Capital University Capital University is a private accredited liberal arts university of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America located in Bexley , Ohio , founded in 1830 . The university has undergraduate and graduate programs , as well as a law school . Capital is the oldest university in Central Ohio and is one of the oldest and largest Lutheran - affiliated universities in North America . According to an economic impact study , Capital University provides nearly $ 162 million in earnings , employment , and output to the eight county Columbus metro area based on 2011 - 12 data . History . Capital University was founded in 1830 by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America . The university ' s educational mission is based on Lutheran values of free inquiry , critical thinking , and leadership . Academics . Capital is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools . Capital ' s tuition and fees for a full - time undergraduate student are $ 31 , 364 for the 2012 - 13 academic year . Room and board expenses total $ 8 , 460 per year . The student - faculty ratio at Capital University is 11 : 1 . Ranking . Capital University ranked 30th in the 2012 edition of Best Colleges , Regional Universities ( Midwest ) . Law School . Capital University Law School is an ABA - accredited private law school located in downtown Columbus , Ohio . Capital Law was voted a " Best Value Law School " on the basis of tuition by the National Jurist magazine in 2009 . In 2011 , the National Jurist magazine , as well as preLaw magazine named Capital as one of the nation ’ s top law schools in preparing students for legal careers in public service . In 2012 , the magazines listed Capital as one of the nation ’ s top law schools in terms of preparing its students for the bar exam . Campus Life . Student organizations . Capital University features more than 70 student organizations . This includes 13 fraternities and sororities , arts and media organizations , cultural organizations , honors societies , campus programming , religious organizations , service organizations , and government and social organizations . Residence Life . Capital is a residential campus that operates on semester scheduling . Most students live on campus in one of seven residence halls : Saylor - Ackermann Hall , Cotterman Hall , the Lohman Complex ( comprising several residence halls ) , Schaaf Hall , Capital Commons , College Avenue Hall , and the recently purchased Woodsview Apartments . Music Program . Capital University ' s music program is well - respected in the music community . The Chapel Choir has performed around Columbus and the world , including venues such as Carnegie Hall . The annual Christmas Festival at Capital , led by all the choral ensembles ( the Capital Chordsmen , Women ' s Chorus , Choral Union , and Chapel Choir ) , is a popular local event and community institution . Recently , the university voted in its first female Assistant Dean of the Conservatory of Music . Library . The Capital University Blackmore Library is a three - floor structure . Constructed in 1969 and dedicated in March 1971 , the library now contains more than 300 , 000 articles of media . The library was named in 1998 for Josiah Blackmore , a well - known legal scholar and former president of the University . The library was named in honor of his achievements as the 12th president of Capital University . The first and second floors of Blackmore Library were renovated in Summer 2012 . Shumacher Gallary . Shumacher Gallary carries the 502 - piece Schreiber - Fox Collection African Art was donated to the permanent collection of the Gallery . Schreiber and Fox donated their collection of African art to Capital University . The Schumacher Gallery ’ s permanent collections consists of a diverse selection of more than 2500 works of art for education and enjoyment . A piece of the Berlin Wall is a popular attraction for visitors and incoming students . Obtained in 1992 , the wall was given on long - term loan from Hansa Consulting , a German - based corporation . On one side is colorful graffiti written during the separation of East and West Berlin , while the other side is blank concrete revealing a few bullet holes , evidence of the confinement of East Berliners . Once housed in the University ' s library , the structure now stands outside behind the Huber Spielman Hall . The concrete wall weighs 2 . 8 tons . Athletics . Capital University participates in numerous sports and plays within the Ohio Athletic Conference in the NCAA ' s Division III . The school ' s primary athletic rival is Otterbein University , in Westerville , Ohio . Under the name Capital Crusaders , the following teams and clubs compete on the varsity level : Men ' s Sports Women ' s Sports Club Athletics People . Capital has many Alumni living in central Ohio and throughout the United States .