UNIVERSITY OF AKRON (UA)
- 302 Buchtel Common
- Akron, OH 44325
- OPEID College Code: 00312300
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- General Phone: (330) 972-7111
- President: Luis M Proenza
- Type: Public, 4-Year or Above
- Calendar System: Semester
- Highest Degree: Doctoral - Research & Professional
- Local Area: Midsized City
- Student Enrollment: 25,959
- College Alias: UA
- College Mascot: Zips
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The University of Akron (UA), located in Ohio, is a public research university. UA offers 300 undergraduate academic degree programs and also many programs at the graduate levels. UA has many new or updated buildings on campus with modern amenities and high-technology classrooms. In addition to its degree programs, UA offers workforce and career training, continuing education, distance training via online courses, and international study programs.
UA has a highly acclaimed faculty, is considered a "Best in the Midwest" college by the Princeton Review, and has many top-ranking academic programs. Some of UA's most recently top-ranked programs include chemistry, business, science and technology, and engineering.
History
In 1870, the Ohio Universalist Convention founded the University of Akron was founded as "Buchtel College." Originally a church-focused school, the emphasis shifted to non-denominational interests and curricula by 1907. In 1913, the trustees created the Municipal University of Akron, which became the University of Akron (UA) in 1926. In 1959, the University of Akron became the fifth university in Ohio to offer a doctoral degree. In 1967, UA became a state university. In the 1990s, a new campus was developed, with 9 new buildings reaching completion in 2004. In 2008, the on-campus sports stadium, InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field, was completed. In 2010, UA was named an Ohio Center of Excellence for its biomedicine, healthcare, and enabling technologies programs.
Academics
The academic calendar for the University of Akron follows the semester format, with fall and spring semesters, and two summer sessions.
Colleges and Schools
The University of Akron has 14 academic colleges and schools, including:
- College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering
- Graduate School
- Honors College
- Law School
- Summit College
- University College
- Wayne College
- Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Business Administration
- College of Creative and Professional Arts
- College of Education
- College of Engineering
- College of Health Sciences and Human Services
- College of Nursing
Student Life
There are more than 200 student clubs and organizations available at UA for student involvement and enrichment. Students at UA can choose from groups focused on politics, faith, ethnicity, academic interests, hobbies, music, careers, and more. There are local chapters of national fraternities and sororities. More than 12 intramural sports and clubs are available for student participation. Campus-sponsored events and activities include inner-tube water polo and ultimate Frisbee tournaments. The Student Recreation and Wellness Center has more information about intramural sports and athletics activities.
Traditions
The University of Akron's school colors are blue and white, and its mascot is "Zippy" the kangaroo.
The athletic teams for the UA were christened the "Zippers" or "Zips" in 1925, after a campus-wide contest was held to choose a nickname. The origin of the "Zippers" was inspired by a zip-up style of rain boots, or galoshes, that were invented by the B.F. Goodrich Company of Akron, Ohio.
Athletics
Many of the University of Akron's "Zips" athletes have become professional NFL players. The UA "Zips" athletic teams compete in 19 intercollegiate sports, including:
Men's Sports:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Football
- Golf
- Rifle
- Soccer
- Track and Field (indoor and outdoor)
Women's Sports:
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Golf
- Gymnastics
- Rifle
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming and Diving
- Tennis
- Track and Field (indoor and outdoor)
- Volleyball
Satellite Campuses
In addition to its Akron Campus location, the University of Akron offers many courses at locations around the Ohio region via its distance-learning program. Satellite locations include:
- Wayne College (Orrville, OH)
- The Medina County University Center (Medina, OH)
- The Wayne College Holmes County Higher Education Center (Millersburg, OH)
- Midpoint Campus Center (Brunswick, OH)
- Northeastern Ohio Universities Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy (Rootstown, OH)
Community Life
The UA is integral to the regional economy of Akron, Ohio, with partnerships in local business and government providing students and graduates with many learning and career opportunities. Communities bordering the university's Akron campus have been refurbished into healthier homes through UA programs and initiatives.
The city of Akron offers many opportunities for recreation and entertainment, with a vibrant downtown area and many parks for outdoor activities. The UA campus has easy access to the downtown area, and to highways and airports.
