Human Resources Degree in Akron, OH
Compare HR degree paths in Akron: University of Akron, transfer credits, online HR degrees, tuition, salary, loan payments, SHRM fit, and ROI.
Reviewed May 21, 2026. DegreeCalc calculators are educational planning tools; verify final tuition, aid, transcript, loan, and employment decisions with official school, federal, servicer, or employer records.
Quick answer
Human resources degree in Akron: compare campus, transfer, online, and employer-paid paths
For Akron students, the strongest HR degree path is usually the one that controls debt while proving job readiness. Compare University of Akron catalog options, community-college transfer credits, accredited online HR degrees, and employer tuition reimbursement before borrowing for a full-price program.
Campus path
Verify the official HR, business, management, or organizational leadership concentration and the required internship or capstone.
Transfer path
Use lower-cost credits only after the receiving school confirms they apply to the bachelor degree plan.
Employer-paid path
Healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and public-sector employers may help pay for HR, payroll, benefits, or compliance coursework.
Starting Salary
$53K
COL-adjusted
Mid-Career
$82K
COL-adjusted
ROI Payback
5.1 yrs
in Akron
Cost of Living
105
index (100 = avg)
Human Resources in Akron, OH Overview
While Akron has a smaller education market with 5 benchmark points, Human Resources students benefit from lower tuition costs. Room and board averages $8,745/year, and the car-friendly layout shapes the student experience. Human Resources enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Recruiting and Employee Relations. The adjusted starting salary in Akron is approximately $52,500, growing to $81,900 by mid-career.
Category
Business
Local Benchmarks
5
Public Tuition
$11,330/yr
Private Tuition
$45,325/yr
Room & Board
$8,745/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$8,336/yr
Unemployment (est.)
3.3%
Graduation Rate (est.)
72%
How to Study Human Resources in Akron: Campus, Online, or Transfer
Students searching for a Human Resources degree in Akron, OH usually need a practical path, not just a salary estimate. Use the three options below to compare local cost, credential quality, and flexibility before applying.
Nearby Campus Path
Start with NCES College Navigator and each school's catalog. Confirm the program name, degree level, tuition, graduation rate, internship support, and whether the Human Resources major is actually offered at that campus.
Online Degree Path
Human Resources is often available online or hybrid. Compare accredited online programs if local options are limited, but verify transfer credits, residency rules, and internship requirements before committing.
Transfer-Cost Path
Community college tuition near Akron averages $4,344/year in this model. A 2+2 transfer plan can reduce debt if the receiving university accepts credits into the Human Resources major.
We intentionally avoid listing unverified local school names on this page. Always verify programs with official school catalogs, NCES/IPEDS, and financial aid offices before applying.
Human Resources Degree in Akron, OH: Local Decision Notes
Students looking for a human resources degree in Akron should compare University of Akron catalog options, HR-specific business programs, organizational leadership tracks, online completion programs, and employer tuition assistance from regional healthcare, manufacturing, and public-sector employers.
- Look for SHRM-aligned coursework or explicit HR concentration requirements rather than a generic management degree with one HR elective.
- Akron-area students can often reduce cost through Stark State or other transfer credits before finishing a bachelor degree in HR, business administration, or organizational leadership.
- Before enrolling, verify job placement support for HR assistant, recruiter, benefits coordinator, and payroll roles.
- Ask whether the program includes employment law, compensation, benefits, HR analytics, payroll, recruiting, labor relations, and an internship or capstone with an Ohio employer.
Human Resources Salary in Akron (COL-Adjusted)
Modeled salaries: national benchmarks for the major scaled by an estimated Akron cost of living index of 105 (national average = 100). These are not measured local wages.
Note: National Human Resources salary benchmarks used by this model: $50,000 starting, $78,000 mid-career, $100,000 senior level.Akron adjustment factor: 1.05x based on the local cost of living index.
Human Resources ROI Calculator for Akron
Estimate your return on investment for a Human Resources degree using DegreeCalc's modeled Akron tuition and cost of living estimates.
Public est.: $11,330 | Private est.: $45,325
Akron est. aid: $8,336/yr
Federal undergrad (2026-27): 6.52% | Private rates vary by credit
Total Education Cost
$80,300
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$15,750
vs HS diploma in Akron
ROI Payback Period
5.1 years
to break even
Lifetime Return in Akron
$444,700
Lifetime earnings premium ($525,000) minus total education cost ($80,300)
Student Loan Payoff for Human Resources in Akron
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Akron Education Cost Inputs for Human Resources
This local ROI model uses aggregate tuition, aid, housing, and cost-of-living inputs for Akron, not a ranked list of individual schools. Confirm any specific program with NCES College Navigator or the school before applying.
