Public
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Akron, Ohio
70.9% Acceptance Rate
University of Akron Main Campus — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
70.9%Acceptance Rate
3.47Avg GPA
1088Avg SAT
22Avg ACT
$24,555Annual Cost
$46,600Grad Salary
28.9%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
70.9%
Avg GPA
3.47
Avg SAT
1088
Avg ACT
22
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
950–1190
ACT Middle 50%
18–25
Avg Net Price
$14,981
Need-Based Aid
28.9% receive Pell
University of Akron Main Campus is a public research university in Ohio known for its commitment to academic excellence, professional preparation, and regional impact. Offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in fields like engineering, business, and health sciences, the university provides a dynamic learning environment that fosters research, critical inquiry, and career success. Its focus on high-value, career-relevant education makes it a reliable and effective choice for students aiming to reach their full potential.
University of Akron Main Campus Acceptance Rate
University of Akron Main Campus is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of University of Akron Main Campus is 70.9%. This means that 71 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 70.9% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.47 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.27 – 3.46
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.02
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
University of Akron Main Campus Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
University of Akron Main Campus follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline, though the priority deadline of August 1 is recommended for the best chances of admission and financial aid.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 12 days left — Rolling (Fall Priority)
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
University of Akron Main Campus reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
Rolling (Fall Priority)
August 1
Rolling (Spring Priority)
December 15
Rolling (Summer)
May 1
💡 The scholarship deadline (Freshman Merit Scholarship Priority: 2026/02/01) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
University of Akron Main Campus GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at University of Akron Main Campus is 3.47. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A's and B's is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.67-3.87 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.17 and 3.47, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
University of Akron Main Campus GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at University of Akron Main Campus utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.47, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.47 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.27 – 3.46
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.07 – 3.26
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.06
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- University of Akron (UA), UNITID 200800, is a public research university in Akron, Ohio, founded 1870 as Buchtel College, became a state university in 1967. HLC accredited. Total enrollment approximately 11,000?15,000 students depending on year. Acceptance rate reported variably between approximately 60% and 85% depending on source and cycle - treat with caution and verify current-year figures directly with admissions. General application: no fee, no test scores required (test-optional, considered for scholarships), no essay, no letters of recommendation. Common App and Akron's own portal both accepted. General fall deadline: August 1.
- Honors College: separate competitive application with essay component (not automatic regardless of GPA); priority deadline December 1 for scholarship and housing consideration; Honors coursework integrates into existing major (no degree extension); only additional requirement across 4 years is a senior project/thesis; no added cost; many Honors students receive supplemental funding beyond base merit scholarship.
- Merit scholarships: automatic upon submission of general admission application, no separate scholarship application required; renewal requires minimum 2.5 GPA and full-time enrollment; Akron does not superscore ACT/SAT (best single test date only considered). MSEP (Midwest Student Exchange Program): reduced out-of-state tuition (~$15,500/year) for eligible Midwest-state residents; can stack with merit scholarships for some students, capped so total benefit doesn't drop cost below in-state rate. Provost's Scholarship for Transfer Students: $5,000, no essay required. 94%+ of incoming first-year students receive some form of financial aid.
- Signature research strengths: polymer science and polymer engineering (nationally recognized, reflecting Akron's historical "Rubber City" industrial identity); College of Engineering is among the largest and most comprehensive in the Midwest. Akron Children's Hospital Research Institute provides undergraduate access to pediatric/biomedical research, one of the larger pediatric research institutes nationally. Median class size under 30 students for most courses; freshmen required to live on campus; NCAA Division I athletics (Zips); School of Art houses one of the largest and most active student art organizations in the country. Downtown Akron is within walking distance of campus.
- The Rigor Metric: At University of Akron Main Campus, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at University of Akron Main Campus
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on University of Akron Main Campus's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
University of Akron Main Campus Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into University of Akron Main Campus Without SAT or ACT?
University of Akron Main Campus considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
University of Akron Main Campus Average SAT Score: 1088
The average SAT score of the admitted students at University of Akron Main Campus is 1088 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1088 — Accessible
This score makes it an easy target for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1088 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1190 SAT or 25 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. University of Akron Main Campus allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 950, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at University of Akron Main Campus. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 535 | 470 | 600 |
| SAT Reading | 535 | 480 | 590 |
| SAT Composite | 1088 | 950 | 1190 |
It means that if you have scored less than 950 then you are below most of the admitted students at University of Akron Main Campus and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1190 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1100
Can I get into University of Akron Main Campus with a 1200 SAT?
With a 1200 SAT Score, your chances of admission at University of Akron Main Campus are good but the admission staff at University of Akron Main Campus tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
University of Akron Main Campus ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at University of Akron Main Campus is 22.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 22 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes University of Akron Main Campus slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 22 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 21 | 17 | 25 |
| ACT English | 20 | 16 | 24 |
| ACT Composite | 22 | 18 | 25 |
Can I get into University of Akron Main Campus with a 25 ACT?
A 25 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at University of Akron Main Campus — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at University of Akron Main Campus use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that University of Akron Main Campus — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether University of Akron Main Campus uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 25 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for University of Akron Main Campus
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
University of Akron Main Campus is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Akron's Application Requires Literally No Fee, No Test Scores, No Essay, and No Letters of Recommendation - One of the Lowest-Friction Applications Among Public Research Universities
The University of Akron's admissions process is structurally distinctive in its simplicity: the university's own current admissions materials state plainly that applicants need no fees, test scores, essays, or recommendation letters to apply. This goes beyond typical "test-optional" policies - Akron has stripped out the essay and recommendation letter components entirely from its standard undergraduate process, making GPA and transcript-based academic record essentially the sole basis for admission review. For students whose applications would otherwise be weakened by a thin essay or limited access to strong recommenders (first-generation students, students at under-resourced high schools, students applying late in their senior year), Akron's structure removes friction points that exist at most comparable public universities. Submitting the application also automatically triggers consideration for Akron's primary merit scholarships, with no separate scholarship application required - a single, low-barrier step accomplishes both admission and scholarship review simultaneously.
