The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio

The University of Akron (UA) is a public research university in Akron, Ohio, renowned for its global leadership in polymer science and engineering. Founded in 1870 as Buchtel College, it has evolved from a private denominational school into a STEM-intensive metropolitan institution serving approximately 15,000 to 19,000 students. 

Academic Excellence & Rankings

UA is classified as an R2: Doctoral University with high research activity. 

• Top Programs: Ranked as the #1 university in the U.S. for polymer science and plastics engineering.
• Unique Degrees: Offers the only aerospace engineering bachelor’s degree in the U.S. outside the Air Force and the country's first accredited emergency management and homeland security program.
• Broad Offerings: Features over 300 associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs across colleges such as Business, Law, Engineering and Polymer Science, and Health and Human Sciences.
• Placement: Boasts a 95% overall placement rate for recent graduates, with many students participating in co-ops and internships with local Fortune 500 companies. 

Campus & Student Life

The 218-acre campus is located in the heart of downtown Akron, featuring more than 80 buildings. 

• Athletics: Known as the Zips, with the iconic kangaroo mascot, Zippy. UA fields 17 NCAA Division I-A teams in the Mid-American Conference.
• Esports: Home to the second-ranked university esports program in the U.S..
• Student Orgs: More than 300 student organizations, including over 20 fraternities and sororities.
• Facilities: Features a state-of-the-art Student Recreation and Wellness Center and the E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall.