UC invented cooperative education in 1906. Today, our model delivers measurable ROI for employers through paid, curriculum-integrated talent pipelines.
UC’s co-op model is designed to support workforce development, hiring efficiency and long-term talent pipelines. Employers partner with UC to access prepared, motivated students who contribute immediately while gaining real-world experience aligned with their academic programs.
Key outcomes include:
These outcomes demonstrate how UC’s co-op model supports both student success and employer workforce needs.
| Metric | Impact |
|---|---|
| #4 nationally | U.S. News ranking |
| $11,220 | Avg student earnings/semester |
| $94M | Total student earnings |
| 1,700+ | Employers hiring annually |
| 98% | Employed or continuing education |
Cooperative education (co-op) at UC refers to paid, career-relevant work experiences integrated into a student’s academic curriculum. Co-ops are structured, supervised experiences that allow students to apply classroom learning while contributing to real organizational goals
| Feature | Co-op | Internship |
|---|---|---|
| Compensation | Paid | May be paid or unpaid |
| Academic integration | Integrated into curriculum | May or may not be tied to coursework |
| Approval required | Advisor approval required | Typically no academic approval needed |
| Supervision | Supervised professional experience | Supervised professional experience |
| Time commitment | Part-time or full-time | Part-time or full-time |
| Coursework during term | Students may take classes | Students often take classes |
Co-op participation is a required component of degree programs in:
This ensures consistent employer access to students who are academically prepared and professionally supported.
Employers hire UC co-op students through Handshake, UC’s centralized hiring platform. Handshake allows employers to post opportunities, connect with students and alumni and participate in campus recruiting activities.
Employers can:
Learn how partnering with UC can support your workforce goals.
April 3, 2026
UC construction management and DAAP students won first place in the 2026 NAHB production home build competition with an interdisciplinary, real-world community proposal.
April 2, 2026
Spectrum News profiles UC College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning communication design student Jayden Balwally, who had an internship with the Oklahoma City Thunder and worked with the Heisman Trophy Trust and the College Football Playoff.
April 2, 2026
Sage Bushstone is a fifth-year student at the University of Cincinnati, pursuing concurrent degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with concentrations in Data Technologies and Software Development, and an Accelerated Master of Science in Information Technology. In this story she shares how co-op experiences led her to her preferred field of study.