For over 100 years, UC’s cooperative-education (co-op) program has helped students graduate with a career already waiting for them.
The University of Cincinnati invented co-op more than 100 years ago and we continue to innovate all aspects of experience-based learning. Today, our approach to experience-based learning is embedded through the Bearcat Promise — our commitment to provide the people, tools, and experiences that ensure every Bearcat graduates on time with both a degree and a resume. This promise delivers true educational ROI: real-world experience, career readiness, and a lifelong advantage as a Bearcat.
For the University of Cincinnati, our return on investment lies in our co-op student outcomes. Every semester, UC students go to work — at Nike, at Google, at any one of the university’s 1,700-plus employer partners. Our co-op students not only earn an average of $11,220 per semester, they graduate with 12.2% lower student loan debt compared to peers at other schools. Almost all students (98%) are employed or continue their education at the time of graduation.
$94M
collective student co-op earnings
The University of Cincinnati is leading urban public universities into a new era of innovation and impact. We're engaging people and igniting ideas, ultimately transforming the world — one Bearcat at a time. UC by the numbers:
98%
employment or continuing education rate following graduation
Behind every dream is proof that it’s possible. Our numbers show how pathways, outcomes, and opportunities add up — giving you the confidence that your future is built on results.
1700+
co-op employee partners
$94M
in student co-op earnings
$11,220
avg student earnings per semester
Meet Keller
Biomedical Engineering Co-op
Kinetic Vision | Cincinnati, OH
January 5, 2026
A University of Cincinnati biochemistry student changed her career trajectory after being inspired by internships with a European Fortune 500 company.
January 5, 2026
Cedrick Kwuimy, associate professor educator in the Department of Engineering and Computing Education at the University of Cincinnati College of Engineering and Applied Science is studying how a student’s first co-op experience impacts the remainder of their journey as an engineering student, and how educators can better prepare them for these experiences. Kwuimy and his collaborators have received a three-year grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support this research.
December 18, 2025
Sakura Adachi exemplifies the Bearcat spirit: she works hard, she gives back and she takes full advantage of the opportunities the University of Cincinnati offers.
