The University of Akron, located in Akron, Ohio, is known for its comprehensive academic programs and strong emphasis on research and innovation. Established in 1870, the university has grown to become a prominent institution, offering over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields, including engineering, business, law, and the sciences. The school is particularly renowned for its engineering and polymer science programs, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to hands-on learning. With an impressive faculty-to-student ratio, the University of Akron provides students with personalized attention and mentorship, fostering an environment conducive to academic success.

One of the university's defining characteristics is its vibrant campus life and inclusive culture. Home to a diverse student body, the University of Akron promotes a sense of community through numerous student organizations and extracurricular activities, including cultural events, athletics, and academic clubs. The university's motto, "Innovation and Opportunity," reflects its commitment to preparing students for the challenges of tomorrow while providing a supportive learning environment. The University of Akron also boasts impressive sports programs, with a variety of NCAA Division I teams, emphasizing the importance of athletics and physical fitness in student life. With its strong academic offerings and a dynamic campus, the University of Akron continues to be an institution that inspires and equips students for their futures.

Analysis of University Tuition and Graduation Rates

The data from the University of Akron reveals significant trends in tuition costs and graduation rates over the years. A notable change occurred in undergraduate tuition fees, which have steadily increased from $10,054 in 2014 for in-state students to $12,799 in 2024, marking a rise of approximately 27.4%. Meanwhile, out-of-state tuition also surged, reaching $17,239 by 2024, a jump of around 6.5% from previous years. This continuous increase in tuition poses challenges to accessibility and affordability for students, raising concerns about the rising student debt crisis prevalent in the U.S. today.

In contrast to tuition hikes, the graduation rates present a more positive narrative. The on-time graduation rate saw an increase from 13.9% in 2014 to 24.7% in 2022. This rise reflects the university's efforts to improve student support systems and academic resources, which appear to be yielding positive outcomes in terms of student success. However, there was a sharp decline in the on-time graduation rate to just 4.2% in 2023, raising questions about factors such as educational disruptions or changes in academic policies affecting student progress.

Retention rates have fluctuated but indicate a general trend of stability, hovering around 67.9% in 2023. While this rate has shown resilience, it is slightly lower than previous years, suggesting that the university may need to focus more on retaining students through supportive initiatives.

In summary, while the University of Akron has made strides in improving graduation rates, the increase in tuition combined with a decline in recent years' graduation performance and retention calls for strategic interventions. Addressing the financial burdens while enhancing student engagement could be pivotal for sustaining growth in academic performance and student retention.

Analysis of Graduate Programs at the University of Akron

The graduation statistics from the University of Akron for the year 2023 reveal several noteworthy trends across various academic disciplines. One prominent finding is the absence of graduating students at the associate and bachelor levels in a significant number of programs, particularly in fields like Law, Education, and Health Sciences. This raises questions about enrollment strategies and potential barriers to education in these areas.

Conversely, certain programs exhibit a strong output at the master's and doctorate levels, with Law leading the way in doctoral graduates, producing 120 Ph.D. candidates. This highlights a robust interest and investment in advanced legal education, which aligns with increasing professional demands within the legal sector. Additionally, the Business Administration program showcased a healthy number of master's graduates, indicating that despite challenges faced by many institutions due to socio-economic factors, there is still a vibrant interest in advanced business studies.

It is also noteworthy that the figures for international students at the bachelor and master's levels remain low across most programs. The psychology program has recorded the most international bachelor graduates (1), suggesting that while domestic interest may be steady, international recruitment strategies may need reevaluation to expand diversity and global perspective in these programs.

Overall, the data suggests that while some programs continue to thrive, others may require strategic revisitation to enhance their appeal and accessibility, especially to international students, ensuring a well-rounded educational environment.

