Tour Tuesday: University of Akron
Hands-On Learning, Industry Partnerships, and One of Ohio’s Best Career Values
Overview
The University of Akron is one of those schools that quietly offers far more than many families realize. While it’s known throughout Ohio for its engineering programs, there’s much more happening on campus than just STEM.
Located in Akron, Ohio, the university combines the resources of a public research university with a campus that feels surprisingly personal. With around 15,000 students and a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students often describe Akron as having a “small school experience with big school support”—a phrase we heard repeatedly throughout our visit.
What impressed me most is how intentionally Akron connects academics with careers. Whether through one of the nation’s premier polymer engineering programs, long-term engineering co-ops, or unique partnerships with organizations like the Cleveland Browns, students are consistently applying what they learn long before graduation.
Quick Look:
Public research university in Akron, Ohio
~15,000 students
16:1 student-to-faculty ratio
Average class size: approximately 30 students
National leader in Polymer Engineering
Five-year paid engineering co-op program
Strong partnerships with industry leaders
NCAA Division I athletics (Mid-American Conference)
Location
Akron offers students the benefits of a mid-sized city with easy access to larger metropolitan areas.
The campus is integrated into downtown Akron, creating opportunities for internships, healthcare experiences, engineering partnerships, and entertainment, while Cleveland is only about 40 minutes away.
Students also enjoy a city that’s home to professional sports, arts, and one of the country’s most recognizable tire and polymer industries.
Location Highlights:
Located in Akron, Ohio
About 40 minutes from Cleveland
Urban campus with a walkable layout
Strong connections to regional employers
Home of the Akron RubberDucks minor league baseball team
Easy access to Canton and Northeast Ohio employers
Affordable cost of living compared to many larger cities
Admissions Information
Akron offers an accessible admissions process while providing direct pathways into several highly respected professional programs.
Students applying to specialized majors should pay close attention to program-specific admission requirements.
Admissions Details:
Test-optional admissions (current policy)
Holistic application review
Direct admission into many academic programs
Competitive admission for select programs such as Nursing
Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP) available for eligible out-of-state students, reducing tuition costs
Merit scholarships available for qualified students
Academic / Major Information
Akron’s academic strengths extend well beyond engineering.
The university has developed several nationally recognized specialty programs that connect directly to industry, making it an excellent choice for students who want a practical education with strong career outcomes.
Academic Highlights:
Strong programs include:
Business
Engineering
Nursing
Biology & Biomedical Sciences
Psychology
Computing Professions
Criminology & Criminal Justice
Sociology
Nationally recognized Polymer Engineering program
Aerospace Systems Engineering
Sports Business
Sports Analytics
Pre-Med pathways feeding into both NEOMED and osteopathic medical programs
3+3 Law Program allows students to accelerate their legal education
Engineering, Innovation & Industry Partnerships (A Major Differentiator)
This is where the University of Akron truly separates itself.
Students don’t simply study engineering—they work directly with industry through structured experiences that prepare them for immediate success after graduation.
Experiential Learning Highlights:
Engineering Co-op Program
Five-year engineering co-op program
Dedicated co-op office supports engineering students
Students take a leave of absence while completing paid co-op experiences, meaning they are not paying tuition during those work terms
Extensive employer partnerships throughout Ohio and beyond
Polymer Engineering
One of the world’s leading Polymer Engineering programs
Students study materials used in:
Tires
Plastics
Paints
Medical materials
Advanced manufacturing
Strong industry demand for graduates
Sports Industry
Official university partner of the Cleveland Browns
Sports Analytics program emphasizes quantitative analysis and data science
Sports Business students gain industry-focused experiences
Even Criminology and Homeland Security students have opportunities to consult on stadium security and operations
These kinds of interdisciplinary partnerships make Akron stand out among public universities.
Housing and Student Life
Student life at Akron combines practical support with plenty of opportunities to get involved.
One thing I really appreciated is how much the university invests in student success outside the classroom. From free tutoring to makerspaces and new residence halls under construction, students have access to resources that make college more manageable.
Housing & Campus Life Highlights:
New residence halls currently under construction
All campus academic buildings are air conditioned
Four-year students receive approximately $180 in laundry credit each semester
Free tutoring and writing center available in the library
Makerspace located inside the library
Student organizations across every academic interest
Campus vibe: practical, collaborative, and career-focused
Student Organizations & Hands-On Experiences
One thing that stood out is that Akron encourages students from every major to participate in hands-on design teams—not just engineering students.
These organizations are open to anyone interested in learning, collaborating, and building something new.
Hands-On Opportunities Include:
Award-winning Rocketry Team
Formula SAE (F1) Racing Team, where students build a race car from the ground up
Maker community projects
Students from non-STEM majors are welcome to participate
Interdisciplinary collaboration across campus
Athletics
Athletics are an important part of campus life, and the university takes great pride in supporting its student-athletes.
During our visit, it was clear that athletics and academics are well integrated, with students balancing both successfully.
Athletics Overview:
NCAA Division I athletics
Member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC)
Football at InfoCision Stadium
Strong men’s and women’s basketball programs
Wide variety of varsity sports
Club sports and recreation opportunities available
Student-athletes are well supported both academically and athletically
Cost and Scholarships
One of Akron’s biggest strengths is affordability.
The university offers competitive tuition rates, additional savings through textbook programs, and reduced tuition for students participating in the Midwest Student Exchange Program.
Cost & Aid Details:
Estimated annual tuition:
Ohio residents: ~$14,000
Out-of-state students: ~$21,500
Total cost of attendance:
Ohio residents: approximately $26,000-$30,000/year
Out-of-state students: approximately $34,000-$38,000/year
Midwest Student Exchange Program provides reduced tuition for eligible students from participating states
Merit scholarships available
FAFSA required for need-based financial aid
Akron All-In Book Bundle:
Flat-rate textbook program
Approximately $19.75 per credit hour
Students can opt out if purchasing books individually costs less
All first-year students are eligible to purchase a campus parking pass
Fun Facts / Traditions
Akron has a personality that’s innovative, practical, and uniquely tied to its city.
Campus Culture & Traditions:
The university president previously founded IMG, one of the world’s largest sports management companies
Home to one of the world’s premier Polymer Engineering programs
Students can build everything from rockets to Formula-style race cars
A gold outline inside the recreation center marks where a former elementary school once stood
The campus library includes both a makerspace and free tutoring center
Akron’s local restaurant scene is a hidden gem—favorites include Diamond Deli, Swenson’s, Cilantro, Diamond Grille, and the hidden speakeasy inside Crackerjack’s (if you know how to find it!)
Final Thoughts: Who Would Thrive at Akron?
The University of Akron is an excellent fit for students who want a career-focused education with outstanding hands-on opportunities at an affordable price. It’s especially ideal for students interested in engineering, healthcare, business, criminal justice, or emerging fields like sports analytics and polymer science.
Ideal Student Profile:
Students interested in engineering, polymer science, nursing, business, or sports analytics
Those who value internships, co-ops, and hands-on learning
Students looking for an affordable public university with excellent career outcomes
Individuals who enjoy collaborative project teams and innovation
Students who want the opportunities of a research university without feeling lost in a massive campus
Those seeking strong industry partnerships and real-world experience before graduation
