Regional tuition match for select bordering states
The University of Akron combines automatic scholarships with strong regional value—especially for families in Ohio and nearby states. Merit awards under the Akron Guarantee Plus program automatically renew for up to four years, and the Williams Honors College offers full-tuition scholarships for the most competitive students.
With flexible admissions, test-optional policies, and a focus on affordability, Akron gives students across the region a direct, predictable path to lowering college costs while pursuing degrees in engineering, business, and the sciences.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — the University of Akron is test-optional through 2026 and considers GPA, rigor, and leadership for automatic scholarships.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 19–25; SAT: 990–1220 (for students who submitted scores).
What’s the average net price? About $17,492/year after aid. See our Net Price & SAI guide.
Does this school use reciprocity or OOS waivers? Yes — bordering-state residents (Michigan, Pennsylvania) qualify for discounted tuition through regional reciprocity.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Akron 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once the university releases official 2026–2027 numbers.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
Category
In-State (OH)
Out-of-State
Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12–18 credits)
$13,740
$21,650
Housing & Meal Plan
$13,162
$13,162
Total (before aid)
$26,902
$34,812
Note: This table shows only charges billed directly by the university (tuition, mandatory fees, housing and meals).
Other expenses such as books & supplies (~$1,200), transportation (~$2,000), and personal/miscellaneous (~$1,596) are estimated and vary by student; they are not billed directly by the college.
Average Net Price: $17,492/year (most recent published) — what families actually paid after scholarships and grants, excluding loans.
Reciprocity & Regional Discounts: University of Akron participates in the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP). Eligible out-of-state students from participating states may pay a reduced tuition rate (about $15,500/year) plus qualify for additional merit scholarships.
FAQ
Who qualifies for in-state tuition?
Ohio residents who meet state residency requirements.
Does Akron offer regional discounts like WUE or NEBHE?
No — Akron does not participate in WUE or NEBHE, but it does participate in MSEP for eligible out-of-state students.
How do most families lower these costs?
Through automatic merit scholarships, competitive awards, and need-based grants.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Akron automatically considers admitted students for merit scholarships based on GPA and (if submitted) test scores. No extra application is required—just apply for admission by the priority deadline.
Scholarship
Award Amount
Eligibility
Separate App?
Renewable?
Who Actually Wins?
Deadline
UA Merit Scholarship
$1,000 – $7,500 per year
Awarded to admitted freshmen based on high school GPA and optional ACT/SAT scores. Must apply for admission by March 1 for full consideration.
No
Yes – maintain 2.5 GPA and full-time enrollment
Students with a 3.2+ GPA typically receive awards. Larger amounts go to students with 3.7+ GPA and ACT 26+/SAT 1230+.*
March 1 (priority)
Out-of-State Merit Award
$3,000 – $8,000 per year
Nonresident admitted students with strong GPA/test scores. Often combined with MSEP discount for additional savings.
No
Yes – maintain 2.5 GPA and full-time enrollment
Out-of-state students with a 3.3+ GPA; top awards closer to 3.8 GPA and ACT 28+/SAT 1300+.*
March 1 (priority)
*Estimates based on published ranges and prior award data. Exact cutoffs can shift each year depending on applicants and funding.
FAQ
Do I need to apply separately?
No—every admitted student is automatically considered. Just meet the priority deadline.
Does Akron superscore ACT/SAT?
No—Akron does not superscore. Only your best single test date is considered.
Can I stack merit with MSEP?
Yes, some out-of-state students can combine both, though the exact award may be capped so the total does not drop below the in-state rate.
What happens if my GPA drops in college?
You must maintain at least a 2.5 GPA and stay enrolled full-time to renew.
Akron’s university-wide competitive scholarships (open to the entire incoming class, not tied to a specific college/major and not part of Honors) are limited. Most high-value opportunities are either automatic merit, Honors-specific (covered in the Honors section), or department/identity/ROTC awards (covered in Hidden Gems). If the university publishes a new all-student competition, we’ll add it here in the next pass.
Scholarship
Award Amount
Eligibility
Separate App?
Renewable?
Who Actually Wins?
Deadline
(No centrally listed university-wide competitive scholarships for 2026–2027)
—
—
—
—
—
—
Note: Honors-only awards will appear in the Honors College section. Major-specific, identity-based, ROTC, research, and study-abroad funds will appear in Hidden Gem Scholarships.
FAQ
Does Akron have university-wide competitions like “Trustee/Presidential” that require essays/interviews?
As of this cycle, Akron’s most visible awards for all freshmen are automatic merit. Competitive awards are primarily Honors-only or college/department-specific; we’ll recheck before publishing the final pass.
Can I stack a department/identity/ROTC award with automatic merit?
Often yes, but stacking rules vary by fund. We’ll note caps and exclusions in the Hidden Gems section.
