Capital University logo

Capital University

Columbus, OH Private ยท Suburban www.capital.edu
Accept Rate
73.17%
Grad Rate
63.3%
Enrollment
1,709
Avg SAT
1118
Tuition
$41,788
Median Salary
$54,143
Overall Grade
C
C+
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
C+
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Capital University offers a close-knit, supportive community where students are known by name, not just by number. The suburban Bexley campus feels like a classic college quad with historic buildings and green spaces, fostering a tight-knit atmosphere. It feels like a place where you can build strong relationships with professors and peers while having easy access to the energy of nearby Columbus.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

73.17%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 111875th Pctl
9801190
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2375th Pctl
1825
1122436

Admissions Tips

1) Highlight your involvement in arts, music, or community service in your application, as these are areas of strength at Capital. 2) Apply test-optional if your SAT score (1118 avg) is below your target range, as the school uses a holistic review. 3) Connect directly with the admissions office and schedule a campus visit to show demonstrated interest, which can positively influence your application.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1118
40080012001600
School range: 980โ€“1190

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Capital is known for its strong Conservatory of Music and hands-on programs in health professions, business, and education. The university emphasizes experiential learning through internships, clinicals, and student teaching, with a focus on practical application. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention and direct mentorship from faculty, though research opportunities may be more limited compared to larger research institutions.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
18.5%
Business & Marketing
16.5%
Education
14%
Psychology
7.8%
Social Sciences
7.8%
Visual & Performing Arts
7%
Biology & Biomedical
5.1%
Communications
5.1%
Public Administration
3.7%
Computer Science
2.7%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
2.7%
Multidisciplinary Studies
2.7%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

63.3%
Graduation Rate
73.6%
Retention Rate
1,709
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$41,788
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$23,585
After financial aid
Total Cost
$54,086
Cost of attendance/year
31%
Receive Pell Grants
72.2%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Columbus

Students enjoy the best of both worlds with a peaceful suburban campus and quick access to downtown Columbus via a short bus or car ride. In Columbus, students can explore the Short North arts district, catch a concert at Nationwide Arena, visit the Columbus Zoo, or cheer on the Blue Jackets or Crew. On campus, student life is centered around athletic events, music performances, and various student organizations.

Local Rent Check

$1,065 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Columbus
Explore Columbus

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$167,152
$0Est. 4 Years: $167,152

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($54,143):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The Bexley neighborhood is generally considered a safe, quiet suburb with a low crime rate. The university has its own campus safety department with 24/7 patrols and emergency call boxes, and Columbus police are also readily available.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Strong, hands-on programs in Health Professions and the Conservatory of Music
  • โœ“ Small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty
  • โœ“ Safe, quiet suburban campus with easy access to downtown Columbus
  • โœ“ Generous institutional aid lowers the average net price significantly

Cons

  • โœ— Higher sticker price typical of private institutions
  • โœ— Graduation and retention rates are moderate compared to national averages
  • โœ— Smaller enrollment may offer fewer clubs and niche social scenes

Notable Alumni

Judy Smith
Renowned crisis management expert and inspiration for the TV character Olivia Pope on 'Scandal'.
David A. Harrison IV
Former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio and namesake of the university's law school.
James M. Cox
Former Governor of Ohio and owner of the Cox Media Group, who briefly owned the university.

Frequently Asked Questions

Capital University is particularly well-known for its Conservatory of Music, which offers rigorous training alongside a liberal arts education. It also has strong, career-focused programs in Health Professions (like Nursing), Business, and Education. The university emphasizes a hands-on, experiential learning approach and a supportive, close-knit community.

Capital University has an acceptance rate of 73.17%, making it generally accessible. The middle 50% SAT range is approximately 1040-1250, with an average of 1118. While not highly selective, a strong application that demonstrates good grades, involvement in extracurriculars, and demonstrated interest will strengthen your chances of admission and potential merit aid.

Campus life at Capital is community-oriented, with a mix of traditional residence halls and a variety of student clubs and organizations. Students are actively involved in NCAA Division III athletics, music ensembles, and service activities. The suburban setting provides a classic college feel, and its proximity to Columbus allows students to easily access off-campus entertainment, internships, and cultural events.

The value of a Capital University degree depends heavily on your financial aid package and major. While the sticker price is high, the average net price of $23,588 makes it more affordable for many. For students pursuing high-ROI fields like nursing or business, and who graduate in four years, the investment can be worthwhile, with median 10-year earnings of $54,143. It's crucial to maximize scholarships and grants to minimize debt.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Nationwide Insurance OhioHealth Mount Carmel Health System JPMorgan Chase & Co. Columbus City Schools
Smart Start Score
60

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Suburban
  • Undergrad 2,865
  • In-State Tuition $41,788
  • Zip Code 43209

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 42.2% โ™€ 57.8%

The Money Talk

With a sticker price over $41,000, the cost is high for a private university, but the average net price of $23,585 is significantly lower due to generous institutional aid. The 10-year median earnings of $54,143 provide a positive, though modest, return on investment, especially for in-demand fields like health professions and business. For students who leverage financial aid effectively, the investment can be worthwhile, particularly for those seeking a supportive, personalized education.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $41,788
Housing (12 mo) $12,780
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $61,768
With avg financial aid:
$23,585/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.