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Capital University is a private, comprehensive, independent, four-year undergrad institution and graduate school located in Columbus, Ohio. Established in 1830 as the Theological Seminary of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Ohio, originally, Capital University is not only the oldest institution in Central Ohio but also one of the oldest and largest Lutheran-affiliated universities in North America. The University’s 53 acre campus is located in the Bexley community. Bexley, originally founded as a village more than one hundred years earlier, is an historic, tree-lined suburb of the city of Columbus. A vibrant metropolitan area, Columbus, Ohio has often made “top 10” lists for livability, technology, opportunity and jobs.
Academic Programs
One of the distinctions of Capital University is its emphasis on providing students with a student-centered environment in which teaching is personalized and held to a standard of excellence. The University defines itself as being “committed to using multiple approaches to intellectual development to serve the lifelong learning of a heterogeneous population. It seeks to prepare individuals to live holistic lives of leadership and service.” Part of Capital University’s vision is to prepare “individuals to be knowledgeable, independent, critical thinkers — educated for lives of leadership and service in an increasingly diverse society” and to inspire students “to be morally reflective, spiritually alive, and civically engaged.”Capital University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and has been so since 1921. A wide variety of undergraduate programs are offered as well as several Adult & Continuing Education programs, an accelerated degree program, and numerous graduate level programs, including several master’s degrees and a Juris Doctor.
Student Life
Capital University has a total enrollment figure of nearly 3,500, including over 2,500 undergraduate students. The majority of students live on campus in one of the University’s several residence halls or in the Capital University Apartments. More than 70 student-led clubs and organizations are recognized by Capital University, including more than a dozen Greek Life groups, cultural organizations, arts and media organizations, honors societies, religions groups, service groups, government and social organizations, and more. These and others provide plenty of opportunities for students to connect with one another outside of the classroom, forging lasting friendships and connections.Capital University’s varsity teams compete at the NCAA Division III level and participate in the Ohio Athletic Conference. Varsity sports include: basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis, track and field (both indoor and outdoor), lacrosse, men’s baseball and football, and women’s softball and volleyball. Capital University’s primary athletic rival is Otterbien University of Westerville Ohio.