The University of Akron is the public research university for Northern Ohio.  It provides outstanding academic programs at all levels and has gained national recognition in several areas, including polymers and advanced materials, engineering, law, nursing, and psychology.  The University, with a distinguished history of research and innovation in polymers and biopolymers, is emerging as a leader in making the critical links between biopolymers and advanced healthcare delivery.

In recent years the University has earned numerous national accolades, including:

  • The Princeton Review listed UA among the “Best in the Midwest” in its 2008 edition of Best Colleges: Region-by-Region.
  • Intel Corp ranked UA third in the nation for the best wireless Web access in 2005.
  • Twice in the last five years, UA’s School of Law has been ranked among the best values in the nation by National Jurist and Pre-Law Insider magazines.
  • UA’s Industrial/Organizational Psychology program was ranked among the top 10 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

The fall 2008 tally of 26,000 students marks the third consecutive year of significant enrollment increases for UA. Graduate school enrollment is up 9 percent, and the Honors College experienced its sixth consecutive year of enrollment growth, climbing 14 percent.

Founded as a small liberal arts college in 1870, The University of Akron today offers 300 certificate, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and law degree programs, and 650 specialties, options and degree tracks. Courses are taught at the main campus in Akron, and at facilities and locations in Holmes, Medina and Wayne counties. The University is committed to partnerships that increase access to higher education and degrees, participating in more than 600 collaborations with area schools, community organizations, businesses, local governments and other higher education institutions.

The University is a major economic engine for Greater Akron and Northeast Ohio. With more than 4,600 faculty and staff, it is Akron’s largest public employer and third-largest employer overall. A prime example of the University’s impact on the region is its leadership in the University Park Alliance (UPA). A multi-partner initiative to revitalize a 50-block area surrounding campus and integrating downtown, UPA has attracted more than $12 million in grant money from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. UA’s annual impact on Ohio’s economy is conservatively estimated at more than $500 million.

Licensing revenue from patents and technology reached an all-time high in 2007-08, when UA researchers garnered $32.8 million in external funding.

Also in 2007-08, benefactors of the University contributed more than $41 million to UA, breaking the previous fundraising record of $32.4 million. This strong support has created the largest endowment among Northern Ohio’s public universities, enabling UA to provide more than $10 million annually for scholarships, faculty support and academic program enhancement.

In addition, UA enriches the region’s cultural life and enhances community well being. For instance, we provide immediate support to some of the region’s neediest and most vulnerable citizens. Annually more than 5,000 patient/client visits are recorded at UA’s audiology, nursing and counseling clinics.

For more information, visit www.uakron.edu.