Named scholarships & funds
When it comes to earning a college degree, the greatest obstacle can be funding.
For this reason, The University of Akron is pleased for the opportunity each year to assist talented, deserving students achieve their dreams, thanks to more than 1,300 named scholarships established through the kindness and generosity of thousands of °µºÚ±¬ÁÏ alumni and friends, corporations, and foundations.
Scholarships truly are the best way to ensure that today’s students persist to graduation. Scholarships allow students to enroll full time and remain focused on their studies; they also reduce drop-out rates, decrease the stress of student loans, and shorten the road to graduation.
If you are interested in making a significant contribution to student success, please consider a gift to scholarships. You may also establish a named scholarship at The University of Akron, which can be created to honor a living person, in memory of a loved one, or to contribute to the growth of an area of study.
To learn more, please contact the Department of Development at 330-972-7238.
How do I apply for a scholarship?
This is not the page to apply for scholarships.
Students who want to apply for scholarships should visit the scholarship page on the Financial Aid site. You can find the link for the online application here.
The Department of Development does not accept applications for or distribute scholarships. Scholarships are distributed through the University’s Office of Student Financial Aid.
Search for a Named Scholarship
Patterson, Margaret and Jeffrey Inclusive Excellence Honors Scholarship
The endowed Margaret and Jeffrey Patterson Inclusive Excellence Honors Scholarship was established in 2012. Jeffrey Patterson earned a master’s degree in polymer science at The University of Akron in 1987 and Margaret Patterson earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Dayton in 1984. They have both worked in the chemical industry in technical and managerial roles and have seen how important a college degree is in career development. Margaret was a first-generation college student and funded 100 percent of her education. This experience and their shared belief that many exceptional students need financial assistance to achieve their potential were the driving forces behind the scholarship. The Pattersons also support the Honors College commitment to providing an on-campus living experience.
Application is open to students entering their freshman year in the Honors College at The University of Akron. Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated financial need, who are also members of underrepresented groups (African-American, Hispanic, Native American, and also first-generation college students, veterans, and nontraditional students). Selection will be made by the dean of the Honors College (or appropriate designee). The Margaret and Jeffrey Patterson Inclusive Excellence Honors Scholarship shall provide tuition and fees (after federal and state grants are applied), as well as $5,000 for on-campus room and board expenses, for up to eight full-time semesters at The University of Akron, provided the recipient remains in good standing in the Honors College. Additional application guidelines are available through the Honors College.