What is the starting salary for Sports Management graduates in Akron?

The estimated starting salary for Sports Management graduates in Akron, OH is $52,500 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 105. The national average starting salary for this major is $50,000. Salaries in Akron are 5% higher than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Sports Management degree worth it in Akron?

A Sports Management 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 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $11,330/year, Akron offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 3.3% and the major's national unemployment rate of 3.8% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study Sports Management in Akron?

The average annual public university tuition in Akron is $11,330, while private universities average $45,325/year. Including room and board ($8,745/year), total 4-year costs range from $80,300 at a public school to $216,280 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Akron is $8,336/year.

What jobs can Sports Management graduates get in Akron?

Sports Management graduates in Akron can pursue careers as Sports Agent, Athletic Director, Sports Marketing Manager. Key skills valued by local employers include Event Management, Sports Marketing, Negotiation, Analytics. The Akron job market features Financial services, Consulting firms, Fortune 500 companies among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include NFL, NBA, IMG.

How long to pay off student loans for Sports Management in Akron?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Sports Management 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 a COL-adjusted starting salary of $52,500, monthly payments would represent 21% of gross monthly income.

Sports Management Degree in Akron, OH — Salary & ROI 2026

Sports Management degree analysis for Akron, OH. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$53K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$71K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

5.1 yrs

in Akron

Cost of Living

105

index (100 = avg)

Sports Management in Akron, OH Overview

While Akron has a smaller college scene with 5 institutions, Sports Management students benefit from lower tuition costs. Room and board averages $8,745/year, and the car-friendly layout shapes the student experience. Sports Management enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Event Management and Sports Marketing. The adjusted starting salary in Akron is approximately $52,500.

Sports Management Salary in Akron (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Akron's cost of living index of 105 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$52,500(+$2,500 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$71,400(+$3,400 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$105,000(+$5,000 vs national)

Note: National average Sports Management salary: $50,000 starting, $68,000 mid-career, $100,000 senior level.Akron adjustment factor: 1.05x based on the local cost of living index.

Sports Management ROI Calculator for Akron

Estimate your return on investment for a Sports Management degree using local Akron tuition and cost of living data.

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $11,330 | Private avg: $45,325

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Akron avg aid: $8,336/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

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 Sports Management in Akron

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$80,300

Monthly Payment$912

Total Interest$29,115

% of Monthly Income21%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$80,300

Monthly Payment$1,571

Total Interest$13,970

Interest Savings$15,145

Colleges in Akron for Sports Management

University of Akron

public

$11,330/yr

$45,320 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Stark State College

$4,344/yr

Top Employers for Sports Management in Akron

Akron offers opportunities in Financial services, Consulting firms, Fortune 500 companies for Sports Management graduates. National top employers in this field include:

NFLNBAIMGNike

Key Akron Hiring Sectors for Business

Financial services

Consulting firms

Fortune 500 companies

Startups

Marketing agencies

Common Sports Management Job Titles

Sports AgentAthletic DirectorSports Marketing Manager

Sports Management in Nearby Ohio Cities

Columbus, OH

$52K starting · COL 103

31 colleges

Cleveland, OH

$48K starting · COL 96

20 colleges

Cincinnati, OH

$51K starting · COL 102

28 colleges

Toledo, OH

$54K starting · COL 108

16 colleges

Dayton, OH

$52K starting · COL 104

9 colleges

Parma, OH

$45K starting · COL 90

4 colleges

Canton, OH

$42K starting · COL 84

4 colleges

Lorain, OH

$43K starting · COL 85.2

3 colleges

Other Business Majors in Akron

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

Real Estate

$53K starting · 4 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Sports Management degree outcomes in Akron, OH: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.

Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Sports Management programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Ohio.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Akron using regional CPI data.
10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
Job market outlook for Sports Management graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks 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 — Sports Management 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 Sports Management 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 Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release

Financial Aid Resources for Akron Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Ohio students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (Ohio)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Ohio programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "ohio higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 Scholarship Search

Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:

2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.

Sports Management Degree in Akron — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

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Compare Sports Management ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Akron.

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