Study in USA | Capital University Merit Scholarships 2026

January 12, 2026 8:45 am

Study in USA | Capital University’s Merit Scholarships 2026

For international students seeking an affordable undergraduate education in the United States, a clear and generous scholarship pathway is available. Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, offers substantial merit-based scholarships for the 2026 intake. These awards, primarily determined by your academic performance, can significantly reduce your tuition costs and are automatically considered when you apply for admission, simplifying the financial planning process.

A Generous, GPA-Based Merit Scholarship

The cornerstone of financial aid for international students at Capital University is the Main Street Scholarship. This major award offers renewable, annual funding based directly on your Grade Point Average (GPA). The scholarship amounts are tiered as follows:

GPA of 3.75 and higher: $25,000 per year
GPA of 3.50 – 3.74: $24,000 per year
GPA of 3.00 – 3.49: $23,000 per year
GPA of 2.99 and below: $20,000 per year

Important Note: If your home country uses a different grading scale, Capital University will convert your grades to the U.S. 4.0 scale during the application evaluation. The scholarship is typically renewable for the standard four-year duration of your bachelor’s degree, provided you meet the university’s renewal criteria.

Additional Award Opportunities

Beyond the Main Street Scholarship, Capital University offers several supplemental awards for which you may qualify:

Comet Community Award: Financial support towards room and board costs for students living on campus.
Conservatory Performance Award: Additional tuition support for music majors, awarded based on a successful audition.
Sibling Award: A tuition discount if your sibling is also enrolled as a full-time student at Capital.
Lutheran Heritage Grant: Tuition assistance for students with a connection to Lutheran ministry.
Partners in Education: Matching funds when a participating Lutheran congregation contributes to your tuition.

Application Process

A significant advantage of Capital University’s system is its simplicity. There is no separate scholarship application. You are automatically considered for the Main Street Scholarship and other relevant awards during the standard admission review. You can apply for admission through one of two straightforward routes:

Capital University’s Direct International Application
The Common Application (if available for your intake term)

After you receive your offer of admission, your scholarship details will be clearly outlined in your official offer letter. You can then proceed with the standard financial certification required to obtain your I-20 form and student visa.

Click Here to Apply

How to Maximize Your Scholarship Offer

Given that the primary award is GPA-based, your academic record is your most important asset. Ensure your high school or previous university transcripts are outstanding and accurately reflect your performance. If you are a prospective music or composition major, prepare thoroughly for your required audition or portfolio review, as this directly impacts your eligibility for the Conservatory awards. Furthermore, researching and applying for the supplemental awards that match your background (like the Sibling or Lutheran Heritage awards) can provide valuable additional funding.

Capital University’s merit scholarship program offers a transparent and accessible way to finance your U.S. degree. By achieving strong academic grades and submitting a complete admission application, you automatically position yourself for a substantial, renewable tuition award. For the application portal and specific requirements for supplemental awards, visit the official Capital University Admissions page.