Capital University
Capital University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Capital University at a Glance
Capital University is a private university in Bexley, Ohio, United States. Capital was founded as the Theological Seminary of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Ohio in 1830 and later was associated with that synod's successor, the American Lutheran Church. The university has undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as a law school and seminary. Capital University is the oldest university in central Ohio and is one of the oldest and largest Lutheran-affiliated universities in North America.
1830
196 years old
$155M
$155.2 million (2025)
3,367
2,718 undergrad · 649 grad
159
53 acres
Identity
Is Capital University Worth It?
At a value score of 38/100, Capital University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $54,143 — 1% above average — while paying $22,576/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.7 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 63% graduation rate means roughly 37% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
With median debt of $26,889 representing 50% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Capital University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Capital University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in OH
Ranked #28 of 135 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of St Francis | 81 | $13,006 | $63,926 |
| #2 | Holy Family University | 72 | $13,143 | $62,235 |
| #3 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #4 | Fresno Pacific University | 57 | $13,630 | $58,896 |
| #5 | Ursuline College | 53 | $16,164 | $56,878 |
| #6 | North Park University | 50 | $16,948 | $59,572 |
| #28 | Capital University | 38 | $22,576 | $54,143 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Capital University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 9 in OH.
Best Programs at Capital University
The highest-earning program at Capital University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $59,400/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Music at $21,000/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Capital University earns $59,400, while a Music graduate earns $21,000. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $25,000 in median debt vs. $26,050 for Music.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $22,576/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $59,400 | $59,400 | $25,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $39,800 | $39,800 | $27,000 |
| Marketing | $37,700 | $37,700 | $26,997 |
| Special Education and Teaching | $35,400 | $35,400 | N/A |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $34,600 | $34,600 | $27,000 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $33,100 | $33,100 | $27,000 |
| Social Work | $31,800 | $31,800 | $25,323 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $30,400 | $30,400 | $27,000 |
| Criminology | $30,400 | $30,400 | $25,994 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $27,800 | $27,800 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General | $27,600 | $27,600 | $25,991 |
| Biology, General | $25,100 | $25,100 | $27,000 |
| Music | $21,000 | $21,000 | $26,050 |
Similar Colleges in OH
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Columbus, OH
- Student Body
- 1,585 students
- Admission Rate
- 70%
- Graduation Rate
- 63%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $22,576
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $54,143
- Median Student Debt
- $26,889