How co-op programs turn college into a career launchpad

Why co-op programs help students stand out in a competitive job market

College isn’t just about earning a degree — it’s about preparing for life after graduation. At the University of Cincinnati, that preparation is built in.

Since pioneering cooperative education (co-op) in 1906, UC has led the nation in experiential learning, connecting students with more than 1,750 employers. Through UC’s co-op program, students earn income, gain hands-on experience and graduate career-ready.

Read how UC is leading the way with co-ops in the Chronicle of Higher Education.

The changing landscape of higher education

Across the country, colleges and universities are grappling with what the Chronicle calls a “higher ed freefall.”

Enrollment declines, rising costs and growing public skepticism have reshaped how families and students evaluate the value of a degree. 

The question is no longer just “Where will I go to college?” but “What will I get out of it?”

That shift has made outcomes, career readiness and return on investment more important than ever. Students want proof that tuition dollars translate into marketable skills, paid opportunities and strong job placement after graduation. 

UC’s co-op model directly answers that demand, offering a clear path to earn income, gain professional experience and graduate prepared for the workforce.

Read: Career planning for college students: Year-by-year guide


Begin your Bearcats journey

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Paid co-ops at UC: Gain experience and earn income

UC’s paid co-ops give students a chance to step out of the classroom and into the real world, working side by side with professionals in their field.

Instead of simply shadowing, students earn real wages while gaining meaningful, career-building experience — often with top employers like GE Aviation, Disney, Toyota, Kroger and Procter & Gamble.

For parents, that means your student is building a resume, earning income to help with college expenses and making valuable connections that can lead to full-time offers after graduation.

For students, it’s a chance to explore different industries, develop confidence and graduate with both a degree and a proven track record of success.

UC co-op by the numbers

  • 1,750+ employer partners worldwide — from Fortune 500 companies to cutting-edge startups, including GE Aviation, Disney, Toyota, Kroger, Procter & Gamble, and many more.

  • More than $94 million collectively earned by students 2024-25 through co-op placements.

  • Consistently ranked among the top 5 co-op programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

  • As the pioneers of cooperative education, UC has over 100 years of co-op innovation!

  • Across every major — co-ops available in engineering, business, health care, design, the liberal arts and more.

Why UC stands out for students and parents

  • Real results after graduation: UC tracks job placement, co-op earnings and skill development to make sure students graduate career-ready.

  • Earn while you learn: Students gain paid, hands-on experience that helps offset college costs and build strong resumes.

  • Reduced student debt: Paid co-ops allow students to earn income during college, helping to lower loans and out-of-pocket costs.

  • Expansive employer network: More than 1,750 employer partners worldwide
  • Programs that evolve with you: UC pilots new programs and integrates the best ones into the curriculum, keeping students ahead of industry trends.
  • Supportive campus and city: A vibrant campus in the heart of Cincinnati offers cultural, career and social opportunities to enhance the college experience.

  • Innovative return on investment: Students and families can see the value of a UC degree — real-world experience, income during college and a strong start to a career.

Learn more: Why you should consider a co-op program in college

Co-op success stories from UC students

Alyssa Wagner  (College of Arts and Sciences, Environmental Studies)

I’m most excited about gaining field experience and working on something I’m deeply passionate about.

Bitanya Derese (Carl H. Lindner College of Business, Lindner Business Honors Student, Marketing)

They want to see you be your true self. In terms of my soft skills, I think it helped me adapt to corporate America. I learned how to genuinely be myself at Google.

Colin Malott (College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and Information Technology (CECH), Cybersecurity and Game Development)

I realized that you could make a career out of cybersecurity here at NASA.

Adam Wolshire (College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP), Industrial Design)

It’s challenging me to think in new ways.

How to get started with UC’s co-op program

Getting started with UC’s nationally ranked co-op program is built right into the student experience. From your very first days on campus through your first professional placement – UC is here to help every step of the way.

Step 1: Orientation & early exposure

During Bearcats Bound Orientation, new students learn about UC’s tradition of experiential learning and meet co-op advisors. This early introduction helps students and families understand how co-ops fit into their degree plan.

Step 2: Co-op preparation courses

Many UC colleges, like the College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) and the College of Engineering and Applied Science, require an introductory course on professionalism and co-op readiness in the first or second year.

Students build resumes, learn interview skills and explore potential career paths with faculty guidance.

Step 3: Application and search phase

The semester before a co-op, students apply to positions through UC’s Handshake platform, participate in mock interviews and work closely with co-op faculty advisors to find the right placement.

Step 4: Starting your co-op experience

Once they get a co-op job, students work in their designated job. Some work full-time, others work part-time, or on a project basis. All formats of co-op lets students gain real-world experience while earning income to offset tuition and living costs.

Step 5: Reflection and growth

After each co-op, students complete evaluations and reflect with their faculty advisers to build on their experiences.

Over multiple co-op placements, students deepen their responsibilities, expand their networks and refine their career goals, often leading to full-time job opportunities after graduation.

Real-world learning that pays off

As highlighted in the Chronicle of Higher Education’s feature on UC’s co-op model, the University of Cincinnati continues to innovate what a college education can deliver.

With paid co-ops, an expansive employer network and programs that evolve with industry needs, UC gives students the chance to earn income, gain hands-on experience and graduate career-ready

If you’re ready to see how real-world learning pays off, explore UC’s programs, schedule a campus visit, or connect with an admissions counselor today.