World Class Education System
With 13 colleges and universities within commuting distance, and 32 others within a 50-mile radius, Summit County boasts the largest number of institutions of higher learning next to New York City. Additionally, Summit County is at the center of a 100-mile radius that include the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon, The Ohio State University and Case Western Reserve University.
While we can certainly brag about the number of high-quality higher education institutions in our region, the quality of our institutions far surpasses the quantity. These colleges and universities produce top-level talent that is necessary for our businesses to succeed in the economy of today and tomorrow.
The University of Akron, located in the center of Summit County, is recognized for its academic excellence, particularly in the areas of science, technology and engineering. With over 20,000 students from all over the world, the University of Akron provides a diverse learning experience, offering more than 300 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees.
The University of Akron is world-renowned for its educational, research and development efforts, including the Applied Polymer Research Center and the National Center for Education and Research on Corrosion and Materials Performance. It hosts the largest polymer science and engineering program in the world, and an annual research budget in excess of $50 million. The University holds more than 400 patents in specialty areas such as polymer science and engineering, energy and green technologies, nanotechnology, biotechnology and medical devices.
Located just minutes outside of Summit County, Kent State University is home to over 38,000 students from across the world throughout its eight-campus system. Kent State is home to a world-class School of Fashion Design and Merchandising and is a nationally-recognized leader in psychological and behavioral health research and studies.
Kent State University is also the birthplace of liquid crystal display technology, used daily in cell phones, tablets, televisions and other devices by most of the world's population. The University's Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute is the place where the future of liquid crystals has been relentlessly pursued, developing technology for the world's largest companies, as well as small innovative start-ups. As the world of advanced materials changes and progresses, the Institute has become increasingly focused on the next generation of advanced materials, including wearable technology.
Formed in 1973, The Northeast Ohio Medical University, also known as NEOMED, is fed by the University of Akron, Kent State University and Youngstown State University. While NEOMED is vital to training the medical professionals for Northeast Ohio's medical institutions and beyond, it is also recognized as a leader in medical and biomedical research and development.
With a recently opened branch in Akron, Stark State College is providing backbone education, training and certificate programs for Summit County and the region's workforce needs. Stark State College is committed to preparing its students for career success in a competitive, sophisticated economy. The College awards associate of arts, science, applied science, applied business and technical studies degrees. Stark State's wide range of short-term and one-year certificates help employees improve skills and gain a competitive edge in a marketplace of rapidly changing technology.
Well-respected in the community, Stark State College plays a vital role in the economic growth and development of the region through its strong tradition of providing credit and noncredit educational and training services to employers and residents. Stark State works closely with local employers to identify their needs, and to develop tailored training programs to ensure a qualified pipeline of skilled workers for their growth and success.
