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.
March 13, 2026
The UC Board of Trustees approved $12 million at its Feb. 24 meeting for the design phase of a new Welcome Gateway Building for Uptown campus.
March 12, 2026
UC engineering student Savannah Dickens wore many hats at companies during her co-op rotations. She will graduate this spring and a has a job lined up with Davey Resource Group in Akron, Ohio.
March 9, 2026
Cincinnati product development company Kaleidoscope Innovation hires co-op students from across UC's colleges to work on their client-focused mission.