College Costs in Akron, OH 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 5 colleges in Akron, Ohio. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$11,330
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$45,325
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$664
per month
Colleges & Universities
5
institutions
Akron Overview
Population
190,469
Student Population
9,102 (4.8%)
Cost of Living Index
105 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
63/100
Transit Score
20/100
Unemployment Rate
3.3%
College Cost Calculator for Akron
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$80,300
Total After Financial Aid
$80,300
Annual Cost
$20,075
Annual After Aid
$20,075
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $80,300 |
| Monthly Payment | $912 |
| Total Interest | $29,115 |
| Total Loan Cost | $109,415 |
Universities in Akron
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Akron | Public | $11,330 |
| Stark State College | Community | $4,344 |
Akron has 5 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Akron vs. National Average
| Category | Akron | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $11,330 | $10,940 | +$390 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $664 | $1,050 | -$386 |
| Cost of Living Index | 105 | 100 | +5 |
Akron's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Akron
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
9,102 students
Akron has a total population of 190,469, with approximately 9,102 college students (4.8% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Akron offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Akron
$50,565
Starting Salary
3.3%
Unemployment Rate
72%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Akron earn a median starting salary of $50,565, which is $15,565 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $80,300 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,336 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Ohio
Columbus
31 colleges · Avg tuition $11,936
Cleveland
20 colleges · Avg tuition $11,270
Cincinnati
28 colleges · Avg tuition $12,226
Toledo
16 colleges · Avg tuition $10,630
Dayton
9 colleges · Avg tuition $9,740
Canton
4 colleges · Avg tuition $7,715
Youngstown
3 colleges · Avg tuition $9,350
Bowling Green
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,667
Athens
2 colleges · Avg tuition $13,352
Oxford
2 colleges · Avg tuition $16,389
Parma
4 colleges · Avg tuition $11,000
Lorain
3 colleges · Avg tuition $11,000
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Akron
How we compile Akron college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Akron institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Akron's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release
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