Some of the region's points of interest include the EJ Thomas Performing Arts Hall, the Akron Art Museum and Cleveland Museum of Art, the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and Cuyahoga Valley National Park, among others.
- Student Services
- Remedial Services Offered
- Academic or Career Counseling Services Offered
- Employment Services Offered
- Placement Services For Graduates Offered
- On-Campus Day Care Available
- Special Learning Opportunities
- Distance Learning Opportunities
- Study Abroad Opportunities
- Weekend / Evening Classes Available
- Teaching K-12 Certification Offered Can Complete Preparation With Specialization State Approved for Certification
- ROTC Army Air Force
- Website
- www.uakron.edu

- Mission Statement
- The University of Akron, a publicly assisted metropolitan institution, strives to develop enlightened members of society. It offers comprehensive programs of instruction from associate through doctoral levels; pursues a vigorous agenda of research in the arts, sciences and professions; and provides service to the community. The university
pursues excellence in undergraduate education and distinction in selected areas of graduate instruction, inquiry, and creative activity.
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission
- Facilities and Programs Offered
- Library Available
- College Carnegie Classifications
- Basic Classification Research Universities (High Research Activity)
- Undergraduate Classification Professions Plus Arts & Sciences, High Graduate Coexistence
- Graduate Classification Comprehensive Doctoral (No Medical/Veterinary)
- Undergraduate Profile Classification Medium Full-Time Four-Year, Inclusive
- Enrollment Classification High Undergraduate
- Size Classification Large Four-Year, Primarily Nonresidential
- University of Akron Wayne College
Orrville, OH 44667
21 Miles Away

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- Admission Links
- Admissions: www.uakron.edu
- Online Application: Apply Online
- Admission Fees
- Undergraduate Application Fee: $30.00
- Graduate Application Fee: $30.00
- College Credits Accepted
- Dual Credit
- Life Experience Credit
- AP Credit
- Applicant Considerations
- Open Admission Policy Accepts Any Student Who Applies
- Financial Aid Links and Information
- Website: UA Financial Aid Office
- FAFSA Student Aid: Apply Online
- Percent of Students Receiving Financial Aid: 87%
| Loan | Federal Grant | State/Local Grant | Institutional Grant | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (%) of Students Receiving | 65% | 35% | 27% | 36% |
| Avg Amount Receiving | $6,596 | $4,414 | $1,962 | $4,812 |
| 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Default Rate (%) | 5.4% | 4.5% | 4.1% |
| Number in Default | 298 | 247 | 284 |
| Number in Repayment | 5,419 | 5,372 | 6,786 |
| 2009-10 | 2008-09 | 2007-08 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition, Fees and Other Expenses | |||
| In-District Tuition and Fees | $8,752 | $8,612 | $8,382 |
| In-State Tuition and Fees | $8,752 | $8,612 | $8,382 |
| Out of State Tuition and Fees | $18,000 | $17,861 | $17,631 |
| Books and Supplies | $900 | $900 | $900 |
| Housing Expenses | |||
| On Campus | |||
| Room and Board | $8,697 | $8,311 | $8,003 |
| Other Expenses | $2,520 | $2,520 | $2,504 |
| Off Campus | |||
