. With more than 100 student organizations, NCAA Division III athletics, performing arts groups, and leadership programs, there’s something for everyone. The university’s tradition of service also fosters a strong sense of purpose and connection among students.

Beyond campus, the city of Columbus serves as an extended classroom and cultural playground. Just minutes away, students have direct access to internships, concerts, restaurants, festivals, and civic engagement opportunities. This blend of campus camaraderie and metropolitan energy makes Capital a place where students can grow academically, socially, and personally.

SCHOOL LOCATION
Capital’s campus offers the best of both worlds: a close-knit, welcoming community just minutes from the vibrant city of Columbus, Ohio. Recognized as the 5th best place in the U.S. for young professionals, Columbus is home to 16 Fortune 1000 companies, providing limitless opportunities for growth and connection. Ninety-seven percent of Capital seniors participate in high-impact practices such as internships, undergraduate research, service learning, or study abroad.

ATHLETICS
Capital University competes at the NCAA Division III level as a proud member of the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC). With over 20 varsity sports across men’s and women’s,student-athletes excel in competition while balancing rigorous academics and active campus involvement. Nearly 25% of undergraduate students participate in varsity athletics, bringing energy, leadership, and school pride to every corner of campus.

Capital’s athletic legacy includes 48 OAC regular-season championships and 52 Academic All-Americans, highlighting our commitment to both performance and academic excellence.Our student-athletes represent purple and white. Whether on the field, court, or track,, Capital athletes compete with drive, character, and a true Comet spirit. Go Comets!

“One activity that changed Capital for me was athletics. I got the honor to play for both the women’s lacrosse team and women’s soccer team. I have always been an athlete and don’t know what I would do without sports. It was nice that Capital allowed me to continue that career while also focusing on my education and professional development. In my last year of undergrad, I joined Pride of the Purple which is a student lead organization. We help with fan engagement and social media for all the sport’s teams. I had so much fun with this because I got to use my content and marketing skills in a creative way towards a subject I love! These both helped me prepare for my future more than I could imagine.” – Rylie Brackett ‘25, Marketing

RESIDENCE LIFE
Percent of students living on campus.
First-time, first-year (freshman) students: 69%
Undergraduates: 48%

Campus housing options.
Coed dorms
Men’s dorms
Women’s dorms
Apartments for single students
Apartments for married students
Special housing for students with disabilities
Theme housing

Successful Outcomes

Capital University graduates are known for being career-ready and community-minded. From day one, the Office of Student Success and the Center for Career Development walk alongside students as they explore their interests, build skills, and plan for life after graduation. Through personalized academic support, career coaching, résumé workshops, and networking opportunities with alumni and employers, students gain confidence and clarity in their goals.

Many Capital students complete multiple internships, applying what they learn in the classroom to real-world environments and developing a strong foundation for their future careers. Capital alumni make their mark in healthcare, law, business, education, and the arts. They are leaders, problem-solvers, and innovators who combine professional excellence with a sense of purpose.

“As an education major, I looked for colleges that were going to provide me opportunities to gain experience in many school districts. Capital was the perfect place! The school districts surrounding Columbus provide various experiences. Having those experiences with multiple school districts gives you an understanding of similarities and differences between districts. Being in Columbus also gives you the benefit of making connections with educators who can support you in your post graduation job search and future job.”
– Emily Archacki ‘24, Early Childhood and Intervention Education

First Grade Teacher at Hamilton Local School District

Admission & Aid

Admission

TEST SCORES
Optional

FRESHMAN PROFILE
SAT Composite
25th Percentile: 900 | 75th Percentile: 1160
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th Percentile: 450 | 75th Percentile: 590
SAT Math
25th Percentile: 460 | 75th Percentile: 590
ACT Composite
25th Percentile: 18 | 75th Percentile: 25
ACT Math
25th Percentile: 17 | 75th Percentile: 25
ACT English
25th Percentile: 16 | 75th Percentile: 24
ACT Science
25th Percentile: 18 | 75th Percentile: 24
ACT Reading
25th Percentile: 17 | 75th Percentile: 28

Tuition & Cost

Tuition: $42,744
Fees: $490
Room: $6,352
Board: $6,632

Aid

Capital is committed to providing a supportive environment that allows our students to focus on their education without the stress of financial concerns. Ninety-nine percent of Capital students receive financial aid and/or scholarships. The Main Street Scholarship, an $80,000 award applied over four years, is designed to help students achieve their academic goals while minimizing financial barriers. Additional need-based, merit-based, and housing aid may also be available to new undergraduate students. Capital’s Office of Financial Aid works closely with students and families as they navigate financial aid opportunities.

What Others are Saying

“Reflecting on my journey here at Capital, I chose this university because I knew that I would get the support I needed as a nursing student. I knew that I would have access to my professors when I needed help and that they would have my best interest in mind. The small school size is an asset to this university. Not only are my peers and I supported and prioritized by professors, but there is a true connection amongst students on campus because of the tight-knit community.”
— Lauren Afrifa ‘26, Nursing

Contact Capital University

Contact Admissions

capital.edu/admission-aid
admission@capital.edu

Campus Location

1 College and Main
Columbus, OH 43209

Visit Capital University Online

capital.edu

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