Understanding the Costs of Attending the University of Akron
The University of Akron, founded in 1870, is a public institution located in the city of Akron, Ohio, with a campus spanning 218 acres. As of fall 2024, it has an undergraduate enrollment of 11,160 students and a student-faculty ratio of 17:1. The university is ranked No. #373 in National Universities and No. #203 in Top Public Schools in the 2026 edition of Best Colleges. Understanding the costs associated with attending the University of Akron is crucial for prospective students and their families. This article breaks down the various expenses, financial aid options, and ways to estimate your net price.
Tuition and Fees: In-State vs. Out-of-State
The University of Akron's tuition structure varies significantly between in-state and out-of-state students. For the academic year, the in-state tuition and fees are $13,530, while out-of-state tuition and fees amount to $21,440.
These figures represent the sticker price, which includes both tuition and mandatory fees. Fees cover various services and resources such as library access, gym facilities, student centers, technology resources, and campus health services.
Comparison to National Averages
When compared to the national average cost of in-state tuition, which stands at $12,422, The University of Akron is slightly more expensive for Ohio residents. However, for out-of-state students, the tuition is cheaper than the national average of $29,767.
Historical Tuition Trends
Analyzing historical data provides insights into how tuition costs have changed over time. From 2015 to 2025, UAkron's tuition and fees increased from $19,040 to $20,815, reflecting a 9.32% increase over the past decade. Graduate school tuition and fees also rose from $14,821 in 2015 to $15,885 in 2025. Notably, the 2025 tuition and fees experienced a significant increase compared to previous years.
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UAkron's tuition increase rate is slightly higher than the average increase rate in Ohio (9.07%) but lower than the average increase rate across all colleges in the United States (29.50%).
Total Cost of Attendance
Beyond tuition and fees, it's essential to consider the total cost of attendance, which includes additional expenses such as books and supplies, personal expenses, and transportation. At The University of Akron, the total cost is $29,836 for in-state students and $37,516 for out-of-state students.
Breakdown of Other Costs
- Books and Supplies: The estimated cost for books and supplies is $1,200 per year.
- Personal Expenses: Students should budget approximately $1,596 per year for personal expenses.
- Transportation: Transportation costs are estimated at $2,000 per year.
Cost of Attendance Trends
The total cost of attendance (COA), including tuition & fees, books & supplies costs, and living costs, increased by 10.72% from 2015 ($33,882). For the current academic year 2024-2025, UAkron's COA is $37,515, which is increased by 13.32% from last year.
Living Costs
Living costs, including room, board, and other living expenses, have increased by 3.90% for on-campus living and decreased by -2.68% for off-campus living from 2015 to 2025.
Financial Aid Opportunities
Financial aid can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket expenses for students. Financial aid packages may include grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study jobs, which vary based on financial need determined primarily through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
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Financial Aid Statistics
- 66% of students receive financial aid.
- 57% of freshmen with need receive financial aid.
- The average aid package awarded is $14,790.
Types of Aid
- Need-Based Scholarships or Grants: These do not need to be paid back, with an average award of $7,787.
- Need-Based Loans: These must be paid back, with an average amount of $3,820.
Debt at Graduation
The typical amount of loans a student must pay back after graduation is $25,160.
Financial Aid Dates
- Application Due: December 1
- Priority Application Due: March 1
Net Price: Understanding Your Actual Cost
The net price is the actual amount a student pays to attend a college after deducting grants and scholarships from the total cost of attendance. It is a personalized figure based on individual circumstances and the college's financial aid policies.
The average net price to attend The University of Akron is $15,292 per year.
Net Price Calculation
To get the most accurate estimate of your net price, use the Net Price Calculator available on the university's website. This tool takes into account your financial situation and provides a more precise estimate of what you can expect to pay.
Net Price by Income Level
The following chart shows the net price of real students.
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Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
The U.S. government has established a standard method for calculating how much a typical family can afford to pay for college. This is known as the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). For example, a family with an income of $80,000 before taxes, no assets, and no other children in college might have an EFC of around $7,000. Colleges use this figure as a guideline to determine the amount of aid to provide.
Tuition Guarantee Program
The University of Akron offers a Tuition Guarantee Program, which helps students and families plan for and predict the cost of a four-year college education. This program provides fixed tuition, select fees, and room-and-board rates for the incoming class for four years.
Strategies for Managing College Costs
- Apply for Financial Aid: Complete the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study programs.
- Search for Scholarships: Look for both need-based and merit-based scholarships from various sources.
- Consider In-State Options: In-state public schools often have subsidized tuition rates for state residents.
- Use Net Price Calculators: Utilize the Net Price Calculators on college websites to estimate your actual cost.
- Explore Tuition Guarantee Programs: Take advantage of programs that offer fixed tuition rates for multiple years.
Value and Rankings
The University of Akron is ranked No. #373 in National Universities and No. #203 in Top Public Schools. While it may not be a household name nationwide, it is recognized as a solid school in the local area.
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