University of Akron Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit and competitive scholarships
- Out-of-state tuition waivers and regional discounts
- Honors College and leadership-based awards
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~85%
- Middle 50% ACT: 19–25
- Middle 50% SAT: 990–1220
- Average HS GPA (middle 50%): 3.3–3.8
Source: University of Akron Common Data Set 2024–25 and BigFuture. Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.
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University of Akron at a Glance
Last verified: October 10, 2025
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
| 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.
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.
https://uakron.edu/admissions/undergraduate/cost-scholarships/
https://uakron.edu/financialaid/scholarships/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
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 2025–2026) | — | — | — | — | — | — |
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.
https://uakron.edu/admissions/undergraduate/cost-scholarships/
https://uakron.edu/financialaid/scholarships/
🎖️ 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.
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.*
Priority registration • Honors housing • Small, discussion-based seminars • Faculty mentorship & research funding • Dedicated advising • Senior Honors Project/Thesis
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Williams Honors College Scholarship | $1,500 – $3,000 per year (stackable) | 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.
(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).