Akron was once the rubber capital of the world, home to Goodyear, Firestone and BFGoodrich. Its university still carries that history in polymer science: the School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering is one of the largest of its kind anywhere. The main campus runs right up to downtown, with engineering, business and nursing alongside. It began in 1870 as Buchtel College.
Akron, Ohio, United States
Official website: uakron.edu
1870 as Buchtel College
Public research university in Ohio
Polymer science and polymer engineering
Next to downtown Akron
$18,000 – $22,000
International students, undergraduate and graduate
$11,000 – $14,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on uakron.edu before you apply.
MS Polymer Engineering
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
MS Computer Science
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
MS Mechanical Engineering
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
BS Corrosion Engineering
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 71
MBA
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
One of the largest polymer science programmes in the world.
The first US bachelor's degree in corrosion engineering.
A campus that runs into downtown Akron.
Goodyear still has its headquarters in the city.
Polymer graduates join tyre, plastics, coatings and materials firms.
Engineering students take co-ops with Ohio manufacturers.
STEM master's graduates can apply for up to three years of OPT.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Akron is a mid-sized Ohio city with low rent, a minor-league baseball park downtown and the Towpath Trail following the old Ohio and Erie Canal.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park begins just north of the city, and Cleveland is about 40 minutes away by car.
Form I-20 issued by University of Akron
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
Akron reviews international applications on a rolling basis. Aim for about June for fall and October for spring, and apply earlier if you want to be considered for a graduate assistantship.
Most programmes start in fall (August) or spring (January). Some graduate programmes admit only in fall.
It's the F-1 student visa. Get your I-20 from University of Akron first (they need your deposit and bank documents), then pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 and attend the visa interview. Book the interview early in peak season.
Polymer engineering and polymer science, computer science, mechanical engineering and business are popular. Graduate entry needs a relevant bachelor's degree and IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 79; some programmes also ask for the GRE.
Yes. Akron offers merit scholarships to international undergraduates, and many polymer graduate students are funded through research or teaching assistantships.