Local benchmarks
5
Public tuition
$11,330/yr
Private tuition
$45,325/yr
Community college
$4,344/yr
Top Employers for Human Resources in Akron
Typical hiring sectors for Human Resources graduates include Financial services, Consulting firms, Fortune 500 companies; these are general sector categories, not a verified list of Akron employers. Common employer types nationally include:
Typical Hiring Sectors for Business
Financial services
Consulting firms
Fortune 500 companies
Startups
Marketing agencies
Common Human Resources Job Titles
Other Business Majors in Akron
MBA
$131K starting · 5.8 yr ROI
Business Analytics
$82K starting · 2 yr ROI
Finance
$74K starting · 3.5 yr ROI
Economics
$68K starting · 4 yr ROI
Information Systems
$53K starting · 3.3 yr ROI
Supply Chain Management
$53K starting · 3.5 yr ROI
Operations Management
$53K starting · 3.8 yr ROI
Accounting
$65K starting · 3.8 yr ROI
Methodology & Education Data Sources
How we estimate Human Resources degree outcomes in Akron, OH: This page is a planning model. It combines DegreeCalc's national salary benchmarks for the major with internal city-level estimates for tuition, room and board, aid, unemployment, graduation rate, and cost of living. The figures are not official statistics for Akron and are not pulled directly from federal datasets for this city.
- Tuition defaults to the modeled Akron public tuition estimate (not program-specific Human Resources tuition). Verify actual program prices in IPEDS / College Navigator.
- Salary estimates multiply the national benchmark for Human Resources by the estimated Akron cost of living index divided by 100. This is a simple scaling assumption, not BLS local wage data.
- Payback period = (tuition + room and board − aid over the years of study) ÷ (adjusted starting salary − a $35,000 high school benchmark scaled by the same index). Lifetime return = the major's lifetime earnings premium benchmark scaled by the index, minus that net cost. Loan interest is shown separately and is not subtracted.
- Job market outlook is not projected on this page; see the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for official 10-year projections.
- Default rates are not modeled here; College Scorecard reports repayment outcomes by institution.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data, official federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education), earnings, debt, completion rates
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Human Resources career projections
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), official US student loan and grant info
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics, comprehensive education data
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wages, entry-level salary data for Human Resources grads
Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.
Reviewed by Tobias Merrick · Last updated 2026 · Model estimates; verify with the official sources above
Financial Aid Resources for Akron Students
Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Ohio students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The Department of Education has begun showing lower-earnings warnings for some programs on the FAFSA, and a federal earnings accountability test for Direct Loan eligibility takes effect July 1, 2027, check your target program's outcomes:
Pell Grant maximum is set each award year. Undergraduate Direct Loans at 6.52% (first disbursed July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027):
State-specific grants stack with federal aid:
- • USA.gov, Ohio programs
- • NASFAA, State Aid Programs
- • Search "ohio higher education commission grants"
Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:
- • College Scorecard, earnings, debt, completion
- • NCES College Navigator
- • IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center
Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:
FAFSA tip: Check any lower-earnings warning and the program's College Scorecard earnings data before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.
Human Resources Degree in Akron, FAQ
Where can I study human resources near Akron, OH?
Start with University of Akron catalog options, nearby transfer-credit pathways, accredited online HR degrees, and business administration or organizational leadership programs with an HR concentration. Confirm the official program name, internship requirements, net price, and transfer-credit rules before enrolling.
Is a human resources degree worth it in Akron?
It can be worth it when debt is controlled and the program leads to HR assistant, recruiter, benefits, payroll, or employee-relations roles. Akron students should compare total tuition against the local starting salary estimate, employer tuition assistance, and whether the curriculum includes employment law, compensation, benefits, recruiting, and HR analytics.
Should Akron HR students choose an online program?
An accredited online HR degree can work if the local campus path is limited or expensive. Compare SHRM-aligned coursework, internship support, transfer-credit acceptance, total tuition, and whether Ohio employers recognize the credential for entry-level HR roles.
What is the starting salary for Human Resources graduates in Akron?
DegreeCalc estimates a starting salary of about $52,500 per year for Human Resources graduates in Akron, OH. This is not a measured local wage: the model takes its national starting-salary benchmark for the major ($50,000) and scales it by an estimated local cost of living index of 105, so the local estimate is 5% higher than the national benchmark by construction. Check BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for actual local wages.
Is a Human Resources degree worth it in Akron?
A Human Resources degree in Akron has an estimated ROI payback period of 5.1 years, with a projected lifetime return of $444,700 after subtracting education costs. With 5 local cost benchmark points and estimated public tuition of $11,330/year, Akron offers affordable planning assumptions for this degree. The modeled local unemployment rate of 3.3% and the major's national unemployment benchmark of 3.5% should also factor into your decision.
How much does it cost to study Human Resources in Akron?
