Capital University Law School
Capital University Law School is located in Columbus, Ohio. It is a very reputable school that has been around for a long time. Its faculty is highly respected and includes some of the nation's leading scholars in law. The school offers a wide range of programs, including a J.D. program, an LL.M. program, and a Ph.D. program in law. It also offers joint degree programs, such as a J.D./MBA program and a J.D./MSW program. Capital University Law School is an excellent choice for those seeking a quality legal education.
Contents
Admissions
The decision to admit or deny a candidate to law school is not an automatic process solely based on numbers. Applications are judged entirely, and rarely does any factor, such as LSAT score or undergraduate grade point average, determine a candidate's status.
Statistics
| Admissions Stats | ||
| Class of: | 2023-2024 | 2024-2025 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile LSAT | 147-150-155 | 148-151-155 |
| 25th - 50th - 75th percentile GPA | 3.06-3.45-3.70 | 3.07-3.39-3.72 |
| Acceptance rate | 67.5% | 72.2% |
| Applications received | 556 | 737 |
| Acceptances | 431 | 532 |
| Matriculants | 148 | 174 |
For the 2024 to 2025 admissions cycle, Capital University Law School reported a 25th to 75th percentile LSAT range of 148 to 155 and a corresponding GPA range of 3.07 to 3.72. The school received 737 applications and accepted 532 of them, resulting in an overall acceptance rate of 72.2 percent. Out of those admitted, 174 students ultimately enrolled as matriculants, reflecting a modest increase compared to the previous year.
Application
To apply to law school, you must complete an online application and register for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). The LSAT is offered several times throughout the year, and your score will be included automatically as part of your Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Report. You may submit your application before taking the LSAT, but please indicate on your application when you will be taking the exam. You must also register for the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) and submit undergraduate and graduate transcripts (if applicable) to the CAS. Two letters of recommendation must also be submitted to the CAS. In addition, you must submit a personal statement, which must be uploaded and sent through the LSAC online application process as part of your online application. You may also submit special circumstances and optional essay(s). Your resume must also be uploaded as a part of your online application.
Transfer
Students in good standing who attend another law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) may apply to transfer to Capital University Law School. Transfer applications are accepted year-round, and there is no application deadline. To be eligible to transfer, applicants must have completed the required first-year curriculum at another ABA-approved law school before transferring. They must also possess a 2.75 cumulative law school grade point average. The law school transcript must reflect completed coursework; no transfer admission decision will be rendered if transcript grades are pending or law school coursework is in progress.
Tuition and Expenses
Capital University Law School lists tuition on a per-credit-hour basis, with the most recent published rate at about 1,600 dollars per credit hour, which brings a full-time first-year courseload of roughly 29 credit hours to about 46,400 dollars in tuition alone for the academic year. When you add in standard university fees, the direct educational cost for a full-time 1L rises to around 46,800 dollars, although part-time students pay proportionately less because their total yearly credits are lower. While these tuition figures form the core academic cost, they don’t include indirect expenses students typically encounter throughout law school, such as books, transportation, and day-to-day living costs, all of which significantly influence the overall financial picture.
Cost of Attendance
Capital Law’s estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) expands beyond basic tuition to reflect the full financial commitment required for a full-time first-year student. The school’s most recent sample budget places the total yearly COA at approximately 65,609 dollars, combining tuition, mandatory fees, books, supplies, transportation, and standard living expenses. These figures serve as planning guidelines and financial-aid limits rather than exact spending requirements, but they help prospective students understand the all-in yearly cost of pursuing a JD at Capital University Law School.
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition (29 credit hours at 1,600 dollars each) | 46,400 |
| Fees | 400 |
| Books and Supplies | 2,238 |
| Living Expenses | 15,265 |
| Transportation | 2,688 |
| Loan Fees | 218 |
| Estimated Total COA | 65,609 |
Financial Aid
For the 2025 academic year, Capital University Law School provides financial aid through a combination of institutional scholarships, endowed scholarships, federal loans, and work-study opportunities. One hundred percent of incoming students received a scholarship for the fall 2025 entering class, with the average award totaling about 18,600 dollars. Merit-based scholarships are awarded at admission and are determined by factors such as LSAT performance and undergraduate GPA, while endowed scholarships are supported by alumni and donor contributions. These awards are applied directly toward tuition and may be adjusted if the amount exceeds tuition charges. Students can also access federal financial aid programs, including Unsubsidized Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, and Federal Work-Study for those who demonstrate need. Beginning with the 2024 to 2025 cohort, Capital Law eliminated conditional scholarships, ensuring that awarded merit aid continues for the duration of a student's program as long as they remain in good academic standing. Since total financial aid cannot exceed the school’s stated Cost of Attendance, final award amounts depend on tuition, fees, and each student’s verified financial need.
