University of Akron

History, Affiliations and Rankings

University of Akron was founded in 1870 as Buchtel College by the Ohio Universalist Convention. This convention was strongly influenced by the interest, energy and efforts and financial support of Akronites, the most prominent among all Akronites was John R. Buchtel. By 1907, Buchtel College's emphasis on local rather than denominational interests led it to become a private, non-denominational school. The University of Akron is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, one of the USA's six regional institutional accreditors. The University of Akron, abbreviated as UA, is part of NCAA I. According to the US News and World Report, The University of Akron is ranked #299 in the National University category, and #156 in Top Public Schools.

Infrastructure, Campuses and Courses

Akron University campus is spread over 218 acres with more than 80 buildings within the metropolitan city of Akron. The university has three branch campuses: UA Lakewood, in the Cleveland suburb of Lakewood; the Medina County University Center, in Lafayette Township, Ohio; and Wayne College in Orrville, Ohio.

There are about 300 academic programs, including masters degrees in the fields of engineering, business, law, and education for students to choose their subject area and course. The most popular majors at The University of Akron include Nursing, Mechanical Engineering, Organizational Leadership, Accounting, Marketing/Marketing Management, Psychology, Chemical Engineering, Social Work; Biology/Biological Sciences, and Fitness Administration/Management. The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 73%. 

Accomplishments and Alumni

University of Akron, College of Business since 1966, has been accredited by AACSB International. It is the hallmark of excellence in management education and represents the highest achievement for business schools worldwide. Worldwide only 1.15% of business schools have obtained dual accreditation from AACSB (business and accounting). The University of Akron is 772nd in the world, 290th in North America and 269th in the United States by complete alumni prominence. Yvette, Nicole Brown, Dan Auerbach, Meg Johnson, Patrick Carney, Ara Parseghian, Jack Lengyel, Michael Morell, George Wallace, Wil Trapp, and Darren Mattocks are the few popular alumni of UA. Approximately 835 University of Akron alumni are designated with executive officer titles like CEO or President. 

Student Diversity and Visiting Companies

The goal of the Office of Inclusion and Equity is to increase the impact of UA’s inclusive excellence commitment, leading to a broader understanding and greater success for all students. The office reports directly to the president. Now consolidated within the office are a number of units, programs and events representing a spectrum of diversity. They continue to be offered to directly contribute to matriculation, persistence and graduation from the University. Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Cleveland Clinic, The Good year Tire and Rubber Companies, Key Bank, Huntington National Bank, Parker Hannifin, EY, Deloitte, and The Lubrizol Corporation, are the companies visiting the University of Akron.