| Room and Board | $10,504 | $10,100 | $9,620 |
| Other Expenses | $3,152 | $3,152 | $3,034 |
| Off Campus with Family | |||
| Other Expenses | $3,066 | $3,152 | $3,024 |
| Total Expenses | |||
| On Campus | |||
| In-District | $20,869 | $20,343 | $19,789 |
| In-State | $20,869 | $20,343 | $19,789 |
| Out of State | $30,117 | $29,592 | $29,038 |
| Off Campus | |||
| In-District | $23,308 | $22,764 | $21,936 |
| In-State | $23,308 | $22,764 | $21,936 |
| Out of State | $32,556 | $32,013 | $31,185 |
| Off Campus with Family | |||
| In-District | $12,718 | $12,578 | $12,306 |
| In-State | $12,718 | $12,578 | $12,306 |
| Out of State | $21,966 | $21,827 | $21,555 |
- Overall Student Enrollment
- Total Student Enrollment: 25,959 Undergraduate: 21,327 Graduate: 4,632
- Student Gender
- Total Student Gender Male: 12,796 Female: 13,163
- Undergraduate Gender Male: 10,890 Female: 10,437
- Graduate Gender Male: 1,906 Female: 2,726
- Student Attendance
- Total Student Attendance Full-Time: 18,925 Part-Time: 7,034
- Undergraduate Attendance Full-Time: 16,632 Part-Time: 4,695
- Graduate Attendance Full-Time: 2,293 Part-Time: 2,339
| Number | Percent | |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Resident Alien | 938 | 4% |
| American Indian | 59 | 0.2% |
| Black | 3,387 | 13% |
| Asian | 506 | 2% |
| Hispanic | 296 | 1% |
| White | 19,130 | 74% |
| Unknown | 1,643 | 6% |
| Number | Percent | |
|---|---|---|
| Age Under 18 | 730 | 3% |
| Ages 18-19 | 5,777 | 22% |
| Ages 20-21 | 5,817 | 22% |
| Ages 22-24 | 5,453 | 21% |
| Ages 25-29 | 3,771 | 15% |
| Ages 30-34 | 1,644 | 6% |
| Ages 35-39 | 977 | 4% |
| Ages 40-49 | 1,177 | 5% |
| Ages 50-65 | 589 | 2% |
| Age Over 65 | 22 | 0.08% |
| Age Unknown | 2 | 0.01% |
| Total | Full-Time | Part-Time | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Employees | 3,714 | 2,480 | 1,234 |
| Faculty Status | 1,771 | 832 | 939 |
| Tenured Faculty | 542 | 542 | - |
| Graduate Assistants | 1,328 | - | 1,328 |
| Instruction, Research and/or Public Service | 1,705 | 766 | 939 |
| Primarily Instruction | 1,705 | 766 | 939 |
| Executive, Administrative and/or Managerial | 113 | 113 | - |
| Other Professionals | 647 | 593 | 54 |
| Technical and/or Paraprofessional | 1,249 | 1,008 | 241 |
| Clerical And Secretarial | 486 | 407 | 79 |
| Skilled Crafts | 61 | 61 | - |
| Service and/or Maintenance | 395 | 302 | 93 |
| Total | Male | Female | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9/10 Month Contract | |||
| All Faculty | $71,358 (708) | $77,975 (401) | $62,715 (307) |
| Professor | $92,561 (231) | $98,034 (154) | $81,617 (77) |
| Associate Professor | $69,825 (221) | $72,229 (134) | $66,122 (87) |
| Assistant Professor | $61,244 (158) | $64,064 (83) | $58,123 (75) |
| Instructor | $45,503 (56) | $43,771 (14) | $46,080 (42) |
| Lecturer | $35,330 (42) | $35,130 (16) | $35,453 (26) |
| 11/12 Month Contract | |||
| All Faculty | $110,131 (58) | $119,065 (44) | $82,050 (14) |
| Professor | $122,912 (42) | $127,954 (34) | $101,484 (8) |
| Associate Professor | $85,134 (8) | $91,884 (6) | $64,884 (2) |
| Assistant Professor | $73,043 (3) | $73,043 (3) | - (-) |
| Instructor | $65,017 (5) | $118,027 (1) | $51,765 (4) |
| Equated 9 Month Contract | |||
| All Faculty | $72,778 (766) | $79,898 (445) | $62,908 (321) |
| Professor | $93,793 (273) | $99,238 (188) | $81,750 (85) |