DegreeCalc's planning model estimates public university tuition in Akron at about $11,330 per year and private university tuition at about $45,325/year. Including estimated room and board ($8,745/year), modeled 4-year costs range from $80,300 at a public school to $216,280 at a private institution, with estimated average aid of $8,336/year. These are planning estimates; confirm real prices with each school's net price calculator.
Can I study Human Resources online while living in Akron?
Yes. Human Resources is commonly available through online or hybrid programs, so a student in Akron, OH should compare nearby campus options with accredited online bachelor's programs and transfer pathways. Before enrolling, verify the program title, accreditation, transfer-credit policy, internship requirements, and whether local employers recognize the credential.
What jobs can Human Resources graduates get in Akron?
Human Resources graduates in Akron can pursue careers as HR Manager, Recruiter, Compensation Analyst. Skills commonly associated with this field include Recruiting, Employee Relations, Benefits Administration, HR Analytics. Typical hiring sectors for this field include Financial services, Consulting firms, Fortune 500 companies; verify which of these are active in Akron with local job postings. Common employer types nationally include ADP, Mercer, Deloitte.
How long to pay off student loans for Human Resources in Akron?
With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Human Resources graduates in Akron would pay $912/month on an estimated $80,300 in loans, with $29,115 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,571/month but save $15,145 in interest. With the model's COL-adjusted starting salary estimate of $52,500, monthly payments would represent 21% of gross monthly income.
Data note: Salary, tuition, aid, and cost-of-living figures on this page are DegreeCalc planning estimates, not official values. For official data, check the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, BLS Regional Data, and NCES/IPEDS.
Explore More
Compare Human Resources ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Akron.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I study human resources near Akron, OH?
Start with University of Akron catalog options, nearby transfer-credit pathways, accredited online HR degrees, and business administration or organizational leadership programs with an HR concentration. Confirm the official program name, internship requirements, net price, and transfer-credit rules before enrolling.
Is a human resources degree worth it in Akron?
It can be worth it when debt is controlled and the program leads to HR assistant, recruiter, benefits, payroll, or employee-relations roles. Akron students should compare total tuition against the local starting salary estimate, employer tuition assistance, and whether the curriculum includes employment law, compensation, benefits, recruiting, and HR analytics.
Should Akron HR students choose an online program?
An accredited online HR degree can work if the local campus path is limited or expensive. Compare SHRM-aligned coursework, internship support, transfer-credit acceptance, total tuition, and whether Ohio employers recognize the credential for entry-level HR roles.
What is the starting salary for Human Resources graduates in Akron?
DegreeCalc estimates a starting salary of about $52,500 per year for Human Resources graduates in Akron, OH. This is not a measured local wage: the model takes its national starting-salary benchmark for the major ($50,000) and scales it by an estimated local cost of living index of 105, so the local estimate is 5% higher than the national benchmark by construction. Check BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for actual local wages.
Is a Human Resources degree worth it in Akron?
A Human Resources degree in Akron has an estimated ROI payback period of 5.1 years, with a projected lifetime return of $444,700 after subtracting education costs. With 5 local cost benchmark points and estimated public tuition of $11,330/year, Akron offers affordable planning assumptions for this degree. The modeled local unemployment rate of 3.3% and the major's national unemployment benchmark of 3.5% should also factor into your decision.
How much does it cost to study Human Resources in Akron?
DegreeCalc's planning model estimates public university tuition in Akron at about $11,330 per year and private university tuition at about $45,325/year. Including estimated room and board ($8,745/year), modeled 4-year costs range from $80,300 at a public school to $216,280 at a private institution, with estimated average aid of $8,336/year. These are planning estimates; confirm real prices with each school's net price calculator.
Can I study Human Resources online while living in Akron?
Yes. Human Resources is commonly available through online or hybrid programs, so a student in Akron, OH should compare nearby campus options with accredited online bachelor's programs and transfer pathways. Before enrolling, verify the program title, accreditation, transfer-credit policy, internship requirements, and whether local employers recognize the credential.
What jobs can Human Resources graduates get in Akron?
Human Resources graduates in Akron can pursue careers as HR Manager, Recruiter, Compensation Analyst. Skills commonly associated with this field include Recruiting, Employee Relations, Benefits Administration, HR Analytics. Typical hiring sectors for this field include Financial services, Consulting firms, Fortune 500 companies; verify which of these are active in Akron with local job postings. Common employer types nationally include ADP, Mercer, Deloitte.
How long to pay off student loans for Human Resources in Akron?
With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Human Resources graduates in Akron would pay $912/month on an estimated $80,300 in loans, with $29,115 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,571/month but save $15,145 in interest. With the model's COL-adjusted starting salary estimate of $52,500, monthly payments would represent 21% of gross monthly income.