If you’re an international student planning to start a U.S. degree in 2026, Capital University in Columbus, Ohio can be a strong option because many scholarships are merit-based and you’re typically considered automatically when you apply for admission.
International Merit Scholarships (2026 entry)
Capital University offers merit scholarships for international undergraduate applicants. The scholarship amount is generally determined by your GPA converted to the U.S. scale:
- First-year applicants: your high school GPA is used
- Transfer applicants: your college/university GPA is used
These awards are designed to reduce tuition costs but are usually not full scholarships, and need-based aid is generally limited for international students.
The Main Street Scholarship
The Main Street Scholarship is a major merit scholarship at Capital University. It is awarded to admitted students and is typically renewable for up to the standard length of a bachelor’s degree (as long as you meet renewal rules).
Scholarship amounts based on GPA (as commonly published)
- High School/College GPA 3.75 and higher: $25,000/year
- GPA 3.50 – 3.74: $24,000/year
- GPA 3.00 – 3.49: $23,000/year
- GPA 2.99 and below: $20,000/year
Tip: If your school uses a different grading system, your GPA will be converted to the U.S. scale during evaluation.
Additional scholarships you may qualify for
Beyond the Main Street Scholarship, Capital University also offers several extra awards that may apply depending on your major, background, or situation:
- Comet Community Award: support toward room & board for students living on campus
- Conservatory Performance Award: tuition support for eligible music majors based on audition
- Music Composition Scholarship: tuition support for eligible composition majors based on portfolio review
- Sibling Award: tuition support if your sibling is also enrolled full-time at Capital
- Lutheran Heritage Grant: tuition support for eligible students connected with Lutheran ministry or congregations
- Partners in Education: matching support (up to a limit) if a participating Lutheran congregation contributes toward your tuition.
How to apply?
You can apply in either of these ways:
- Apply directly through Capital University’s international application route, or
- Apply via the Common Application (if available for your intake)
After admission, you’ll typically receive scholarship details in your admission/offer letter. Then you’ll complete the financial certification steps required for your I-20/visa process.