Finance and Financial Management Services at University of Akron Main Campus

University of Akron's finance program sits in an awkward middle ground for Ohio students. While graduates earn slightly above the national median at $55,946, they're landing in the 40th percentile among Ohio finance programs—meaning 60% of comparable programs in the state deliver better outcomes. The gap is real: Ohio State and Miami University graduates from similar programs start nearly $10,000-$15,000 higher, and that difference compounds over time.

The debt picture offers some relief. At $23,900, it's manageable and actually below both state and national medians for finance programs. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43, graduates can realistically handle their loans. Earnings do grow to $63,213 by year four, showing the degree has staying power, though this still trails most Ohio competitors.

For an Ohio family, this creates a real calculation. If your child is choosing between Akron at in-state tuition and a higher-ranked Ohio public like Ohio State, the earnings gap matters—it's roughly $10,000 annually that doesn't close over time. But if Akron costs significantly less or your student needs a less selective option (71% admission rate versus OSU's tighter admissions), the reasonable debt load and solid national standing make it a viable path into finance careers. Just understand you're paying for accessibility rather than top-tier outcomes.