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
Puder, Barb and Family Scholarship for Biology and Psychology
The Barb Puder and Family Scholarship for Biology and Psychology was established in May 2021 by Barb Puder, class of 1996, in recognition of The University of Akron's 150th Sesquicentennial Anniversary. In 1993 Barb, returned to school after her husband Eric's devastating brain cancer diagnosis. As a student, she cared for him and her two young children while also working to support her family. After graduating from The University of Akron with a major in Biology, Barb earned a Ph.D. in neuroscience from NEOUCOM, now known as Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) and Kent State University. She teaches medical neuroscience courses at Samuel Merritt University in California and facilitates neuroscience community outreach programs designed for learners in grades K- 12 entitled "Get to Know Your Brain!"
A proud University of Akron alumna, Barb is a strong advocate for higher education. Through her generosity she hopes to help current students better focus on their studies, as well as give back to their communities, and help end the stigma associated with mental health issues.
Scholarship recipients may be enrolled full-time or part-time as undergraduate students in The University of Akron's Department of Biology and/or the Department of Psychology's Mental Health Counseling concentration. Students must be in good academic standing and have financial need. Recipient selection will be determined by the University Scholarship Committee.
​