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
December 4, 2025
Two University of Cincinnati co-op students engage children in hands-on “Superhero Activation” activities at the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center, helping young visitors learn kindness, courage and how to be upstanders.
December 3, 2025
UC College-Conservatory of Music welcomes the holiday season with its annual Feast of Carols concerts on Dec. 6-7, 2025 in Corbett Auditorium. Tickets are on sale now through the CCM Box Office.
December 2, 2025
CCM Musical Theatre student, Nick Gundrum, has been chosen as a semifinalist for the American Pops Orchestra NextGen Collegiate Vocal Competition. The NextGen Competition was founded by APO Music Director, Maestro Luke Frazier, and is dedicated to celebrating collegiate students who show promise in popular song, musical theatre and jazz. The Next Gen Competition evaluates students based on vocal technique, stage presence and interpretive skill.
