About UA

Here you will find excellence in the breadth and quality of our 300 academic degree programs, and in the highly talented faculty who will help mold you into a critical thinker. Here you will find a metropolitan setting that places you in the heart of a dynamic, regional economy, and in sync with the pulse of business, government and the community. Most important, here you will discover energy, in the high-tech classrooms of our new academic buildings, in our new Student Union and Student Recreation and Wellness Center, and among the 200 student organizations on campus.

Excellence, opportunity and energy. You will find all three at The University of Akron.

UA at a glance

Founded:

1870 as Buchtel College

President:

Dr. Luis M. Proenza

Our students:

We have more than 28,000 students representing 46 U.S. states and 68 foreign countries. They're a culturally diverse group and they come from a broad economic spectrum. See our student profile.

Academics:

UA offers more than 300 undergraduate and graduate programs, including many that are recognized nationally for their excellence. Learn more.

The Akron campus:

The University of Akron is a vibrant community within metropolitan Akron, with more than 80 buildings on 218 acres. Since 2000, we have added 22 buildings, completed 18 major additions, acquisitions and renovations, and created 34 acres of green space. See slideshow.

Additional locations:

UA offers courses across the region and online.

Regional locations map

Intercollegiate athletics:

As a member of the Mid-American Conference, UA fields 19 NCAA Division I-A intercollegiate athletic teams for men and women. Follow the teams at GoZips.com.

Enrollment, rankings
and student profile:

See this data on our second page of facts.

Visit us!

Join us for a Visitation 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.

More information for visitors.

Employment

Teaching at UA 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.

Working at UA | See open positions.

Our history

Old Buchtel

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, non-denominational school.

Learn more about UA's history.

UA and the Akron community

Akron skyline 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.