UC co-op earnings climb to $99.5 million

In the 2025‑26 academic year, UC co-op students earned $99.5 million in paid work experiences — a 5.69% increase over the previous year’s total reported wages.

According to self‑reported data:

• UC students logged 9,614 co-op enrollments (some students hold multiple co-ops).
• Students averaged $13,130 in co-op earnings per semester and $21.89 in hourly co-op earnings, significantly offsetting the cost of college. (Co-op wages vary based on factors including field/industry, geographic location and level of experience.)
• 1,798 employers partnered with UC’s co-op program across Cincinnati, Ohio, the U.S. and the world.
• UC’s College of Arts and Sciences is represented in the co-op earnings data for the first time, reflecting the growth of experiential learning across disciplines.

These results underscore UC’s position as a national leader in cooperative education and a top‑value choice for students seeking a strong return on investment (ROI).

UC President Neville G. Pinto notes how the university’s co-op tradition continues to evolve to meet today’s workforce needs.

“Reaching nearly $100 million in annual co-op earnings is a powerful reflection of the value of a University of Cincinnati education,” says President Neville G. Pinto. “Our students are gaining more than a degree. They are graduating with meaningful professional experience and strong industry connections. By connecting learning with workforce needs, UC is preparing the next generation for successful careers while helping employers and communities thrive.”

While many colleges are rethinking how to prepare students for a shifting job market, UC is doubling down on a time‑tested strategy — and seeing results in both co-op earnings and placements.

“UC continues to buck national trends with growth in co-op enrollments and wages,” says Michelle Clare, Dean of UC’s College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies. “Achieving $99.5 million in annual co-op earnings speaks to the talent and persistence of our students — and the trust employers place in them. 

“What makes UC distinctive is that career readiness is built directly into the curriculum through our co-op model. Our faculty and staff work closely with students to help them compete and succeed in the global marketplace. Our students ultimately own their success. Their adaptability and drive are why industry partners consistently turn to UC for talent.”

UC defines co-op as paid, career-related experiences that are integrated into academic programs.

Civil engineering professor Herman Schneider founded cooperative education at UC in 1906. The first co-op class involved 27 engineering students and 13 Cincinnati‑area companies. Students originally alternated weekly between attending classes and working on the job. After proving its success, co-op began expanding to fields beyond engineering, and the program continues to expand in scope to this day.

Today, the University of Cincinnati offers experience-based learning opportunities across all majors, including co-ops, internships, service learning, research labs, study abroad, community engagement programs and many more.

UC helps students complete multiple semesters of full‑time, paid co-op, often totaling up to 1.5 years of work experience before graduation in some programs. All of these opportunities connect Bearcats with employers ranging from local nonprofits and startups to Fortune 500 companies.

Each year, UC students work for prestigious organizations such as GE Aerospace, Honda, Toyota, Kroger, Procter & Gamble, Disney, NASA and many others — often turning co-op assignments into full‑time offers.

“The practical experience is something I really valued in my journey at UC,” says Sofia Ferrigolo, 2026 graduate of UC’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business. Ferrigolo completed her co-op at strategy and management consulting firm McKinsey & Company, securing a full-time job offer once she graduated.

UC students can test-drive careers while earning their degree and graduate with in‑demand experience. Co-op helps students:

• Jump‑start their careers with real‑world experience before graduation
• Offset educational costs through paid positions in their fields
• Build confidence, professional skills and industry connections
• Graduate with both a degree and a career plan

For employers, UC’s co-op program serves as a robust talent pipeline and a source for their next hire. With UC co-op:

• Companies can evaluate students on the job before extending full‑time offers.
• Teams gain access to motivated, up‑to‑date talent trained in current tools and methods.
• Partnerships with UC help employers shape their future workforce.

Here's what employer partners have to say about UC's co-op program:

UC’s founding of cooperative education in 1906 continues to underpin its leadership in experiential learning and workforce development, making the university a top choice for students who want both academic strength and career readiness.

These numbers reflect how UC builds real-world skills and training into the curriculum and demonstrate how co‑op helps students earn while they learn, fund their education and graduate with stronger resumes and professional networks.

Featured image at top: UC College-Conservatory of Music students work with UC Athletics to broadcast Bearcat sports for ESPN+ and other national networks.