Affordable Excellence. Unstoppable Ambition.
Merit Scholarships
When you apply to UA, we automatically consider you for merit-based scholarships that are renewable and awarded based on academic achievement, without requiring standardized test scores. It’s our way of recognizing your academic success and helping you reduce the cost of your education.
A portion of your Merit Scholarship may be provided through the generosity of UA's donors. The overall value of the Merit Scholarship will remain the same. However, it may be listed under the name of the donor scholarship.
UA Tuition Guarantee Program
With UA’s Tuition Guarantee Program, your tuition and general fee (called the Akron fee) are locked in for four consecutive academic years. This means you and your family can confidently plan for the future, knowing that your tuition costs will remain consistent throughout your studies.
The FAFSA: Your Key to Unlocking Financial Aid
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a critical step toward accessing the financial aid you deserve. When you submit your FAFSA with UA’s school code 003123, you’ll be considered for a wide range of federal, state and institutional grants, including the MAP Grant, and more. At UA, more than 94% of undergraduates receive some form of financial aid each year, and submitting your FAFSA is the best way to find out how much support you can receive.
Grants & Loans
In addition to scholarships and tuition guarantees, UA offers institutional grants to help offset the cost of tuition. Plus, students who qualify can explore federal student loans or participate in the Federal Work-Study Program to gain valuable work experience while funding their education.
Making Akron Possible (MAP) Grant
We are proud to offer the MAP Grant, which provides full tuition and fee coverage for qualifying first-year students entering the 2026 fall semester and who reside in Ohio. With the adjusted gross income threshold recently expanded to include families who make $85,000 or less, more families can now benefit from this program, which will take effect for 2026-2027 academic year.
If you’re a resident of Ohio and your family’s adjusted gross income falls within this range, UA will cover your full tuition—making your path to higher education even more accessible.
Learn More About the MAP Grant
Federal Work-Study
The Federal Work-Study Program is a federally funded, campus-based aid program designed to provide part-time jobs for eligible students with financial need.
Jobs are located both on and off campus.
Students are paid at least minimum wage. Some positions pay a higher wage.
Students work around their class schedules.
Students receive a bi-weekly paycheck for hours worked.
FAQs
University-awarded scholarships can be applied to any charges on the student’s bill, unless otherwise noted. This may include:
- Tuition and general fee (called the Akron fee)
- Course fees
- All-in book bundle fees
- Residence hall fees
- Meal plan and dining dollars
Yes, if you have remaining, unused scholarship funds, you can use all, or a portion, of those funds for a meal plan and dining dollars. You can read the Guidelines for Use of Excess University Scholarship Awards to Purchase Meal Plans for more details.
Scholarships awarded at the time of admission require students to maintain good academic standing (2.0 GPA) and not be dismissed. Private/endowed scholarship (named scholarships) often have different GPA requirements that will be monitored by the Office of Student Financial Aid or the college that makes the award.
Scholarships awarded at the time of admission are usually awarded for four years (eight semesters), or until the student completes a bachelor’s degree. Private/endowed scholarships are awarded annually and are not automatically renewed.
The Merit Scholarship awarded at the time of admission is a commitment from the University to provide scholarships totaling the offered amount for up to four years at UA. All, or a portion, of the Merit Scholarship is provided through the generous support of donors, alumni and friends of the University. You will note that your merit scholarship award may change to a different name, but with the same total amount awarded. There is no impact on your overall award, only the name(s) will be different.