At $14,981/yr net price, University of Akron Main Campus graduates earn $46,600/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,600/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,981 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $59,924 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,600/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,600/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 48.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,469/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,319/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,771/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,982/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,698/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $96,126 | $41,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $81,111 | $29,568 |
| Taxation. | Master | $74,953 | |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,015 | $21,250 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $70,558 | $24,720 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $69,338 | $26,953 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,002 | $23,320 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,821 | $24,000 |
| Mathematics and Computer Science. | Bachelor | $61,630 | $24,668 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Bachelor | $59,950 | $26,759 |
The Risk Factor
48.2% of students at University of Akron Main Campus graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
University of Akron delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The low graduation rate of 48% creates significant risk that you'll accumulate debt without finishing your degree.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $96,126 annually despite carrying $41,000 in debt. Business Administration also performs well at $81,111, while engineering programs like Chemical and Electrical Engineering offer strong mid-career earning potential around $70,000 with manageable debt loads under $25,000.
The school's biggest financial risk is completion. Nearly half of students don't graduate, meaning you could end up with debt but no degree. The 73% retention rate suggests many students struggle academically or financially after freshman year.
Akron works financially if you're pursuing one of the high-earning programs and confident in your ability to graduate. The $14,981 net price is reasonable for a public university, making it accessible for students who need affordable tuition. However, if you're considering lower-paying majors or have concerns about academic readiness, the graduation rate should give you pause.
The relatively low percentage of students receiving aid (29%) suggests limited financial assistance beyond standard federal programs. This makes Akron most suitable for in-state students who can benefit from Ohio residency pricing and those who can handle the academic demands without extensive support services.
Your success here hinges on picking the right major and finishing your degree. Choose nursing, business, or engineering, and you'll likely see solid returns. Choose poorly or fail to graduate, and you'll face the worst-case scenario of debt without the earning power to pay it back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Akron Main Campus worth the cost?
University of Akron offers decent value for specific programs like nursing ($96,126 median earnings) and business ($81,111), but the overall graduate earnings of $46,600 are modest given the $23,250 median debt load. The 48% graduation rate means roughly half of students don't finish their degrees.
What are the best paying majors at University of Akron Main Campus?
Nursing programs lead with $96,126 median earnings, followed by business administration at $81,111 and taxation at $74,953. Engineering fields like chemical and electrical also perform well, with earnings around $70,000.
How much debt do University of Akron Main Campus graduates have?
The median debt is $23,250, which is manageable if you graduate in a high-paying field like nursing or engineering. However, with overall graduate earnings at $46,600, debt repayment could be challenging for lower-paying majors.
What is the graduation rate at University of Akron Main Campus?
Only 48% of students graduate, meaning more than half don't complete their degrees. This significantly impacts the school's return on investment since students may accumulate debt without earning a degree.