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Capital University is a private Lutheran liberal arts university in Bexley, Ohio, a residential suburb just east of Columbus. Founded in 1830 and affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Capital enrolls roughly 2,500 students across programs in nursing, business, music, law, and the liberal arts. The compact, walkable campus along East Main Street sits inside Bexley's tree-lined commercial district, giving students a college-town feel within reach of Columbus. On-campus housing and Division III athletics keep residential life active. Capital's law school in downtown Columbus adds a professional dimension and ties the university to Ohio's capital city.
Capital University requires all first-year students to live on campus in university-managed residence halls. This policy applies to students enrolled full-time and is intended to support academic adjustment and campus community during the first year. Exemptions are available for students living with a parent or legal guardian within a defined commuting distance.
Students who have completed their freshman year are generally eligible to move off campus beginning with the sophomore year. Most upperclassmen who move off campus settle in the surrounding Bexley neighborhood or in nearby Columbus neighborhoods within a short drive. The university does not manage an off-campus housing listing service, so students typically rely on local property managers and online listings.
Sophomore and upperclassmen searching for off-campus housing for the following fall should begin looking in January or February. Bexley and the nearby Eastmoor area have limited rental inventory, so the best units near campus go quickly. Students who wait until spring break often find fewer options and higher asking prices.
Housing policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Capital University before signing a lease.
Students looking to secure the best apartments near Capital University should start their search no later than January for an August move-in. The Bexley rental market is small, with only a few hundred rental units in the immediate area, so desirable spots fill fast. Touring in person during winter break or January gives you first pick of units closest to the East Main Street corridor. Signing a lease in February or March is common among students who plan ahead.
Demand peaks between February and April as Capital students, combined with Columbus-area renters, compete for affordable units in Bexley and Eastmoor. Landlords in this window often require a security deposit and first month's rent upfront to hold a unit. Students targeting the Short North or German Village for a more urban experience should search during this same window, as those markets are competitive year-round. Being pre-approved with documented income or a co-signer strengthens your application significantly.
Students who find themselves searching in June or July still have options in parts of east Columbus beyond Bexley, including the Berwick and Whitehall corridors. Summer sublets occasionally open up when Columbus State and Ohio State students vacate for the season. Month-to-month furnished units near the I-70 and I-270 interchange can serve as a short-term bridge. Joining the Capital University student housing Facebook group is one of the fastest ways to find last-minute listings from current students.
Bexley is a small, walkable suburb directly surrounding Capital's campus, and it is the most popular choice for upperclassmen who want to stay close to the university. The neighborhood has a small-town feel with local restaurants and shops along Main Street, and most units are within a 10-minute walk of the academic buildings. Rents for one-bedroom apartments typically range from $900 to $1,300 per month. Parking is generally easy and included with most rentals.
Eastmoor is a quiet residential neighborhood immediately west of Bexley, offering larger apartments and houses at slightly lower rents than the blocks closest to campus. It is a 5 to 10 minute drive to Capital and connects easily to the I-670 corridor for getting around Columbus. The area is primarily single-family homes and duplexes, making it a good fit for groups of two or three students looking to share. Local grocery options and a Columbus Metropolitan Library branch are nearby.
For students with a car who want a more urban Columbus experience, the Short North and Italian Village offer dense walkable living about 15 minutes from campus. The area is packed with restaurants, coffee shops, and music venues along High Street. Rents run higher than Bexley, with one-bedrooms often falling between $1,400 and $2,000. Parking can be challenging, so budgeting for a parking spot or relying on the COTA bus line is recommended.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
Capital University's published tuition for undergraduate students runs in the mid-$30,000 range per year before financial aid, with additional costs for room, board, and fees. The university meets a portion of demonstrated financial need through grants and scholarships, and most students receive some form of aid. Prospective students should review the net price calculator on Capital's website for a personalized estimate.