UA moves up to No. 14 in the nation for best-value pre-med degrees

Students who dream of becoming a doctor or working in a medical profession can say yes to the opportunities offered at The University of Akron (UA), which has again been ranked one of the best-valued pre-med programs in the nation.

The global ranking site EdSmart ranked UA No. 14 in the country for 2025, one spot ahead of last year's ranking. UA is the only Ohio university recognized in the rankings.

The most popular major for UA pre-med students is the biomedical science degree in the Department of Biology. This major in the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences provides for a broad background in science with concentrations in biology, chemistry, math and physics. The biomedical science degree is designed with the appropriate coursework to prepare students for maximal success on entrance tests like the MCAT, and for general student success in professional school.

The Department of Biology is home to a unique Tiered Mentoring program, which places students into research, internship and clinical shadowing experiences with community partners like Akron Children's Hospital, Summa Health, and Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital. These experiences, within walking distance of the UA campus, connect undergraduate students with the health care industry, ensuring students build confidence and foster belonging in the biology and biomedical fields. Read more about the Tiered Mentoring program here.

"We are excited to be recognized again for providing pre-med students with a high-quality degree program that is one of the most affordable options in the country," said Dr. Jordan Renna, chair of the Department of Biology. "The biomedical science degree offers students a strong foundation through rigorous classroom and laboratory training, enhancing their chances of success in medical school."

EDsmart provides college rankings, reviews, and ratings according to the U.S. Department of Education and other reputable sources for higher education. It assesses pre-med colleges based on data that covers four main areas: cost (average net price), academic quality (graduation rate), student satisfaction (retention rate), and salary after attending (the median earnings of former students who received federal financial aid, at 10 years after entering the school).

UA offers hands-on learning opportunities and pathways for students to move on to medical school after graduation.

The Early Assurance Pathway, a unique collaboration between UA and Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), allows UA students to secure a seat, early, in a future medical school class at NEOMED.

"The ranking from EdSmart is validation of our hard work to ensure UA students have access to unique opportunities that prepare them for professional medical fields," said Ashley Rini, director of pre-health advising.

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or [email protected]