Affordable Excellence
The University of Akron's commitment to you.
We believe that higher education should be within reach for all students. Your academic goals shouldn't come with overwhelming financial barriers.
From scholarships and grants to tuition guarantees and transfer student support, UA offers multiple ways to make earning your degree an affordable reality.
At UA, we provide more than $260 million in financial aid each year to ensure that every student has access to an affordable, high-quality education.
Merit Scholarships
When you apply to UA, we automatically consider you for merit-based scholarships that are renewable and awarded based on academic achievement, without requiring standardized test scores. It’s our way of recognizing your academic success and helping you reduce the cost of your education.
UA Tuition Guarantee Program
With UA’s Tuition Guarantee Program, your tuition and general fee (called the Akron fee) are locked in for four consecutive academic years. This means you and your family can confidently plan for the future, knowing that your tuition costs will remain consistent throughout your studies.
The FAFSA: Your Key to Unlocking Financial Aid
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a critical step toward accessing the financial aid you deserve. When you submit your FAFSA with UA’s school code 003123, you’ll be considered for a wide range of federal, state and institutional grants, including the MAP Grant, and more. At UA, more than 94% of undergraduates receive some form of financial aid each year, and submitting your FAFSA is the best way to find out how much support you can receive.
Grants & Loans
In addition to scholarships and tuition guarantees, UA offers institutional grants to help offset the cost of tuition. Plus, students who qualify can explore federal student loans or participate in the Federal Work-Study Program to gain valuable work experience while funding their education.
Making Akron Possible (MAP) Grant
We are proud to offer the MAP Grant, which provides full tuition and fee coverage for qualifying first-year students from local counties. With the adjusted gross income threshold recently expanded to include families who make $85,000 or less, more families can now benefit from this program, which will take effect for 2025-2026 academic year.
If you’re a resident of Summit, Stark, Medina, Portage, Cuyahoga or Wayne counties and your family’s adjusted gross income falls within this range, UA will cover your full tuition—making your path to higher education even more accessible.
Federal Work-Study
The Federal Work-Study Program is a federally funded, campus-based aid program designed to provide part-time jobs for eligible students with financial need.
- Jobs are located both on and off campus.
- Students are paid at least minimum wage. Some positions pay a higher wage.
- Students work around their class schedules.
- Students receive a bi-weekly paycheck for hours worked.
Special Programs for Transfer & Out-of-State Students
Smart Choice Transfer Scholarship
For students who began their education elsewhere but want to continue at UA, the Smart Choice Transfer Scholarship offers substantial financial support. If you were previously admitted as a first-year student, but didn’t enroll, this scholarship is available when you re-apply. We understand that life takes twists and turns—this program ensures you have a smart, affordable option to complete your degree.
Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP)
Are you from outside Ohio? In addition to offering generous merit scholarships to non-Ohio residents, through the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP), out-of-state students from participating states can attend UA at a significantly reduced tuition rate. By offering the MSEP tuition rate of $15,500 per academic year, we make earning a world-class education affordable no matter where you’re from.
MSEP participating states include Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
We're Here to Help
The Office of Student Financial Aid hosts financial aid information sessions to equip you with all you need to maximize your financial aid.
REGISTER FOR A FINANCIAL AID INFO SESSION
FAQs
University-awarded scholarships can be applied to any charges on the student’s bill, unless otherwise noted. This may include:
- Tuition and general fee (called the Akron fee)
- Course fees
- All-in book bundle fees
- Residence hall fees
- Meal plan and dining dollars
Yes, if you have remaining, unused scholarship funds, you can use all, or a portion, of those funds for a meal plan and dining dollars. You can read the Guidelines for Use of Excess University Scholarship Awards to Purchase Meal Plans for more details.
Scholarships awarded at the time of admission require students to maintain good academic standing (2.0 GPA) and not be dismissed. Private/endowed scholarship (named scholarships) often have different GPA requirements that will be monitored by the Office of Student Financial Aid or the college that makes the award.
Scholarships awarded at the time of admission are usually awarded for four years (eight semesters), or until the student completes a bachelor’s degree. Private/endowed scholarships are awarded annually and are not automatically renewed.
The Merit Scholarship awarded at the time of admission is a commitment from the University to provide scholarships totaling the offered amount for up to four years at UA. All, or a portion, of the Merit Scholarship is provided through the generous support of donors, alumni and friends of the University. You will note that your merit scholarship award may change to a different name, but with the same total amount awarded. There is no impact on your overall award, only the name(s) will be different.
Office of Student Financial Aid
Contact us
- Call us at 330-972-7032 or 1-800-621-3847
If you'd like to visit us in person, our office is located in Simmons Hall, Suite 202 (map). We accept walk-ins during office hours, which are:
- 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the fall and spring semesters, and
- 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the summer semester.
Appointments are not necessary.
About our office
LEARN HOW TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID
Financial Aid Forms, and how to send us your information securely.
Billing, refunds and payment plans: Office of Student Accounts, 330-972-5100
Living on campus: Residence Life and Housing, 330-972-7800
Meal plans: Dining Services, myplans@16300a.com or 330-972-5637