University of Cincinnati: Founder of Co-op, Leader in Co-op | University of Cincinnati

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Two University of Cincinnati students converse in a stairwell

There’s before you become a Bearcat, and there’s after.

At UC, that moment is shaped by real-world experience, meaningful connections, and the confidence to take your next step forward. From day one, Bearcats don’t wait for opportunity — they build what’s next, supported by a university designed to turn ambition into action and potential into progress. See how Bearcats build what’s next.

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98%

of students employed or continuing education upon graduation

$94m

in annual co-op
student earnings

#4

in the nation for
co-ops and internships

Lifelong Return on Investment

At the University of Cincinnati, value is built through experience, opportunity and connection. From day one to long after graduation, a UC education is designed to deliver measurable outcomes and lasting impact.

Communication Design student (DAAP) Megan Fein is a co-op in the Bearcats Student Creative Agency

An Affordable Path to Achievement

Access and opportunity go hand in hand. Through scholarships, state and federal aid and earnings from paid co-ops, many students reduce the cost of their degree while gaining professional experience. UC is committed to expanding pathways that make a high-impact education attainable.

Affordability Options

UC students shown here during their co-op at the Cincinnati Zoo. UC/ Joseph Fuqua II

The Leader in Cooperative Education

As the birthplace of cooperative education, UC integrates paid, professional experience into the academic journey. Students graduate with real-world skills, industry connections and a competitive advantage in the job market.

Rankings & Outcomes

UC's Homecoming football game vs. Arizona State University.

Bearcats for Life

At the University of Cincinnati, graduation isn’t the end of your story. It’s the beginning of a lifelong connection. From alumni mentorship and industry partnerships to career support and global networks, Bearcats support Bearcats, at every stage.

Bearcats for Life

Your
Career
Starts
Here.

A UC co-op student in a labcoat works on a laptop

In 1906, the University of Cincinnati invented cooperative education. Today, we lead in it and continue to innovate and redefine it. Through one of the nation’s most robust co-op programs, students don’t just learn about their future, they shape it, pairing academic study with paid work experience at companies around the world.

Explore Co-op at UC

Next
lives
here.

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Innovation is a daily practice at UC. It’s rooted in our DNA. With the Carnegie Classification of a Research 1 university, UC is a powerhouse of discovery and impact. Across the 1819 Innovation Hub, our research labs, and co-op partnerships, we foster bold thinking and collaborative breakthroughs that shape industries and improve lives.

Discover our vision

Our home.
Our city.

A student in a "Cincy" shirt looks up from her laptop as she works in the bleachers of Nippert stadium

Cincinnati is our extended classroom, career network, and a place to explore, learn, and serve. Our urban location gives students an outlet for every interest, such as access to arts and culture, sports and recreation. Additionally, Cincinnati is headquarters to more Fortune 500 companies per capita than NYC or LA and is one of the Midwest’s top incubators for startups, making it ideal launchpad for new grads.

Explore Cincinnati

University of Cincinnati News

UC co-op students work in a clean lab at co-op employer AtriCure in Mason, Ohio

UC co-op helps build career pathways at AtriCure

AtriCure, a global medical device company in Mason, Ohio, is UC’s largest biomedical engineering co-op employer, turning University of Cincinnati co-op students into full-time innovators.

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1

UC co-op earnings climb to $99.5 million

August 17, 2026

University of Cincinnati co-op students earned $99.5 million in 2025-26, a 5.69% increase, with 9,614 co-op enrollments and 1,798 employers across top industries.

2

UC named a best employer in Ohio by Forbes

August 14, 2026

Forbes ranks the University of Cincinnati No. 24 on its 2026 America’s Best Employers By State list for Ohio, recognizing UC’s strong workplace culture and employee experience.

3

UC graduates cross finish line at commencement

August 7, 2026

The University of Cincinnati recognized 2,125 graduates in two ceremonies at summer commencement Friday on campus at Fifth Third Arena.

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