First Year Student Scholarships
Your academic talent is impressive, but we see so much more in you. Your job. Your care for others. Your involvement in the community. Your leadership, research and performance ability. Capital is interested in all of you - everything you bring to our community.
We consider more than GPA and test scores when awarding scholarships.
Our holistic approach shows we see more in you. We see your potential.
Capital invests each year to fund scholarships and grants
More likely to graduate on time if students live on campus for at least two years
Our merit awards start at $20,000 per year ($80,000 over four years) and additional merit awards can provide even more depending on academic, community, and leadership experience. We also invite people to compete for a limited number of full-tuition scholarships.
Capital invests more than $50 million annually in providing scholarships and grants to help families afford the Capital education. We believe in you - and it - that much.
You’re investing in more than a piece of paper. You’re investing in you. And we’re investing in you. Because we believe in potential. Together, there’s nothing we can't do.
of graduates find jobs within 6 months of graduating *
Average Financial Aid Award
* 98% of Capital graduates say that within 6 months of graduating they’re where they think they should be in their career and life path.
You've worked hard and we reward you from the start.
Capital students are accomplished in the classroom. So we award you all four years you attend. You can apply knowing you’ll be recognized from the very start of your college search.
Need more funding? It may get better.
This is just the beginning of our efforts for affordability. Need-based grant funds from the university are available for qualified students from the FAFSA in addition to your estimated merit award. And we won't take long to tell you the good news. Official scholarship letters are sent with acceptance packets, so apply early in your senior year, and know your award eligibility early.
Stay ahead of the curve. Know your bottom line cost.
You can learn your full financial picture for Capital months before you have to make your college selection. The earlier you file for FAFSA, the greater opportunity you will have to qualify for all available aid. For that reason, we recommend filing as soon as the application opens, which is expected to be in December. That gives you plenty of time for visits and the chance to connect with your fellow incoming #capfam members so you can focus on what truly matters in your final decision.
There are many opportunities available.
Every student is different and every situation is unique. Capital takes the time and effort to review all applications for admission very carefully so we encourage you to apply regardless of your profile information to start the conversation about your options. Our admission counselors are available to talk more in detail about your situation and advise you accordingly. Contact our office at 614-236-6101 or email admission@capital.edu. We want to work with you!
Main Street Scholarship
| Name | Amount | Criteria to Qualify |
| First Time in College | Min. of $20,000 toward Tuition | 2.5 or higher GPA to qualify, entering first year of undergraduate. |
| Transfer Student | Min. of $20,000 toward Tuition | 2.5 or higher GPA to qualify, GPA cumulative calculated for all colleges attended. |
| International | Min. of $20,000 toward Tuition | 2.5 or higher GPA to qualify, entering first year of undergraduate as an international student. |
Merit Based Scholarships & Competitions
| Name | Amount | Criteria to Qualify |
| National Merit Scholarship Program | Up to Full Room & Board | National Merit Scholarship students who attend Capital full-time and live on campus. Must be named a finalist or semifinalist. |
| Conservatory Performance Award | $5,000 toward Tuition | Audition based award for full-time Bachelor of Music or Bachelor of Arts in Music majors. |
| Music Composition Scholarship | Up to $5,500 toward Tuition | Based on composition portfolio and evaluation for full-time Conservatory of Music composition majors. |
| ROTC | Up to Full Tuition w/ Room & Board | Awarded based on merit, leadership potential, and physical aptitude. |
Special Awards
| Name | Amount | Criteria to Qualify |
| Capital Gateway Scholarship | Full Tuition | 3.5 GPA or higher, Ohio residents, complete FAFSA, and a maximum household income of $60,000. Open to high school seniors only. |
| Lutheran Heritage Grant | $1,000 toward Tuition | 2.0 GPA or higher, child of Lutheran pastor, or identify as a member of a Lutheran Congregational Church. |
| Partners in Education | Match up to $500 toward Tuition | Your congregation has its own criteria and award amount. Capital University matches funds up to $500 contributed by Lutheran Congregations. |
| Sibling Award | $1,000 toward Tuition | Sibling enrolled must also be a full-time traditional undergraduate at Capital. |
| Comet Community Award | $1,500 toward Room & Board | Enrolled as an undergrad living on campus. |