Capital University

Columbus, OH

private nonprofitgraduate

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Quick Facts

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

Capital University: Central Ohio's oldest, fostering inquiry, critical thinking, and leadership since 1830.

Step into history at Capital University, the oldest institution of higher learning in Central Ohio, founded in 1830. More than just a university, Capital is a vibrant community rooted in Lutheran values, championing free inquiry, critical thinking, and leadership. Located in the charming and upscale suburb of Bexley, just outside the state capital, it offers a distinct blend of tradition and forward-thinking education, captured perfectly by its motto: "Ask. Think. Lead."

From its humble beginnings as the German Theological Seminary, Capital University has undergone a remarkable evolution, adapting and growing while maintaining its core mission. It was chartered as Capital University in 1850 and has played a significant role in the history of several Lutheran church bodies. The campus itself is a testament to its rich past, with several buildings recognized for their historic architectural merit and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Today, Capital University offers a dynamic student experience, with a beautifully unified campus featuring a pedestrian mall that enhances connectivity and community. It has a forward-looking spirit, having recently reunited with Trinity Lutheran Seminary in 2018 to strengthen its theological heritage and adopting the spirited "Capital Comets" as its new mascot in 2021. For prospective students and families, Capital offers a supportive and engaging environment where history meets modern educational innovation.

Key Highlights

✦Established in 1830, Capital University holds the distinction of being the oldest university in Central Ohio.
✦A private institution with an endowment of $0.1 billion, supporting its mission and programs.
✦Home to 3,367 students, fostering a close-knit learning environment.
✦Guided by the motto "Ask. Think. Lead.", reflecting its commitment to critical inquiry and leadership development.
✦Recognized for its historic architectural merit, with a portion of its campus listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
✦Successfully reunited with Trinity Lutheran Seminary in 2018, strengthening its theological heritage.
✦Proudly embraced the "Capital Comets" as its new mascot in 2021, symbolizing a forward-looking spirit.

Timeline

1830

Founded as the German Theological Seminary of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Ohio in Canton.

1832

Relocated to downtown Columbus.

1850

Chartered as Capital University.

1959

The seminary (Evangelical Lutheran Theological Seminary) became independent from the university.

1982

A portion of the campus was added to the National Register of Historic Places as the "Capital University Historic District".

2006

The university completed a $2.5 million pedestrian mall project, unifying the campus.

2018

Capital University and Trinity Lutheran Seminary officially reunited.

2021

The university formally adopted "Capital Comets" as its new mascot name.

🏛️

196 Years

of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

1 notable schools within Capital University

🏫

Trinity Lutheran Seminary

A theological seminary of the ELCA, it was formerly part of Capital University, became independent, and then reunited with the university in 2018.

Leadership

Jared R. Tice

President

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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