Zips Affordability Scholarship

The University of Akron is delivering on its promise to broaden educational opportunities by introducing the Zips Affordability Scholarship in 2021. This scholarship eliminates cost barriers for thousands of low- and moderate-income students in Northeast Ohio, enabling them to access higher education, earn a degree and launch a career.

“The new scholarship aligns perfectly with our mission and with our historical position as a university of opportunity,” President Gary L. Miller said. “For more than 150 years, a University of Akron degree has brightened the prospects of graduates and their families. The Zips Affordability Scholarship builds on that proud legacy.”

On average, Akron students who receive federal Pell grants have approximately $3,000 left in costs each year, a potentially college-career-ending sum. Beginning in fall 2021, new, first-time freshmen who are eligible for the Federal Pell Grant Program and who live in the University’s primary six-county service area of Cuyahoga, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit and Wayne counties will receive this scholarship.

New, first-time freshmen from Cuyahoga, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit and Wayne counties who are eligible for a federal Pell Grant and who are enrolled full-time will receive the Zips Affordability Scholarship. Recipients may receive the scholarship for eight consecutive semesters or until they complete their bachelor’s degree, whichever occurs first, as long as they complete the FAFSA annually, maintain good academic standing, have a 2.00 or higher grade point average, remain Pell-eligible and maintain full-time enrollment status each semester (not counting summers).

The Zips Affordability Scholarship, which is administered by the University Scholarship Committee, covers the remaining cost of tuition and general fees after federal and state grants have been applied to the recipient’s student account.