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.
February 17, 2026
University of Cincinnati students will discover how to prepare themselves for the workplace during the NEXT Mindset Professional Readiness Day on Feb. 24 at the 1819 Innovation Hub.
February 16, 2026
When Eloise Brown was deciding where to go to college, she spoke to a family friend who was an environmental engineering professor at the University of Cincinnati and realized UC's engineering program would be a great fit for her. She decided to make the move to Cincinnati, continuing a family legacy at the College of Engineering and Applied Science.
February 9, 2026
UC Aspire, a program within the University of Cincinnati’s College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies, has been named Nehemiah Manufacturing’s 2025 Social Services Partner of the Year for its innovative workplace education programs that support justice-impacted, unemployed, and underemployed adults with literacy, digital skills, and career advancement—advancing UC’s workforce development and community impact.