| Associate Professor | $69,819 (229) | $72,355 (140) | $65,829 (89) |
| Assistant Professor | $61,217 (161) | $63,914 (86) | $58,123 (75) |
| Instructor | $46,134 (61) | $47,291 (15) | $45,756 (46) |
| Lecturer | $35,330 (42) | $35,130 (16) | $35,453 (26) |
- Member of National Collegiate Athletic Association (Ncaa)
| Total | Men's Teams | Women's Teams | Coed Teams | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athlete Student Aid | ||||
| Total Aid | $5,424,528 | $3,339,009 | $2,085,519 | $90,935 |
| Ratio (%) | 100% | 61% | 38% | 2% |
| Participants | ||||
| All Athletes | 466 | 282 | 168 | 16 |
| Baseball | 38 | 38 | - | - |
| Basketball | 33 | 17 | 16 | - |
| All Track Combined | 97 | 56 | 41 | - |
| Football | 131 | 131 | - | - |
| Golf | 19 | 12 | 7 | - |
| Rifle | 16 | - | - | 16 |
| Soccer | 61 | 28 | 33 | - |
| Softball | 21 | - | 21 | - |
| Swimming and Diving | 29 | - | 29 | - |
| Tennis | 7 | - | 7 | - |
| Volleyball | 14 | - | 14 | - |
| Coaches Salaries | ||||
| Head Coaches | - | $203,612 | $74,053 | $15,615 |
| Assistant Coaches | - | $51,228 | $32,821 | - |
| Coaches | ||||
| All Coaches | 57 | 31 | 25 | 1 |
| Baseball | 3 | 3 | - | - |
| Head Coaches | 1 | 1 | - | - |
| Assistant Coaches | 2 | 2 | - | - |
| Basketball | 8 | 4 | 4 | - |
| Head Coaches | 2 | 1 | 1 | - |
| Assistant Coaches | 6 | 3 | 3 | - |
| All Track Combined | 10 | 5 | 5 | - |
| Head Coaches | 2 | 1 | 1 | - |
| Assistant Coaches | 8 | 4 | 4 | - |
| Football | 14 | 14 | - | - |
| Head Coaches | 1 | 1 | - | - |
| Assistant Coaches | 13 | 13 | - | - |
| Golf | 3 | 2 | 1 | - |
| Head Coaches | 2 | 1 | 1 | - |
| Assistant Coaches | 1 | 1 | - | - |
| Rifle | 1 | - | - | 1 |
| Head Coaches | 1 | - | - | 1 |
| Assistant Coaches | - | - | - | - |
| Soccer | 6 | 3 | 3 | - |
| Head Coaches | 2 | 1 | 1 | - |
| Assistant Coaches | 4 | 2 | 2 | - |
| Softball | 3 | - | 3 | - |
| Head Coaches | 1 | - | 1 | - |
| Assistant Coaches | 2 | - | 2 | - |
| Swimming and Diving | 3 | - | 3 | - |
| Head Coaches | 1 | - | 1 | - |
| Assistant Coaches | 2 | - | 2 | - |
| Tennis | 2 | - | 2 | - |
| Head Coaches | 1 | - | 1 | - |
| Assistant Coaches | 1 | - | 1 | - |
| Volleyball | 4 | - | 4 | - |
| Head Coaches | 1 | - | 1 | - |
| Assistant Coaches | 3 | - | 3 | - |
- Retention Rates
- Full-Time Entering Students Retained: 69%
- Part-Time Entering Students Retained: 51%
| (%) of Entering Class | |
|---|---|
| Overall | |
| All Students | 34% |
| By Gender | |
| Male | 33% |
| Female | 35% |
| By Race | |
| Non-Resident Alien | 33% |
| American Indian | 50% |
| Black | 11% |
| Asian | 50% |
| Hispanic | 39% |
| White | 40% |
| Unknown | 31% |
| By Years Prior to Graduation | |
| 4 Years or Less | 10% |
| 5 Years | 24% |
| 6 Years | 29% |
| 2007-08 | 2006-07 | |
|---|---|---|
| Arrests | ||
| Residence Hall | ||
| Drug Related | 8 | 4 |
| Liquor Related | 12 | 9 |
| On Campus | ||
| Weapons Related | 2 | - |
| Drug Related | 13 | 13 |
| Liquor Related | 25 | 20 |
| Criminal Offenses | ||
| Residence Hall | ||
| Forcible Rape | 3 | 5 |
| Aggravated Assault | - | 1 |
| Burglary | 4 | 9 |
| On Campus | ||
| Forcible Rape | 4 | 9 |
| Robbery | 3 | 3 |
| Aggravated Assault | - | 1 |
| Burglary | 19 | 12 |
| Vehicle Theft | 6 | 10 |
| Arson | 1 | 1 |
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