Capital University (CU)

Capital University is a private liberal arts institution that provides an array of study and student experiences that lead to responses like “I feel like I’m set up for success in my major/program and my future career.” Students note the school does “a brilliant job at focusing on the student as an individual,” with support to back that up, and there are “a number of interesting courses offered,” and adding majors is “encouraged and simple.” Additionally, the Columbus, Ohio, location provides a “small school setting, while also getting access to big city amenities and opportunities,” which the university “does a very good job” of promoting, including “guest lectures from many amazing writers and speakers.” Experiential learning is a key component of the curriculum, and there are “lots of opportunities for field work and observation/hands-on learning early on in programs in order to give students lots of experience.” Professors are “very good at making you feel like you matter in the classroom” and “want to see you succeed in whatever endeavors you choose.” They “are determined to give [a] good education to the students and show up outside of the classroom consistently.” Small class sizes “make it easy to ask questions,” and “there are many opportunities for individuals to take on leadership opportunities and network with professors and their connections.” Many classes “include a significant prioritization of student discussion combined with traditional lecture,” as well as opportunities “to take what you have learned in class and make a whole research project out of it.” As one student shares, “Capital really [encourages] students to strive for excellence.”

Students feel that their “very open, intelligent, helpful, and welcoming” peers are a big part of what makes “going to college at Capital University a great experience.” While a majority of students are white, respondents point to a “very diverse” environment in practice, particularly through “a good showing for cultural diversity with events.” There’s also a nice mix of backgrounds: “musicians, athletes, transfer students, [and] international students who are always friendly and welcoming.” For the most part, “all of the students get along pretty well and really embody a positive environment.” And because there are under 2,000 students, “you are able to see your friends all the time and learn to be a more social person overall.” As one student happily summarizes: “My peers have humor and wit. Both combined, they [make] for amazing academic resources and friends that help along the way towards graduation here at Capital.”

“Life at school is lively and there is always something going on.” Many students attend the free or low-cost events put on by the Office of Student and Community Engagement and the Campus Activities Board, which “are often large, with free food and activities, and sometimes…excursions off campus, such as to a hockey game, a gaming center…or even amusement parks.” The gym is popular, as are the numerous athletes who “get support from all students.” Greek life is also big and allows “for students to get involved on campus, in their community, and even in broader communities.” The “outdoor campus is well-maintained and beautiful,” and there is easy access to downtown Columbus. Students note that while “a lot of people go home on the weekends,” the university is “good at finding an interest for everyone and makes sure to have commuter-specific events.” There are more than 90 student organizations, ranging from philanthropic and cultural organizations to interest-based organizations and even clubs for specific games. “It’s so easy to get involved in a variety of organizations, from recreational, professional, and social,” says one student.