Business/Commerce at University of Akron Main Campus

University of Akron's business program delivers solid first-year earnings of $49,049—above both the national and state medians—but graduates experience an unusual 11% earnings decline by year four. This backward trajectory is concerning: while many business grads climb steadily through promotions and experience, Akron's alumni see their pay fall to $43,756. The program ranks in the 60th percentile statewide, placing it in the middle of Ohio's 22 business programs, but well below Franklin University's $51,408 and DeVry's $57,020.

The debt picture offers some relief. At $31,000, graduates carry more than the state median of $24,072, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63 remains manageable—less than a year's starting salary. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) means these patterns reflect actual outcomes, not statistical noise. The earnings drop suggests graduates may be finding initial placement success but struggling to advance, possibly reflecting regional economic constraints or the program's career preparation for long-term growth.

For families weighing this investment, the key question is whether Akron's mid-tier positioning in Ohio justifies the above-average debt load, especially given that earnings trajectory. If staying near Akron is essential, the program works financially. But students with geographic flexibility might find better long-term value at Franklin or Ohio State campuses, where earnings either start higher or show more typical growth patterns.