Earn While You Learn in Kettering’s Cutting-Edge Co-op Program
$50,000–$75,000. That’s how much the average student earns in Kettering’s university Co-op program. Additionally, Kettering students graduate with roughly two years of full-time work experience from their Co-op.
What does that mean for you? A significant head start over any students from competing schools. Amazingly enough, Kettering student’s lifetime earnings are on average over $814,000 over any other school in the state. With hard work, diligence and access to Kettering’s wide-reaching network of employer partners, you can earn that income, too — and test drive your career before graduation.
What are co-ops? Programs that help you gain professional experience alongside what you learn in the classroom. At Kettering, you’ll experience a one-of-a-kind co-op model.
Why Choose Kettering’s University Co-op Experience?
At Kettering, cooperative education is at the center of everything you’ll do — we believe co-op programs should be more than just an option or internship at the end of your degree. Starting in your first year, you’ll rotate between the classroom and paid, on-the-job experiences throughout your time at Kettering. That means your university co-op experience will account for a full half of your education at Kettering, so you can hit the ground running as soon as you graduate.
Here’s what else sets the Kettering experience apart from other co-op programs.
A vast network of Co-op Employer Partners
Kettering works to help you establish connections with the people who will help you succeed, from our nearly 500 employer partners (including companies like GM and Ford Motor Company) to our strong alumni network.
The tools you need to find a Co-op employer
From resume guidance to dedicated Co-op managers, we strive to help you find business, computer science, applied science and mathematics or engineering Co-op partners for your time at Kettering. Our Co-op managers act as a liaison between employers and the University to create more opportunities for our students.
Paid Co-op opportunities
What are co-ops? While most internships are unpaid, Kettering’s university Co-op allows you to earn money before you graduate — and gain up to 2.5 years of experience before graduation. This experience helps you qualify for intermediate-level positions after you graduate.
What Are Co-ops? Putting Theory into Practice
Co-op programs, or cooperative education programs, are educational models that allow students like you to work while attending classes. Co-op programs help you apply what you learn in the classroom to real-world contexts, balancing academic theory with practical work experience. At Kettering, your university Co-op experience begins in your first year, and from there you’ll alternate terms spent working and in class.
How is a university co-op different from an internship?
While co-op opportunities can be similar to internships, cooperative education is very different. Internships are typically optional, unpaid and last only one semester. Kettering’s university Co-op is required, paid and taken over several 12-week periods throughout your time here.
“The co-op experience [at Kettering] has helped prepare me so much. I got a good look into what I will actually be doing for work. Also, it has helped me be more comfortable with interviewing and being in a more professional work environment.” – Owen Walworth, Class of 2025.
Co-op Opportunities and Employer Partners at Kettering
At Kettering, your co-op opportunities are nearly endless. Whether your field of study is in engineering, computer science, business, or the sciences and liberal arts, we’ll help you find a Co-op partner that aligns with your interests.
These co-op opportunities help you build your resume and the soft and hard skills you’ll need throughout your career. You’ll also get the chance to make a good impression at your chosen company, increasing your chance of obtaining a job there following graduation.
Work with university co-op employers in areas like:
- Automotive
- Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM)
- Healthcare
- Technology
- Business
Choose from engineering co-ops or other co-op opportunities at leading companies like:
- AeroTrain Corp.
- America’s Most Wanted 4X4
- BorgWarner
- Bosch
- CoorsTek
- Deep Space Systems
- Dow
- Ford Motor Company
- Ghost Robotics
- Nissan
- Nestlé USA
- Bronson Healthcare Group
Cooperative Education at Kettering, Semester by Semester
When you’ll take classes — and when you’ll work
As an incoming student, you’ll be assigned to A or B section that determines when you’ll take classes and when you’ll work with an employer partner.
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B SECTION |
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Co-op |
School |
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School |
Co-op |
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How Much Will You Make at Your Co-op?
per hour
Average First Year Co-op Wage
per hour
Average Senior Co-op Wage
Finding Co-op Opportunities and Employers
Co-op programs give you the chance to refine your skills, apply what you’ve learned and make essential connections with potential employers. Kettering offers numerous resources to help you succeed in your cooperative education, but you should also assume an active role in identifying an employer partner.
Already Accepted to Kettering?
Learn more about where to start in finding your Kettering University co-op.