Where should I look for new opportunities?
The University Scholarship portal and departmental pages update throughout the year. We’ll monitor and add any true all-student competitions here.
Beyond automatic merit, Akron students can tap into special scholarships tied to identity, service, ROTC, research, the arts, or academic departments. These awards aren’t always well-publicized, but they can make a real difference for the right student.
Scholarship
Award Amount
Eligibility
Separate App?
Renewable?
Who Actually Wins?
Deadline
Army & Air Force ROTC Scholarships
Full or partial tuition + stipend
Students who contract with Army ROTC or AFROTC at Akron; must meet fitness and academic standards.
Yes – through ROTC program boards
Yes – maintain GPA, fitness, service commitment
Students committed to military service with strong academics and leadership skills.
Varies (National/rolling)
Choose Ohio First (STEM) Scholarship
$1,500 – $5,200 per year
Ohio residents majoring in eligible STEM fields (engineering, computer science, health sciences).
Yes – departmental/COF application required
Yes – must stay in STEM major and meet GPA
STEM students with 3.3+ GPA and interest in research or workforce partnerships.
Jan 31
Driving Opportunity Scholarship
Full tuition & fees (up to 5 years)
New first-year, first-gen students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds; includes Goodyear mentorship.
Yes – UA Scholarship Portal
Yes – maintain GPA & enrollment
First-gen students with financial need and strong drive for career readiness.
April 1
Making Akron Possible (MAP) Grant
Covers full tuition & fees after other aid
First-year students from Summit, Stark, Medina, Portage, Cuyahoga, or Wayne counties meeting income thresholds.
Yes – FAFSA + UA Scholarship Portal
Yes – annual FAFSA and Satisfactory Academic Progress
Local low-income students who demonstrate financial need and file FAFSA on time.
March 1 (FAFSA)
Summer Leadership Academy Award
Up to $2,500 (first year only)
First-gen students from Northeast Ohio participating in Summer Leadership Academy.
Yes – program application
No – one-time
Selected first-gen students who complete the summer program.
Spring (varies; check program)
Undergraduate Student Leadership Scholarship
Varies (~$1,000 – $2,500)
Finance majors or minors demonstrating leadership (College of Business).
Yes – essay & resume
Yes – conditions vary
Business students with leadership in clubs or community orgs.
April 6
Marching Band Scholarships
$500 – full tuition (varies)
Members of the UA Marching Band; based on audition and talent needs.
Yes – School of Music application/audition
Yes – must continue band participation
Talented musicians, especially in high-need sections.
Jan–Mar (Music timeline)
Percussion Scholarships
Up to full tuition
Percussion majors (e.g., Dr. Larry D. Snider and Stanley L. & Eloise M. Morgan Endowed Percussion Scholarships).
Yes – School of Music audition & application
Yes – maintain performance & academic standards
Talented percussionists, often freshmen with strong auditions.
Jan–Mar (varies by fund)
Study Abroad & International Education Grants
$500 – $2,000
Undergraduates participating in approved study abroad or exchange programs.
Yes – via Education Abroad Office
No – one-time
Students who secure faculty support and plan international study experiences.
Rolling/app varies
Departmental Donor Scholarships
$500 – full tuition (varies by fund)
Available within Arts & Sciences, Business, Engineering, and other colleges; examples include Dr. Charles C. Rogler (Sociology) and Dilley Family Endowed (Economics).
Yes – through UA Scholarship Portal or department
Yes – conditions vary
Students who apply directly through their department and show academic excellence.
Feb–Apr (varies by department)
Diversity & Inclusion Scholarships
$1,000 – $3,000
First-generation, underrepresented, or underserved students; criteria vary by donor fund.
Yes – through UA Scholarship Portal
Yes – conditions vary
Students who highlight leadership, resilience, or identity-based community involvement.
Feb–Mar (varies by fund)
*Award ranges and GPA bands are estimates where the university lists “varies.” Criteria and deadlines change each year; check the UA portal and departmental sites for the latest info.
FAQ
Do ROTC scholarships cover full tuition?
Yes, most ROTC awards cover full tuition plus a monthly stipend—but students must commit to military service after graduation.
What is Choose Ohio First?
A state-funded STEM initiative that provides scholarships and research opportunities to keep talented students in Ohio’s workforce.
Are study abroad or marching band awards stackable with other aid?
Yes, in most cases. They offset program fees, housing, or travel but don’t replace automatic merit scholarships.
How do I apply for donor or diversity scholarships?
Most are listed in the UA Scholarship Portal, where you complete a general application and are matched to eligible awards.
🎖️ Honors College
The Dr. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams Honors College at the University of Akron gives motivated students the chance to dive deeper into their education. Admission is selective, with priority given to strong GPAs, rigorous coursework, and students who submit early. Being part of the Honors College is more than academics—it’s about mentorship, research, and a close-knit community inside a large public university.
