Your Journey Starts Here: First-Time College Students at Capital University
Starting college is a big step, and at Capital University, we’re excited to help you take it. We know you’ve worked hard to get here, and we’re ready to support you every step of the way. With diverse academic programs, a vibrant campus community, and personalized support, Capital University is the place where you can turn your ambitions into achievements.
Why Choose Capital University?
Capital University is all about empowering students to explore, learn, and succeed. Here, you’ll find small class sizes, expert faculty who know you by name, and countless opportunities to get involved on campus. Your first year at Capital is just the beginning of an incredible journey.
"I decided to come to Capital because I felt I would thrive in a close-knit environment with smaller class sizes, giving me the chance to truly get to know my professors."
- Emily Barthomew
Class of 2026
The Admission Process Made Simple:
Step 1: Apply to Capital
Capital University awards students more than $50 million each year in scholarships and grants. Your admission application is all you need to be considered for the scholarships and awards listed on the reverse side — no separate scholarship application is required.
Step 2: File the FAFSA
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) opens in October and is required annually for consideration for all need-based aid and awards. Make sure to use Capital University’s school code: 003023. It’s a crucial step in maximizing your financial aid package.
Making an excellent Capital education possible.
Scholarships and financial aid help put the opportunities, experiences, and lasting value of a Capital education within reach.
The Capital Merit Scholarships
These renewable awards are for students pursuing their first bachelor’s degree who demonstrate academic achievement. Students with a 2.5 weighted GPA or higher are automatically considered for a Capital Merit Scholarship. Students are eligible to receive one scholarship from the Capital Merit Scholarships listed below. Merit scholarships are renewable for up to eight semesters, provided students meet the University’s scholarship renewal requirements.
Comet Community Award
Residential students | $5,000 per year | $20,000 over four years
This renewable award helps make the residential experience more affordable and is applied to on-campus housing costs.
Capital Gateway Scholarship
Minimum 3.5 GPA | Up to full tuition and fees | Ohio residents
The Capital Gateway Scholarship will bring your total award up to full tuition and fees after other qualifying scholarships, awards, and grants are applied. Available to current Ohio high school seniors with an annual household income of $60,000 or less who complete the FAFSA annually.
Additional Awards
We offer a variety of other scholarships to help support your education, including:
National Merit Scholarship
ROTC
Conservatory Performance Award
Music Composition Scholarship
Sibling Award
Lutheran Heritage Grant
Partners in Education
You may be eligible for these scholarships in addition to the Capital Merit Scholarships, Comet Community Award, and Capital Gateway Scholarship. Explore our scholarships and requirements for more details.