Scholarship
The JD program offers Institutional Scholarships to all students who are admitted. These scholarships are based primarily on academic performance and LSAT scores. They range in value from $3,000 to $30,000 and are applied in two equal disbursements in the fall and spring semesters. The scholarships cannot exceed the cost of tuition. They are renewable each year if the student meets the renewal criteria.
Law Schools Culture
The Juris Doctor degree at Capital University Law School is designed to provide graduates with the real-world experience they need to be successful. The school is always at the forefront of developing practice-ready graduates and has an ideal location that supports this focus. Students can earn their degrees at a pace that suits their schedules and career plans. The school offers a traditional full-time or part-time program with both day and evening options. In addition to the General Practice Concentration, students can specialize in concentrations including Children and Family Law, Litigation, Regulatory Law, and Transactional Law.
Curriculum
The LCP Program at Capital University Law School is committed to providing students with the best possible education and training in life care planning. They offer more than the 120 hours of pre-certification training required by credentialing organizations. Their program is designed to give students the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their careers. Their innovative and evidence-based program provides their students with the resources they need to succeed. They want their students to realize their full potential and to be prepared for a rewarding career in life care planning.
Why Capital for Life Care Planning?
There are many reasons to choose the LCP Program at Capital Law. The International Commission approves our Health Care Certification (ICHCC) program, a well-known and respected organization in the legal community. Additionally, our program is affiliated with an American Bar Association-accredited law school and a major university – credentials which are highly regarded in the legal community. As a Capital student, you will receive the following:
The Curriculum
The LCP Program at Capital combines the benefits of synchronous, asynchronous, and face-to-face learning. You receive the best of all methods at Capital. The instructors provide video lectures and discussions for you to review essential topics covered in each module. You participate in live conferences with instructors and classmates twice a week, asking questions and unpacking all the information from myriad instructional materials. You receive references to government resources, peer-reviewed and specialty literature, view interviews with experts in the field, and access university library resources and search methods. You put these resources into practice by reviewing case studies and learning practical applications necessary to succeed as a life care planner.
You are the Expert Witness at Capital Law
The Litigation Capstone program at the Law School is designed to give students an authentic expert witness experience. Students deliver a deposition on their report, followed by testifying in a mock trial setting. Afterward, feedback is given to help students identify their strengths and weaknesses as expert witnesses. Many graduates find this experience to be one of the most valuable aspects of the program.
Why Life Care Planning?
Individuals who have sustained a catastrophic injury, accident, or chronic illness often require a long-term care plan outlining their healthcare needs. A life care planner develops such a plan and may be retained as part of a legal team in various cases (e.g., personal injury, workers’ compensation, family law), particularly at the litigation settlement and/or damages phase. The life care planner uses a step-by-step methodology to determine the care needs and related costs for the injured or chronically ill individual. Registered nurses, vocational rehabilitation counselors, physicians, social workers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, physician assistants, rehabilitation case managers, or other allied health professionals are often well-suited to become life care planners.
Externships
Capital University Law School offers many opportunities for its students to gain practical experience in the legal field. These externship programs with courts, government agencies, non-profit organizations, law firms, and in-house counsel offer invaluable experience for students seeking to pursue a law career. The externs are supervised by attorneys and gain experience in areas such as legal research and writing, the legal process, and specific fields of law. It should be noted that externing requires enrollment in the for-credit Externship course.
Legal Clinics Program
Capital Law School has a legal clinic that helps indigent clients. The clinic offers a variety of programs, including general law, civil law, criminal law, appellate advocacy, and family law. This allows advanced students to experience what it is like to practice law before they graduate. They learn about client counseling and the challenges of trial work. The experience gained in the legal clinic is invaluable for their future legal education.
Academics
Capital University provides an array of undergraduate and graduate programs to its over 3,500 students. Its programs span the arts, sciences, humanities, and professions, with many opportunities for students to pursue multiple degrees. The university offers specialized graduate programs in law, nursing, business, and music education. This breadth of majors and minors allows students to tailor their education to fit their goals and interests best.
