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.
May 18, 2026
Six NEXT Innovation Scholars at the University of Cincinnati traveled to London to transform field research into actionable recommendations for British luxury bath, body and fragrance brand Molton Brown.
May 14, 2026
A new chapter is beginning for more than 100 University of Cincinnati College of Nursing rising seniors as they embark on one of the most distinctive experiences in undergraduate nursing education: the UC Nursing Co-op Program. The incoming cohort will fan out across Cincinnati's premier healthcare institutions, stepping into some of the most dynamic and specialized clinical environments in the region. Placement sites include UC Medical Center (UCMC), West Chester Hospital, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) Burnet, College Hill, and Liberty campus.
May 14, 2026
Eric Langhorne, a computer science undergraduate student at the University of Cincinnati, has developed a smartphone application that tells users whether or not their clothes are a match. Langhorne has color blindness, so this is a question he often asks himself and was a challenge he wanted to address. This project was done through the Experiential Explorations Program (EEP).