Trends in Admission Rates and Rankings at the University of Akron

The University of Akron has experienced a noticeable decline in its rankings over the years, plummeting from 230th in 2019 to a concerning 377th in 2025. This trajectory suggests that the university may be facing challenges in maintaining its status within the competitive landscape of higher education. In terms of admission rates, there has been a significant shift in the percentage of applicants being accepted, particularly in recent years. Male admission rates peaked at over 96% in 2013 but have seen a drastic reduction, indicating a more selective process. For instance, in 2024, the admission rate for males dropped to about 67.4%, while females experienced a decrease as well, down to approximately 74.6%. The factors contributing to this shift might include changing application strategies or evolving institutional priorities. Moreover, the enrolment figures speak volumes about the university's attractiveness. The enrollment figures show a decline from a peak of over 4,200 students in 2013 to just over 2,000 in subsequent years. This indicates a declining interest from prospective students, which may further impact the university's ranking and funding. In summary, the University of Akron faces significant challenges, with declining ranking, reduced enrollment, and lower admission rates reflecting broader trends in higher education. The future may require strategic adjustments to renew its appeal and competitiveness among prospective students.

Analysis of University of Akron Admission Scores Over the Years

The University of Akron has shown a notable fluctuation in admission scores and the percentage of students submitting standardized test scores over the years. Starting from 2013, we see the first indications of available scoring ranges for SAT reading and math, eventually displaying a consistent trend in both SAT and ACT performance metrics.

From 2013 onwards, SAT scores reported reveal a gradual increase in both the lower and upper quartiles of admitted students. For instance, in 2018, the range for SAT reading climbed to scores between 510 and 640, suggesting that the university has attracted higher-performing students, reflective of the competitive landscape of college admissions. Interestingly, the percentage of students submitting SAT scores has varied significantly, from as low as 2% in 2018 to around 21% in 2020. These shifts may point to changes in admissions strategies, the popularity of test-optional policies, or even broader national trends in college applications.

The ACT scores remain more consistent, yet they too indicate a slight improvement in the middle 50% score range from 2013 to 2024. The fact that 20% of admitted students submitted ACT scores in 2024, maintaining a steady interest in the exam, illustrates a balance between traditional testing and evolving admission policies.

As national trends in college admissions continue to evolve, the University of Akron’s shifting statistics offer a glimpse of its adaptation to these changes. The growth in acceptance of diverse metrics underscores the importance of holistic evaluation processes in higher education today. Overall, the upward trajectory of the scores alongside varied submission rates evidences the university’s committed efforts to attract academically proficient individuals.

Student Demographics at the University of Akron in 2024

The diversity within the student body at the University of Akron for the year 2024 presents an interesting picture. Among the undergraduates, the new freshmen account for 2,091 students, with a gender distribution of approximately 52.4% male and 47.6% female. In comparison, the returning undergraduates have a slightly larger population of 7,491, with 52.9% male and 47.1% female students. The proportion of male students remains consistent among the transfer students, who total 429, with a balanced 50.8% male and 49.2% female ratio.

A notable aspect of the demographics is the graduate student population, which comprises 2,066 individuals and shows a significant female majority at 57.1%. This reflects a growing trend across many universities where the number of women participating in graduate studies continues to rise. The gender gap evident in undergraduate studies tends to narrow in advanced studies, showcasing a shift in educational pursuits.

Although the detailed breakdown of ethnic diversity was not fully available, the available data hints at a predominantly white student body across the undergraduate categories. This observation aligns with broader trends seen in many American universities, where there is an ongoing challenge to enhance diversity and representation among different racial and ethnic groups.

Additionally, the total number of non-degree students is recorded at 1,441, indicative of the institution's commitment to providing educational opportunities beyond traditional degree pathways. With these figures, the University of Akron illustrates its role as a key player in accommodating a diverse and dynamic student population, while also highlighting areas for future development in inclusivity and representation.

Analysis of Student Age Demographics at the University of Akron in 2024

The age demographics of students at the University of Akron present a diverse picture, reflecting different stages of education life. Notably, the largest group falls within the ages of 18-19, consisting of 1778 male undergraduates and 1694 female undergraduates, indicating the influx of new college students transitioning from high school. This age group accounts for approximately 42% of the total male student body and about 40% of the female students.

As students move into the 20-21 age bracket, the numbers remain strong though slightly reduced, with a total of 1616 male and female students combined. This suggests that many students are progressing through their undergraduate studies as anticipated. A significant portion of the male graduate students can be seen in the 22-24 age range, where 252 males and 375 females are present, indicating a robust number of individuals continuing their education.

