About UA
The University of Akron is the region’s most influential public research university, contributing to the resurgence of the local economy, providing a workforce highly trained in diverse disciplines, and known for an innovative approach to higher education.
We offer our 20,500 students a wide variety of in-demand associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate and law degree programs — each one career-focused to help you get ahead in the job market.
We bring together diverse disciplines in ways that provide students with life-long skills, internships and co-ops, opportunities for academic research, education abroad, on-campus student employment and service projects designed for diverse groups of learners, including full-time, part-time and online students, veterans, and adults returning to the classroom.
UA at a glance
Founded
1870 as Buchtel College
Interim President
John C. Green | Website
Our students
We have about 20,500 students representing 45 U.S. states and 92 foreign countries. They're a culturally diverse group and they come from a broad economic spectrum. See our student profile.
Academics
We offer a wide variety of in-demand undergraduate and graduate programs, including many that are recognized nationally for their excellence. See our areas of study.
The Akron campus
The University of Akron is a vibrant community within metropolitan Akron, with more than 80 buildings on 218 acres.
Additional locations
UA offers courses across the region and online.
Intercollegiate athletics
A member of the Mid-American Conference, UA fields 17 NCAA Division I-A intercollegiate teams for men and women. Follow them at GoZips.com.
Enrollment, rankings and student profile
See this data on our second page of facts.
Visit us!
Join us for a Visit Day! You'll meet current students and faculty. You'll learn about our excellent academic programs, our scholarship programs, financial aid and living on campus. And you'll see our modern classrooms, laboratories and Rec Center.
Employment
Innovators and entrepreneurs wanted: We are looking for people to provide for the changing needs and expectations of our diverse University community. Join our award-winning work environment.
Our history
The institution now known as The University of Akron was founded as Buchtel College in 1870 by the Ohio Universalist Convention, which was strongly influenced by the efforts, energy and financial support of Akronites, particularly industrialist John R. Buchtel.
By 1907, Buchtel College's emphasis on local rather than denominational interests led it to become a private, nondenominational school.
News
Our online newsroom has everything you need to stay on top of activities at UA.
For members of the news media, the newsroom is the place to find expert sources on a variety of topics.
UA and the Akron community
The University of Akron is at the forefront of redefining the role of higher education as a catalyst for rebuilding our communities and revitalizing the economy, thus providing our graduates with vast career opportunities.
Learn more about the Akron community.
Administration
Learn more about
the administration
at The University of Akron.
- Board of Trustees
- Office of the President
- Leadership team (deans and vice presidents)
- Office of Academic Affairs
- Find an office or department