MAJORS, MINORS AND PROGRAMS
At Capital, we offer a variety of majors and minors to help you pursue your passions and forge a path to your future. Whether you're interested in business, education, or anything else, we have programs that can help you achieve your goals. And because our curriculum is designed to encourage interdisciplinary thinking, you'll find endless opportunities to explore the connections between your chosen field and other areas of study. So no matter what you're interested in, you'll be able to find a way to make your dreams a reality at Capital.
TEACHING AND LEARNING WITH THE HIGHEST IMPACT
Our students have the opportunity to learn in a variety of ways, both inside and outside of the traditional classroom setting. We offer first-year seminars, internships, learning communities, undergraduate research, and capstones to help students succeed in college and prepare them for their future careers. Our educational technology provides students with resources and examples to aid their learning inside and outside class. In addition to academic learning, students can get involved in student organizations, service-learning, and study-abroad programs to gain leadership experience and learn about other cultures. All of these experiences help our students grow into well-rounded, successful adults.
ADVOCATING FOR STUDENT SUCCESS
At Capital, we are committed to helping our students succeed inside and outside the classroom. Our student success advocates are here to support you every step of the way, whether you're just starting to explore your passions or facing some challenges along the way. We offer a variety of resources to help you navigate college and life, and all you have to do is ask. Contact Student Success at success@capital.edu or 614-236-7200 for help with anything that's holding you back from reaching your full potential at Capital.
Employment Prospects & Bar Passage
For students entering Capital University Law School in 2025, the school’s recent employment outcomes offer a realistic picture of what graduates can expect after earning their JD. Based on the most recent reporting year, about 70.6 percent of graduates secured employment shortly after completing the program. Many of these positions were in legal practice, including small and mid-sized law firms, government agencies, public interest organizations, and business or industry roles where a law degree is beneficial. While the employment rate is lower than national averages for ABA-accredited law schools, the data suggests that outcomes are heavily influenced by each student’s level of proactive engagement. Students who pursue internships, participate in clinics, network early, and remain flexible in terms of geographic location and practice areas tend to see stronger placement results. Overall, the employment picture is modest but steady, reflecting a market where personal initiative plays a significant role in post-graduate success.
2025 Bar Passage
Capital University Law School’s recent bar exam performance provides prospective 2025 students with a reasonably solid expectation of passing the bar on their first attempt. The most current figures show the school’s first-time bar passage rate at roughly 77 percent, a result that aligns closely with similar regional law schools and demonstrates consistent preparation quality across multiple jurisdictions. While not among the highest pass rates in the country, the outcome indicates that students who commit to steady preparation and take advantage of bar-support resources typically perform well. These results reinforce the idea that bar success at Capital Law depends not only on the curriculum but also on each student’s study habits, time management, and willingness to seek support when needed.
Quality of Life
Columbus, Ohio, is home to Capital University Law School. The campus is centrally located close to the state and city's core legal community, which includes the Supreme Court of Ohio, the State Capitol Building, the Tenth District Court of Appeals of Ohio, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, and the Ohio Attorney General's Office. Columbus is also home to the headquarters of several Fortune 500 companies, industry leaders, and numerous private law firms of all sizes and practices.
Regarding leisure time, there's something for all tastes in Columbus. Ohio's capital has something for everyone: ballet, baseball, or breweries. They are neighbors to colleges, libraries, and museums - with so much to do and see nearby, Columbus is the perfect place to begin your legal education.
Synopsis
The Capital University Law School Office of Professional Development supports student and graduate career development. They work to build relationships with the legal profession so that our students and graduates can find employment. They also promote practical and experiential learning opportunities for all students. If you need help exploring or discussing your career options, the Office of Professional Development can assist you. They can help you draft your résumé and cover letter, give you interview tips, and provide guidance post-graduation.
Contact Information
Capital University Law School
Admissions Office
303 East Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215-3201
Phone: 614-236-6500
Email: law.capital.edu
Summary
| Established | 1966 |
| Location | Columbus, OH |
| Dean | Reynaldo Anaya Valencia |
| 2025 US News Ranking | 174th |
| LSAT Median Score | 151 |
| GPA Median Score | 3.39 |
| Bar Passage Rate | 77.4% (2025) |
| Employment Rate | N/A (2025) |
| Cost | "$44,744 full-time,
$39,976 part-time" |
| Average Debt | N/A |
| Application Deadline | N/A |
Forum and Discussion
Capital University Law School Discussions
Law School Admissions Forums
Law Student Forums
Law School Class Forums
Reference
https://law.capital.edu/
LSD Law
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