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 |
| $13,130 | Avg student earnings/semester |
| $99.5M | Total student earnings |
| 1,798 | 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.
August 19, 2026
UC cybersecurity student Ethan Bernhardt uses his skills to keep ransomware at bay and protect sensitive data during co-ops at Kroger and U.S. Bank in Cincinnati.
August 17, 2026
UC architectural engineering graduate Jeremy Ackley turned his co-op rotations with CMTA, a national engineering consulting firm in Texas, into a full-time role, showcasing the University of Cincinnati’s national co-op footprint.
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.