About University of Akron Main Campus
Students pay an average net price of $14,981 after financial aid, making this one of Ohio's more affordable options for quality engineering education. Graduates earn a median of $46,600 ten years out, with typical monthly loan payments of $246 on $23,250 in debt. The math works for most students, especially considering the strong employment rate of 96.6% and the university's reputation in high-demand technical fields.
The Zips compete in NCAA Division I as part of the Mid-American Conference, with 448 athletes across 15 sports receiving over $6 million in athletic scholarships. Nearly 92% of students come from Ohio, creating a tight-knit community feel despite the urban setting. The 73% retention rate reflects students who find their niche, though the 48% six-year graduation rate suggests this isn't the right fit for everyone.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 39.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 48.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 48.2%
- Retention Rate
- 73.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $46,600
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $96,126 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $81,111 |
| Taxation. | Master | $74,953 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,015 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $70,558 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $69,338 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,002 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,821 |
| Mathematics and Computer Science. | Bachelor | $61,630 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Bachelor | $59,950 |
Campus Life
The 16:1 student-faculty ratio creates manageable class sizes, especially valuable in the university's well-known engineering and polymer science programs. Students often gather at the Student Union or catch Zips basketball games, competing in the Mid-American Conference with 15 varsity sports drawing 448 student-athletes. With 91.85% of students from Ohio, the campus feels distinctly regional rather than cosmopolitan. Weekends bring a mix of Cleveland excursions and campus activities, though the 73% retention rate suggests some students transfer elsewhere. The rubber industry legacy still influences campus culture, with co-op programs connecting students to local manufacturers and research facilities.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 2,485 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
101 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 19 | 10 | 0 | 1 |
| Dating Violence | 11 | 11 | 2 | 0 |
| Fondling | 7 | 5 | 2 | 0 |
| Rape | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Burglary | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 21°–36°F
- July Avg
- 64°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 32.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 47.2"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 52.7%
- Women
- 47.3%
- White
- 69.0%
- Black
- 13.1%
- Hispanic
- 3.9%
- Asian
- 4.5%
- In-State Students
- 91.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 28.9%
Location
- Address
- Akron, Ohio 44325-2102
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $46,600
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $56,971
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $33,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 45.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $246/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Akron Main Campus?
University of Akron accepts 82.87% of applicants, making it accessible to most students with solid academic records. The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 980-1230 on the SAT, reflecting the university's commitment to providing opportunities for a broad range of learners.
How much does University of Akron Main Campus cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $14,981 annually after aid, with costs varying by family income from $12,319 for middle-income families to $19,698 for high earners. The university keeps education affordable with in-state tuition at $12,799, helping graduates maintain a manageable median debt of $23,250.
What is University of Akron Main Campus known for academically?
The university excels in engineering programs and polymer science research, building on Akron's industrial heritage in rubber and materials. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, students get meaningful access to professors while benefiting from the school's strong connections to local manufacturing and technology companies.
What are the graduation and employment outcomes at University of Akron Main Campus?
The six-year graduation rate stands at 48.20%, and graduates achieve a 96.6% employment rate with median earnings of $46,600 ten years after graduation. Alumni find success across industries, following in the footsteps of notable graduates like NASA astronaut Judith Resnik and Pretenders frontwoman Chrissie Hynde.
Where do University of Akron Main Campus students live and study?
The 10,011 students study on a midsize city campus with housing for 2,485 residents, creating a close-knit community feel within Ohio's fifth-largest city. With 91.85% of students from Ohio, the campus maintains strong ties to the local community while offering the resources of a Division I athletics program.
Does University of Akron Main Campus have a strong athletics program?
The Zips compete in NCAA Division I as part of the Mid-American Conference, fielding 15 varsity sports with 448 total athletes. The athletic program receives $6.16 million in scholarship funding, supporting student-athletes while building school spirit through competitive rivalries, especially with nearby Kent State University.
