Capital University has been recognized as a 2026-2027 College of Distinction for Our Transformative, Student-First Education
COLUMBUS, OH — At a time when students, families, and policymakers are asking harder questions about the real value of a college degree, Capital University was recognized as a 2026-2027 College of Distinction. Through extensive research and interviews, the Colleges of Distinction consortium identifies institutions that reflect a student-first philosophy. The designation highlights institutions that prioritize meaningful learning, student success and career readiness.
This award signifies a school’s adherence to what Colleges of Distinction calls its Four Distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community and Successful Outcomes.
“Being recognized as a College of Distinction affirms the transformative, innovative education that Capital has provided for nearly 200 years,” said Jared R. Tice, president of Capital University. “Our expert faculty and staff use evidence-based best practices to create intellectually challenging and personally supportive learning experiences in and out of the classroom.
“At the heart of a Capital education is individualized attention, faculty and staff committed to student success, and balance between the rigor of the liberal arts and the practical preparation for careers,” Tice added. “Capital shapes students to become purposeful leaders in Central Ohio and beyond.”
Colleges of Distinction was founded on a conviction that still holds: the most meaningful measure of a college is the experience it provides, not its place in a numerical ranking. Capital University’s inclusion reflects its mastery of that measure. From undergraduate research and collaborative coursework to immersive service-learning and mentored internships, its students are active participants in their own education.
“Today’s students are navigating a college landscape shaped by rising costs, rapid technological change, and real uncertainty about the future of work,” said Tyson Schritter, chief operating officer at Colleges of Distinction. “What they need from higher education isn’t just credentials, but preparation for the world ahead. Capital University delivers that through the kind of intentional, high-impact education that equips students for whatever comes next. Capital has built an environment where students are supported and challenged in ways that translate into real academic, professional, and personal outcomes.”
In addition to its overall recognition, Capital University earned Colleges of Distinction for its transformative undergraduate experience in five specific areas that make a meaningful impact on students’ lives:
Business
Education
Nursing
Career Development
International Programs
Learn more about Capital University’s profile at collegesofdistinction.com.
About Capital University
Founded in 1830, Capital University is Central Ohio's oldest university, where students receive the personal attention of a close-knit campus community while accessing the opportunities of Columbus, one of America's fastest-growing cities. Through hands-on learning, faculty mentorship, internships, and community partnerships, Capital prepares graduates to lead purposeful lives and meaningful careers. Learn more at capital.edu.
About Colleges of Distinction
Since 2000, Colleges of Distinction has been committed to recognizing schools across the United States for their exceptional contributions to higher education. Member institutions within the Colleges of Distinction consortium distinguish themselves through their unwavering focus on providing an outstanding undergraduate experience.