University of Akron Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on March 31, 2026What This Page Covers:
- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~85%
- Middle 50% ACT: 22
- Middle 50% SAT: 1105
- Average GPA: 3.55
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 University of Akron at a Glance
🏆 Full tuition available (Lisle M. Buckingham/Owen O. & Della M. Orr Honors Scholarship & Driving Opportunity Scholarship)
Average Net Price
$17,492/year (in-state estimate)
Average paid for residents.
Automatic Merit
$1,000–$8,000/yr
No separate application.
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 3.2+; ACT TBD+ / SAT TBD+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Jan 31 • FAFSA: Dec 1
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Lisle M. Buckingham/Owen O. & Della M. Orr Honors Scholarship & Driving Opportunity Scholarship
Honors College
Honors Program Available
Residency & Waivers
msep
Akron is one of those schools where the value comes from consistency. The automatic scholarships are clearly laid out, renewable, and fairly predictable—which makes it easier for families to estimate real costs early. Add in regional discounts for nearby states, and this can quietly become a strong financial option without a lot of guesswork.
The key is understanding the tiers. Most students will land somewhere in the automatic merit range, but the biggest awards—especially through the Honors College—are competitive. If your student is solidly in that 3.3–3.8 range and wants a practical, career-focused school with a clear pricing path, Akron is one that’s easy to build into a smart, balanced list.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — University of Akron is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 22; SAT: 1105.
Average net price? About $17,492/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? Yes — participates in msep.
Sources:
Williams Honors College site: https://uakron.edu/honors/
Scholarships – University of Akron: https://uakron.edu/financialaid/scholarships/
Affordability and merit scholarships page: https://uakron.edu/admissions/undergraduate/cost-scholarships/
Out-of-state tuition and scholarships page: https://uakron.edu/admissions/undergraduate/out-of-state
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
Williams Honors College site: https://uakron.edu/honors/
Scholarships – University of Akron: https://uakron.edu/financialaid/scholarships/
Affordability and merit scholarships page: https://uakron.edu/admissions/undergraduate/cost-scholarships/
Out-of-state tuition and scholarships page: https://uakron.edu/admissions/undergraduate/out-of-state
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
💰 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 official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
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 (2026–2027) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) | $13,740 | $21,650 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $13,162 | $13,162 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | $26,902 | $34,812 |
Average Federal Net Price: $17,492 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
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.
Sources:
https://uakron.edu/admissions/undergraduate/cost-scholarships/
https://uakron.edu/financialaid/scholarships/
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 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.
Sources:
https://uakron.edu/admissions/undergraduate/cost-scholarships/
https://uakron.edu/financialaid/scholarships/
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.
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.*
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.*
Perks that Matter:
Priority registration • Honors housing • Small, discussion-based seminars • Faculty mentorship & research funding • Dedicated advising • Senior Honors Project/Thesis
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.
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)
(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).