10 Best Mfa Programs In Akron, OH (2022 Updated)

Both my wife and I were returning college students and Stark State Alumni class of 2012. We both received a great education. She went for respiratory therapy and I went for Graphic Design. The graphic design program was wonderful. The professors were all very knowledgeable and really cared about their students (huge shout outs to Michelle Lash and Eugene Starr). The classes are small and it's very easy to schedule time with the professors if you need help or need to go over some things. It's also nice to have online classes if that's your thing. For the younger students (and older alike), Stark State also hooks you up with SALT at no charge after graduation, which is a useful tool to help find employement after graduation. Luckily I furthered my career without having to use SALT. The biggest recommendation I could suggest would be to offer more of certain classes. Sometimes only one class is offered a semester and can conflict with working hours. Thank you, Stark State and to all of my professors for giving me a great education and giving me a fighting chance in the workforce after graduation. For those who are seeking four year degrees and beyond, Stark State is definitely a great (and affordable) place to start.stephen slusny

I attended Stark State College a number of years ago when it was Stark Technical College. I am surprised by the negative reviews, because I had a great experience at the school. I graduate with a degree in Computer Technology, and the courses were challenging and taught me a lot. I still remember some of the great instructors like Mrs. McBride in my math classes. I even worked there part-time for about a year doing LAN Administration. They have provided me with a foundation for a very successful career in IT. I later completed my Bachelor degree at Kent State. I am currently completing my MBA. I was able to get a copy of my transcripts, even after graduating 25 years ago, by faxing in a request. I did this for two different Universities, and they arrived within a week. In this age there should be a way to do it electronically like Kent State, but at least they do not charge you for them. Overall I had an excellent experience and they prepared me for a very rewarding career in Computer Technology. I absolutely have no regrets about this school, and I enjoyed my time there.Kevin Frazier

I can not believe Stark State has less than 4 stars! This is my second semester and I LOVE it! The faculty are truly amazing and extremely helpful! This college also offers small class room sizes which makes learning more personal. Your teachers and professors always do their best to know each student by name. It is also extremely great for working folks who have busy work loads. They have many courses that can virtually work with any type of schedule. There are many success programs that Stark State offers, including assistance with any subject as well as a great Accommodations program for those with any learning disability/disability from minor to severe. Stark State also always keeps their students in the know through text message and emails. They give you the tools you need in order to succeed. Highly recommend this college!elisabeth brian

Visit with my sister for her admission. I am very impressed with the administrator. They are knowledgeable, professional, and very helpful in regard to the process of enrolling in campus.Narayan Magar

Class of 2014 here. I thoroughly enjoyed my four years at UA. I was a short-distance commuter student from Highland Square, but still got a totally “normal” college experience. I had a good group of friends, a solid professional network (to this day), helpful professors, and attended a lot of fun campus events/parties/athletics. For an urban area, the campus is gorgeous and the facilities are relatively new (union, football stadium, wellness center etc.). I graduated on a Saturday and started a high paying job in my field that next Monday. Does it get much better than that? Not if you’re like most of us and going to school to get a job. If that is my measure of my time at Akron, then it was perfect. It was only after graduating that I realized how much my program was recognized nationally for its quality and outcomes. My only complaints were the weather and city; two things of which UA has no control over. The city of Akron is objectively not that nice of the place (look up those reviews), nor is it an easy area to start a good career. Most of the city is dilapidated, low socioeconomic status, dangerous, trashy, heroin-ridden, and lacking opportunity. I was not from Akron, so this was a bit depressing for me. If you’re from NEOH, you’re probably used to this and it won’t effect you. That said, UA is a diamond in the rough in this town. I am male, but I never felt unsafe on the actual campus. Everything around campus is a different story. Be diligent anywhere south of Exchange St. A lot of negative reviews I see on here are from people who needed more hand-holding through the admissions and financial aid processes. NEWS FLASH: Financial aid sucks at every university in the US. It is a federal program and the process is the same everywhere you go. Most financial aid coordinators are paid like $12-$15 an hour, and that is also universal. You need to adjust your expectations for that process or vote for different politicians. I don’t know what else to tell you. All together, I’d recommend UA to most people depending on your field. It’s certainly way better than that other school down I-76 😉 Go Zips!Trey the Son of Chad

The campus is honestly really beautiful. I went here for my undergraduate degree and am now working on campus (not employed by the university, just located in an outside agency's office here) and I couldn't be happier. There are a lot of really great professors and plenty of things that go on during the semesters on campus.Ash Corrado

Very nice campus with flowers and stuff. And there's like, cool, big signs that make the campus look very professionally made. The campus is visually appealing, and there's many clubs to join. The Student Union is like a rich neighbourhood mall.Nick

Not sure what is happening at Firestone CLC this year, but it is surely affecting my student and her future. There have been ongoing scheduling issues, and class sizes for my AP/honors course student are huge. Some of the courses have more than 50 students in them. Simple requests for information about conferences or minor scheduling concerns are met with rigidity and lack of regard for student needs. More serious requests such as parent access to student progress towards graduation and improper course assignment (my student was placed in a course that is above her ability level because the appropriately leveled courses are overly full, some with 75 students in them) are met with a "not my problem" attitude. Conversations with administration are friendly, but no resolutions are offered and it is clear that there is no intention of considering student needs over administration agendas. Because it is our student's junior year we will allow her to stay and advocate for her fiercely, but it is certain that our other children will not be attending Firestone, even though the Akron School for the Arts is such a fantastic program. Its value is greatly diminished by the nonsense that is happening in the academic part of the school, and that's unacceptable.Gwen West

I've been a long time fan of Firestone High school. My daughters went there and I currently work in Firestone for a mentoring program where they graciously let us use one of their offices. I love the new building, very modern and spacious. The auditorium is state of the art. Worthy of any New York production. The classrooms are fully equipped for today's technology in learning. All around, a great school for the students in the Akron area.Michelle Fagan

My daughter is in her fourth year there in the Akron School for the Arts program as a voice major. I am so grateful for the accelerated instruction she has received in music with the best of instructors. All of her teachers are very in tune with her and are challenging and encouraging. I can not think of one teacher who has not been supportive and understanding of her. I think she has been well-prepared for college.Heidi Guttermuth

Art program at Akron University needs more work. After 3 years of my daughter going here, I am very disappointed in many of the professors and the program. My husband and I are not artistic at all so we rely on this school to help mold our daughter. They want students to step outside the box but really don't truly support them. This is why I went from 5 stars to 3 stars.Linda Wolin

An excellent School of Art! I have already received a B.F.A. in Sculpture from there back in 1996. I am currently, just shy of, receiving another B.F.A. in Ceramics and a B.A. in Studio Art. Great staff and faculty! They're always willing to help others and the students are great to be around, too!Eric Schweitzer

This building has so many sentimental memories for me. It was still being built during my first semester at the University of Akron (Fall 2002) and it opened up for use for the Spring Semester of 2003(while they built the other half). It was fully completed by the Fall Semester of 2003 and I loved it. The great memories of bowling, free movies, DDR (which I'm bummed is gone), and they even had a video rental store back in the early days (1st floor under starbucks). It's amazing it's still holding up strong 20 years after being built. The one thing they're missing is the old computer shop on the 3rd floor that they used to have.Ryan Snell