The Honors College Requires a Separate Competitive Application With Essay - and December 1 Is the Priority Date for Both Scholarship and Housing Consideration
While general Akron admission requires no essay, the Honors College operates on the opposite model: admission is not automatic regardless of GPA, and applicants must submit a separate Honors application that typically includes an essay component, with admission decided competitively rather than via threshold criteria. The priority deadline for the strongest shot at Honors scholarships and Honors housing is December 1 - a meaningfully earlier date than Akron's general admission deadline (which extends to August 1 for fall enrollment). Once admitted, Honors students integrate their Honors coursework directly into their existing major requirements with no degree-extending overload; the primary additional requirement across four years is a senior project or thesis. Honors perks - dedicated housing, smaller seminar courses, dedicated advising - come at no additional cost beyond standard tuition, and many Honors students receive supplemental funding on top of their base merit scholarship. Students aiming for Honors should apply well before December 1, since both the scholarship and housing priority pools are evaluated against that date specifically.
Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP) Reciprocity Significantly Reduces Cost for Eligible Out-of-State Students - and It Can Stack With Merit Awards Within Defined Limits
The University of Akron participates in the Midwest Student Exchange Program, which allows eligible out-of-state students from partner Midwest states to pay a reduced tuition rate of approximately $15,500 per year rather than full non-resident tuition. Critically, MSEP eligibility can be combined with Akron's automatic merit scholarships for some out-of-state students - though the combined award is typically capped so that the total benefit does not reduce a student's cost below the in-state tuition rate, meaning the stacking has a practical ceiling rather than unlimited compounding. Akron does not superscore the ACT or SAT for either admission or scholarship purposes - only a student's best single test administration is considered, meaning students who took the test multiple times should identify and submit their single strongest complete sitting rather than assuming Akron will compile the best section scores across multiple test dates.
Polymer Science and Engineering Research Infrastructure, Including a Direct Partnership With Akron Children's Hospital Research Institute, Reflects Akron's Distinctive Research Identity Within a Mid-Sized Public University
The University of Akron is nationally recognized for polymer science and polymer engineering research - a field where Akron's program depth and industry connections (reflecting the historical "Rubber City" identity of Akron itself) exceed what is typical at comparably sized public universities. The university additionally houses the Akron Children's Hospital Research Institute on or near its campus, one of the larger pediatric research institutes in the country, providing undergraduate research access in pediatric and biomedical fields that students at similarly sized institutions without a comparable hospital research partnership cannot access. The College of Engineering is among the largest and most comprehensive in the Midwest. For students interested in materials science, polymer chemistry, biomedical engineering, or pediatric-adjacent health research, Akron's specific research infrastructure - not just its general engineering reputation - is the differentiating factor worth highlighting in program selection conversations.
Expert Insight:
Acceptance rate figures for the University of Akron vary meaningfully across sources - ranging from approximately 60% to 85% depending on the reporting source and admissions cycle - which counselors should flag honestly rather than presenting a single confident number; this variance likely reflects shifting selectivity, methodology differences between IPEDS-based and self-reported figures, and year-over-year enrollment management changes at a university actively working to grow its applicant pool. The more consequential planning risk involves students who treat Akron's frictionless general application (no essay, no test scores, no recommendation letters) as evidence that Honors College admission will be similarly automatic for strong students. It is not: Honors requires a distinct, competitive application with an essay component, and students who delay engaging with that separate process until after their general admission is confirmed risk missing the December 1 priority date for Honors scholarships and housing - a meaningfully earlier deadline than the general August 1 admission deadline most students associate with Akron.
University of Akron Main Campus Profile
Full Name
University of Akron Main Campus
City
Akron
State
Ohio
ZIP Code
44325-2102
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a University of Akron Main Campus Degree Worth It?
Getting into University of Akron Main Campus can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. University of Akron Main Campus offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at University of Akron Main Campus is $58,800 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.26%.
How much does a degree from University of Akron Main Campus Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at University of Akron Main Campus is $24,555. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at University of Akron Main Campus is $14,981.
28.9% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 35 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to University of Akron Main Campus and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At University of Akron Main Campus, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist University of Akron Main Campus as your choice in the form.
How much does a University of Akron Main Campus Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $46,600. An average University of Akron Main Campus graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of Akron Main Campus. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | 1055 | 21 |
| Marion Military Institute | Marion, AL | 1043 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 1049 | 21 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Russellville, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Magnolia, AR | 1050 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas-Fort Smith | Fort Smith, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO | 1070 | 23 |
| University of Northern Colorado | Greeley, CO | 1077 | 22 |
| Western Connecticut State University | Danbury, CT | 1044 | 24 |
| Baptist University of Florida | Graceville, FL | 1045 | 20 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of Akron Main Campus. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of Akron Main Campus. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
Degree Programs at University of Akron Main Campus
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Akron Main Campus Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $46,600 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $24,555 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
28.9% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of University of Akron Main Campus is 70.9% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.47. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.17, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.17, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.07 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.47, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to University of Akron Main Campus is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1088 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 950–1190.
The application deadline for University of Akron Main Campus is August 1 for Rolling (Fall Priority) applicants. The institution also offers Rolling Admissions, so applying early improves your chances.
The scholarship priority deadline is Freshman Merit Scholarship Priority: 2026/02/01. Submit your FAFSA before this date for maximum aid consideration.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.