Interestingly, the distribution of students drops significantly in the older age categories, particularly for those 30 years and older. This can partly be attributed to the growing trend of mature students pursuing higher education, though their numbers remain relatively low. For example, only 266 students are aged between 30-34, with even fewer in the subsequent brackets.

Overall, the University of Akron showcases a predominately young student population, particularly in the traditional college-aged range. This aligns with statistical trends observed in many universities across the country, reflecting a consistent pattern of higher education enrollment. The data underscores the importance of tailoring academic services to meet the needs of this diverse age range, ensuring that the institution remains conducive to both younger and older students.

Trends in International Student Enrollment at the University of Akron

The data on international students at the University of Akron reveals notable trends from 2005 to 2024. The proportion of international undergraduate students has seen fluctuating growth, with a peak in recent years. In 2005, international students accounted for just 1.07% of the undergraduate student body, but this figure rose steadily, reaching a high of 2.22% in 2015 before experiencing a decline over the following years. As of 2024, this percentage stands at 1.76%, indicating a modest recovery from earlier declines.

Conversely, the percentage of international graduate students has generally followed an upward trajectory. Starting from 16.99% in 2005, this figure increased significantly over the years, peaking at 25.33% in 2017, showcasing a substantial presence of international students in the graduate programs. However, it has since declined to 15.49% in 2024, suggesting a potential need for the university to reevaluate its strategies in attracting and retaining this demographic.

Overall, these trends reflect broader national patterns where international student enrollment in U.S. institutions has faced various challenges, including visa restrictions and global uncertainties, particularly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. As universities navigate these changes, maintaining an appealing environment for international students remains crucial for enriching campus diversity and sustaining global academic partnerships. The University of Akron, like many institutions, may benefit from targeted outreach and supportive measures to bolster its international student community in the forthcoming years.

Here are some notable universities near the University of Akron:

1. Kent State University at Kent - Ranked 231st in the 2025 US News rankings, this comprehensive university is known for its vibrant campus life and extensive academic programs.

2. Case Western Reserve University - This prestigious institution ranks 51st and offers a wide array of programs, particularly in the fields of engineering, medicine, and business.

3. Carnegie Mellon University - With a strong reputation, this university ranks 21st and is especially recognized for its programs in computer science, arts, and public policy.

4. Ohio State University-Main Campus - This large public university ranks 41st and offers diverse academic programs with a rich student community experience.

5. University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus - Ranked 70th, this university is known for its strong research output and wide array of degree offerings.

6. Oberlin College - A top liberal arts college ranked 55th, Oberlin is renowned for its commitment to social justice and rigorous academic standards.

7. Kenyon College - With a rank of 45, this private liberal arts college is famous for its strong writing program and beautiful campus.

These institutions reflect a range of educational opportunities and areas of study for prospective students in the Akron area.

Crime Trends at the University of Akron

The crime statistics from the University of Akron over recent years reveal significant trends that merit attention. From 2013 to 2021, the average crime rates per 1,000 students exhibited a notable decline, dropping from 8.58 in 2013 to just 4.80 in 2021. This downward trajectory suggests a positive trend in campus safety, as fewer incidents are occurring relative to the student population.

Focusing on specific types of offenses, incidents of gun-related arrests decreased significantly over the years, reflecting a possible impact of increased campus safety measures and broader societal trends regarding gun control and violence. Conversely, domestic violence and stalking incidents remain areas of concern, as these types of crimes can often go underreported but significantly impact campus life and student well-being.

Interestingly, the data reflects a slight rebound in 2022, with 4.24 calculated incidents per 1,000 students, possibly indicating fluctuations in campus safety perceptions or changes in reporting practices. The small rise in 2023 further emphasizes the importance of ongoing vigilance and proactive measures in crime prevention.

In light of these statistics, it is crucial for university administration and local law enforcement to continue fostering a culture of safety and support on campus. Additionally, increased awareness campaigns and resources for victims of crime are essential in ensuring that students feel secure in their educational environment.

For further information on crime rate calculations, please refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.