Best Colleges and Universities Near Akron, OH

If you're looking to start college, it's understandable if you don't want to leave your hometown or travel too far. Unfortunately, it takes some effort to find a good college in some of the smaller towns in Ohio.

Luckily, we're here to tell you all about the best colleges near Akron, Ohio so you can decide what school is the right one for you today.

Featured Colleges in Akron, OH

Only one college can be found directly in Akron, Ohio, but there are many other colleges a short drive away for you to consider as well. Let's start with the one in the town first.

1. The University of Akron

The University of Akron (UA) is a STEM-focused public research university in Akron, Ohio that's part of the University System of Ohio.

It's accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to award undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Of the more than 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs that UA offers, the most popular are in these fields:

• business administration
• engineering
• finance
• marketing
• nursing

Students attending UA will find a diverse, active community in the area that will help them get the best college and life experience possible.

Featured Colleges Near Akron, OH

If the University of Akron isn't your preferred school, check out these great colleges near Akron, Ohio to find one that suits your tastes.

Malone University

Malone University is a private Christian university in Canton, Ohio - just a short 20 miles away from Akron, Ohio.

It's affiliated with the Evangelical Friends Church - Eastern Region, a member of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU), and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Malone University combines a strong liberal arts foundation with Christian principles to give religious students a well-rounded education as they pursue degrees in business management, economics, education, social work, computer science, and more.

Aultman College

Aultman College is a health-care-focused educational institution that shares a campus with Aultman Hospital in Canton, Ohio, less than 30 minutes from Akron, Ohio. This makes Aultman College able to provide students with unique clinical and learning opportunities.

Aultman College can award students associate and bachelor's degrees in:

• radiography
• nursing
• social work
• health sciences

Ross College's Canton Campus

Ross College is a medical training college with multiple locations throughout multiple states in the United States, including Canton, Ohio, which is only half an hour away from Akron, Ohio by car.

At Ross College's Canton campus, students can learn how to become a medical, veterinary, or dental assistant in 36 weeks or less, and can earn nursing and veterinary technician associate degrees in 96 weeks.

Healthcare students can fast-track their initial degrees and certifications through Ross College.

Walsh University

Walsh University is a private Roman Catholic university in North Canton, Ohio - a town less than 20 miles from Akron, Ohio. It offers more than 70 undergraduate programs and seven graduate programs to students in the area.

Walsh University is dedicated to developing the mind, body, and spirit of students through a combination of expert-led programs in subjects like business and education, the teachings of Jesus Christ, and an active student life-focused community.

The university hopes to use these things to help turn students into intellectuals and leaders.

Stark State College

Stark State College (SSC) is a public community college in North Canton, Ohio that offers more than 200 associate, one-year certificate, and career enhancement certificate programs to students and working professionals.

This community college is less than a half-hour drive from Akron, Ohio.

SSC uses innovation and partnerships with other businesses and educators in the community to foster success for its students and the community at large.

Interested students can earn degrees, certificates, and transfer credits in these areas of study:

• business
• computer science
• education
• health
• human services
• liberal arts
• mathematics and sciences

Kent State University

Kent State University (KSU) is a public research university in Kent, Ohio that also has several regional campuses throughout Northern Ohio; Kent is only 10 miles away from Akron, Ohio.

It's accredited by the Higher Learning institution to provide a variety of degrees to students in the area.

KSU offers over 300 associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate programs in notable subjects like nursing, business, history, library science, journalism, fashion design, and more.

The University of Mount Union

The University of Mount Union (UMU) is a private university in Alliance, Ohio that was originally affiliated with the Methodist Church. Its campus is less than an hour away from Akron, Ohio, so commuting students should have no trouble making the drive.

Students at UMU are admitted based on their academic excellence only, meaning those who attend classes here are guaranteed to thrive as they pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees in art, communication, engineering, education, marketing, physics, and more.

Baldwin Wallace University

Baldwin Wallace University (BWU) is a private liberal arts university in Berea, Ohio that offers bachelor's and master's degrees, certificates, and professional education programs.

BWU values innovation and diversity in its students and programs and combines small class sizes with larger community opportunities to give students the most well-rounded, focused education.

The most popular majors offered at BWU include:

• business
• management
• marketing
• visual and performing arts
• education
• psychology
• social sciences

Bryant & Stratton College at Parma

Bryant & Stratton College (BSC) is a private college that offers associate and bachelor's degree programs online or through multiple campuses in New York, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Ohio.

BSC's Parma, Ohio campus is just over 30 miles from Akron, Ohio.

BSC offers 18 different career-focused programs at its Parma campus, with diplomas, associate degrees, and bachelor's programs in business, technology, healthcare, hospitality, and human and legal services.

Students attending classes in person can benefit from the college's computer labs, library, learning labs, and supportive staff.

What Is the Biggest School Near Akron, Ohio?

The biggest college near Akron, Ohio based on student enrollment is Kent State University - its main campus has over 25,000 students. It's also the third largest university in the state of Ohio, just behind Ohio State University and Ohio University.

How To Choose the Right College Near Akron, Ohio

When considering which Akron, Ohio college to choose for your future degree, it's important to consider things like the accreditation, reputation, tuition, and financial aid a college has.

Accreditation and reputation will tell you the quality of the education you'll receive, while tuition and financial aid will determine whether you can afford to attend or what you need to change to do so.

A few other things to consider are the club, housing, and work opportunities in the area, which will help you make the most of your time in college through community engagement and work experience.

If you find a college that fits all of your needs in this respect, it should be at the top of your list.

Paying for Your Degree Near Akron, Ohio

According to government officials, the majority of students in Ohio pay for college through a combination of savings, scholarships, grants, and loans.

This means that students in Ohio should fill out the FAFSA, consider their options carefully, and make good use of savings and scholarships in order to avoid taking out loans or having to work during their education.

Scholarships for Ohio residents include the Choose Ohio First, Forever Buckeyes, and Ohio Hidden Heroes scholarships.

Start Your Degree Near Akron, Ohio Today

Now that you know about the best colleges near Akron, Ohio, as well as how to choose and pay for the right one for you, it's time for you to start your higher education today so you can start making an impact in your Ohio community tomorrow.