Understanding the Cost of Attending Capital University

Choosing a university is a significant decision, and understanding the financial implications is crucial. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the costs associated with attending Capital University, financial aid options, and factors to consider when evaluating affordability.

Tuition and Fees: The Sticker Price

Capital University's tuition is $44,304, including both tuition and fees. These figures are often referred to as the sticker price. Compared with the national average cost of tuition of $46,950, Capital University is relatively cheaper. It is important to note that fees can vary significantly between institutions and may cover various services such as library access, student gym facilities, student centers, technology resources, and campus health centers.

Total Cost: Beyond Tuition

When comparing the costs of different institutions, it's essential to consider the total cost, encompassing more than just tuition and fees. The total cost includes the sticker price, plus the cost of food and housing, books and supplies, and transportation and personal expenses. At Capital University, the total cost is $60,312. On campus room and board is provided by the school at a cost of $13,446 per academic year.

Net Price: Factoring in Financial Aid

The average reported annual net price for Capital University for students receiving grants or scholarship aid was $22,480 in 2019/2020. The net price provides a more realistic estimate of the true cost of attending Capital University, once common grants and scholarships have been taken into account. It's important to note that your net price will fluctuate based on factors such as family income, assets and individual financial need.

Understanding Net Price Calculation

Your net price is a college’s cost of attendance minus the grants and scholarships you receive. The net price you pay for a particular college is specific to you because it’s based on your personal circumstances and the college’s financial aid policies. For the most accurate estimate of your net price, use the college’s Net Price calculator.

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Financial Aid: Making Education Accessible

Capital University offers a variety of financial aid options to help students finance their education. In 2023, 94% of undergraduate students attending Capital University received financial aid through grants. Comparatively, 72% of undergraduate students received financial aid through loans. Understanding the types of aid available and the application process is crucial for prospective students.

Need-Based Aid

Need-based financial aid considers a student's financial status. In fall 2023, 82% of first-year students received need-based financial aid. Types of need-based scholarships/grants are available. The average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at Capital University was $34,112. Need-based self-help aid includes federal loans and work-study. The average need-based self-help aid awarded to first-year students was $3,044. Capital University met 71% of its students’ financial aid need.

Merit-Based Aid

Merit-based aid, also called non-need-based aid, is awarded for a specific talent or academic achievement. The average non-need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at Capital University - excluding any athletic scholarships, if applicable - was $26,808.

Types of Financial Aid

Financial aid can include grants, loans, scholarships and work-study jobs. Financial aid packages vary depending on your financial need. Most colleges determine financial need based on your FAFSA. Scholarships are a type of funding that you don’t need to pay back. Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students for academic or athletic achievement. You might also qualify for a scholarship based on your community service involvement, unique hobbies or traits, your personal background, or a parent’s employer or military affiliation.

Application Deadlines

Priority Application Due Feb 1. Applications received prior to this date will be given the strongest consideration. Still apply for financial aid if you don’t make this due date.

Student Loan Debt: Planning for the Future

How much student loan debt you accumulate can affect your financial life long after college ends. Ideally, your total student loan debt should fall below your anticipated starting salary once you graduate.

Federal Loan Debt

At Capital University, the median federal loan debt among borrowers who completed their undergraduate degree is $26,889. The median monthly federal loan payment (if it were repaid over 10 years at 5.05% interest) for student federal loan borrowers who graduated is $285.

Private Loan Debt

Additionally, 23% of graduating students at Capital University took out private loans. Students with private loans had an average of $42,662 in private loan debt at graduation. Average Total Indebtedness of 2024 Graduating Class $33,888. 76% of graduating students who have borrowed any loan type in 2024.

Loan Repayment Considerations

Based on these assumptions, a monthly repayment of $1,022 could be required to pay off your student loan. Please note that financial aid is not guaranteed and is only available for qualifying students. Federal Student Loans are not grants and must be repaid with interest. In order to afford student loan payments and still meet all your other costs of living, it is recommended not to borrow more than you can pay back using 10% of your monthly income earned after graduation. If you're considering attending Capital University, should consider if it will be realistic to make the post graduation loan payments based on your expected salary.

Work-Study Opportunities: Earning While Learning

Working while in school can help lessen the burden of your student loans. Schools offer work-study programs to those who qualify and campus jobs to students looking to earn money in their free time.

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Work-Study Programs

Capital University offers a range of work-study, internship, and on-campus employment opportunities for its students. Work-study positions are available to those who demonstrate financial need and are awarded as part of their financial aid package. The pay rate for these positions varies depending on the job level, with Level 1 positions paying $9.00 per hour and Level 3 positions paying $10.50 per hour.

On-Campus Employment

On-campus employment opportunities at Capital University include positions in various departments such as the library, dining services, and the Office of Student and Community Engagement. These positions are open to all students, regardless of financial need. Additionally, the university offers the America Reads program, which provides tutoring services to elementary school students. Tutors must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above and commit to tutoring at least three hours per week. Past tutoring experience or work with children is preferred.

Internship Opportunities

Capital University also provides its students with a wide range of internship opportunities in various fields, including accounting, art, biology, business management, chemistry & biochemistry, communication, computer science, criminology, economics, film & media production, English & professional writing, environmental science, financial economics, health & sport sciences, history, international studies, mathematics, marketing, music technology, psychology, political science, public relations, social work, and sociology.

Military Benefits: Supporting Service Members

Capital University also provides military benefits for eligible students. The average amount of military benefits received by both graduate and undergraduate students is 10,499 USD.

G.I. Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program

Institution is G.I. Bill certified Yes. Institution participates in Yellow Ribbon Program Yes.

Additional Expenses: Planning Your Budget

If living on-campus, students should budget for $3,142 in additional living expenses. Other costs to consider include books and supplies ($2,238 per year), personal expenses ($1,256 per year), and transportation ($2,494 per year).

Academic Value and Outcomes: Is Capital University Worth the Investment?

To make a comparative assessment if Capital University is worth the price, measures of it's relative value for tuition dollar can be examined. We've calculated an academic national percentile rating of 52.95/100 for Capital University. Considering an average net price paid of $22,480, this leads to an overall value ranking of 57/100.

Graduation and Retention Rates

In 2023, 54% of students graduating from Capital University completed their program within 100% "normal time" (i.e. 4 years for a 4-year degree). Comparatively, 62% completed their degrees within 150% of the normal time, and 62% within 200%. The retention rate for full-time undergraduates at Capital University was 74%. Compared with the full-time retention rate at similar Masters Colleges and Universities (74%), Capital University had a retention rate approximately the same as its peers.

Student Loan Default Rate

In 2021 the default rate for borrower's at Capital University was 0%, which represents 0 out of the 970 total borrowers.

Comparing Costs: Capital University vs. Other Institutions

When comparing the total cost of studying at Capital University to the average total annual costs of studying in the United States, it is important to consider the type of institution. It’s hard to know exactly what schools will be a great value for you without information on your family income. There are a lot of potential financial benefits that come with attending a school close to home. For example, in-state public schools tend to have subsidized tuitions for state residents.

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