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Capital University

Columbus, OH

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Wikipedia
1830
Founded
Private
Type
53 acres
Campus
1,709
Total Students
2,718
Undergrad
649
Graduate
$141M
Endowment
(2024)
$42K
Tuition (In-State)
$42K
Tuition (Out-State)
$24K
Avg Net Price
73%
Acceptance Rate
66%
Graduation Rate
6-year
74%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification
President: Jared R. Tice

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Capital University

Central Ohio's oldest university, fostering free inquiry and leadership since 1830.

Capital University stands as Central Ohio's oldest institution of higher learning, founded in 1830 with a commitment to Lutheran values of free inquiry, critical thinking, and leadership, encapsulated in its motto: "Ask. Think. Lead." This private university, with a vibrant community of 3,367 students, offers an engaging academic experience in the heart of Bexley, an upscale suburb that provides a welcoming environment for prospective students and their families.

From its origins as the German Theological Seminary, Capital University has a rich and evolving history deeply intertwined with the development of the Lutheran church in America. Chartered in 1850, it laid roots in what would become Bexley, developing a campus whose historic core is now recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. This legacy speaks to a foundational dedication to education and community development that continues to shape the university today.

Recent campus enhancements, including a $2.5 million pedestrian mall completed in 2006, have physically unified the campus, fostering a more connected student experience. Furthermore, Capital University marked a significant milestone in 2018 by reuniting with Trinity Lutheran Seminary, a move that reinforces its comprehensive educational mission and commitment to intellectual and spiritual growth. The university continues to evolve, embracing new traditions like its "Capital Comets" mascot, while steadfastly upholding its enduring values.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1830, making it the oldest university in Central Ohio.
  • A private institution serving 3,367 students.
  • Emphasizes "Ask. Think. Lead." based on Lutheran values of free inquiry and critical thinking.
  • Located in Bexley, an upscale suburb of Columbus.
  • A portion of its campus, including Mees Hall and Bexley Hall, is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.
  • Reunited with Trinity Lutheran Seminary in 2018 after 58 years of operating separately.
  • Unified its northern and southern campus areas with a $2.5 million pedestrian mall project in 2006.

Timeline

1830
Founded as the German Theological Seminary of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Ohio.
1850
Chartered as Capital University.
1959
The Evangelical Lutheran Theological Seminary became independent of the university.
1982
Capital University Historic District added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
2006
Constructed a $2.5 million pedestrian mall unifying the northern and southern parts of campus.
2018
Reunited with Trinity Lutheran Seminary after 58 years.
2021
Formally adopted "Capital Comets" as the new mascot name.
🏛️
196 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

1 notable schools within Capital University

🏫

Trinity Lutheran Seminary

A theological seminary of the ELCA, formed from the merger of Capital's seminary and Hamma Divinity School, which reunited with Capital University in 2018.

Leadership

via Wikipedia
Jared R. Tice
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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