What a Typical Akron Honors Student Looks Like:
High school GPA of 3.6+, strong college prep/IB/AP classes, leadership in activities, and a commitment to service. ACT/SAT scores are optional, but successful admits often score 27+ ACT / 1280+ SAT.*
Admitted to Honors College; priority deadline December 1.
Yes – Honors application
Yes – must remain in Honors and maintain GPA
3.6+ GPA with leadership or service experience; strongest applicants apply early.*
Dec 1 (priority)
Lisle M. Buckingham/Owen O. & Della M. Orr Honors Scholarship
Full ride (tuition, fees, room & board for 4 years)
Incoming freshmen admitted to the Williams Honors College; most competitive award.
Yes – Honors College application + materials
Yes – maintain GPA and Honors standing
Top 1–2% of applicants with 4.0 GPA, ACT 30+/SAT 1360+, plus exceptional leadership/service.*
Dec 1 (priority)
Honors Housing Award (Muehlstein Fund)
$2,000 per year (first 2 years)
Incoming Honors students living on campus.
Yes – Honors housing selection required
No – limited to first two years
Students who choose Honors housing and apply early.
Dec 1 (priority)
Williams Honors College Alumni Endowed Scholarship
$1,000 – $3,000
Incoming or continuing Honors College students; funded by alumni gifts.
Yes – UA Scholarship Portal
Yes – based on GPA and Honors participation
Students with strong leadership, service, or research involvement.
Dec 1 (priority)
Williams Honors Travel/Study Abroad Grants
$500 – $2,000 (one-time)
Honors students pursuing study abroad; examples include Drs. Gary & Pamela Williams and Jacobson Fund for Women in Engineering.
Yes – internal Honors application
No – one-time
Honors students planning international study with faculty support.
Dec 1 (priority) or rolling
Honors Project/Research Funding
$500 – $2,000 (one-time)
Upper-division Honors students completing a thesis or significant research project.
Yes – internal proposal
No – one-time
Juniors and seniors pursuing faculty-mentored research.
Dec 1 (priority) or rolling
Hunter Award (Graduating Senior)
Honor award (recognition + stipend varies)
Graduating senior in Honors College showing extraordinary leadership and service.
Yes – nomination required
No – one-time at graduation
Outstanding seniors recognized for impact in campus/community life.
April 1 (commencement cycle)
*Estimates based on prior student profiles and published Honors data. Exact GPA/test expectations may shift depending on applicant pool.
FAQ
Is Honors admission automatic with a high GPA?
No. Students must submit a separate Honors application and often an essay; admission is competitive.
Does joining Honors add time to my degree?
No—courses integrate into your major. The only extra requirement is a senior project/thesis.
When should I apply?
By the priority deadline (December 1) for the best shot at scholarships and housing.
Are there extra costs for being in Honors?
No. Honors perks (housing, seminars, advising) are included, and many students receive extra funding.
⭐ College Specialties
The University of Akron is best known for its real-world innovation and industry-centered excellence. As a research university—classified as an R1 institution—Akron stands out especially in materials and polymer science, while also offering top-tier professional and creative programs that open doors across fields.
Flagship Program:Polymer Science & Plastics Engineering — #1 in the world according to EduRank, and consistently ranked #1 in North America. The University of Akron hosts one of the largest concentrations of polymer R&D and patent generation — plus UA is officially classified as an R1 research university.
(Source: UA News, EduRank, Carnegie R1 Classification)
Part-time MBA (College of Business): Ranked among the top part-time MBA programs in the U.S. (U.S. News & World Report, 2025 rankings) .
School of Law – IP Law specialization: One of only two LL.M. programs in Intellectual Property in Ohio; historically ranked among top programs nationally.
Industrial & Occupational Psychology, Nursing, Counseling: The university has received national recognition for high-quality programs in psychology, nursing, and counseling.
Corrosion Engineering: UA is the only university in the nation offering a bachelor’s degree in corrosion engineering .
Archives of the History of American Psychology: An affiliate of the Smithsonian—unique among universities}.
NEOMFA (Consortium MFA in Creative Writing): A regional creative writing graduate program shared with CSU, Kent State, and YSU, with competitive graduate funding and distinguished visiting writers.
Value Ranking (Ohio): UA ranked in the top 10 Ohio colleges for value (SmartAsset, 2025).
Paying for college doesn’t have to feel impossible. At the University of Akron, families can mix automatic merit, local need-based grants, hidden gems like ROTC or band awards, and Honors perks to bring the sticker price way down. Whether your student is a first-gen achiever, a future engineer, or a marching band standout, Akron has options to match. The key is applying early, keeping grades strong, and stacking awards wisely—so you can focus less on the bill and more on helping your student thrive.
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