Ohio's oldest university, founded 1830, blending Lutheran values with liberal arts excellence in Columbus.
Capital University offers 64 majors and 57 minors across liberal arts disciplines, with 10 graduate degree programs. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and ranked #42 (tied) in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Regional Universities Midwest category. Notable programs include the Conservatory of Music (with jazz, music technology, and composition tracks), business, nursing, education, and pre-professional tracks. Capital University Law School, an ABA-accredited private law school located downtown, was founded in 1903 and affiliated with the university in 1966; it ranked #174 of 194 law schools in 2025. Trinity Lutheran Seminary, reunited with the university in 2018, offers accredited theological degree programs.
The 53-acre suburban campus in Bexley features academic buildings including Battelle Hall, Ruff Learning Center, and the Conservatory of Music, alongside the renovated Harry C. Moores Student Union (2013) and Mezz Fitness Center (2017). Blackmore Library, constructed in 1969, houses over 300,000 media articles and the Schumacher Gallery with 2,500+ artworks. A piece of the Berlin Wall, obtained in 1992, sits outside the library. Most students live on campus in seven residence halls or apartments. Capital features over 100 student organizations, including 13 fraternities and sororities, student media (WXCU Radio, The Chimes), and the student-run Convergent Media Center with professional recording and video production studios.
Capital competes in NCAA Division III as a member of the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC). The school's teams, rebranded as the Comets in September 2021 (formerly Crusaders), won back-to-back NCAA Division III Women's Basketball National Championships in 1994 and 1995. The Capital Center, a 126,000-square-foot facility opened in 2001, houses an indoor track, weight room, and cardio facilities. Bernlohr Stadium (capacity ~3,000) hosts football, soccer, lacrosse, and track; Purmort Field at Bernlohr Stadium was named after a $1 million donation in 2016. Clowson Field serves baseball and softball teams.
Capital welcomes first-year, transfer, graduate, international, and continuing education students. The university emphasizes accessibility: 30% of undergraduates are first-generation college students, and 99% receive scholarships. The Office of Financial Aid provides comprehensive resources. Capital offers experiential learning, academic advising, tutoring, career services, and leadership opportunities to support student success. The university's motto, 'Ask. Think. Lead.,' reflects its educational mission rooted in Lutheran values of free inquiry and critical thinking.