Undergraduate Co-op Program

Professional Practice at Purdue started 69 years ago with the first co-op student from the School of Mechanical Engineering. Co-op programs quickly spread across the campus and other innovative programs were created, leading to Purdue’s reputation as one of the best university’s in the country for providing academically relevant professional experiences. This is proudly reflected in Purdue University’s continuous ranking among the top 10 institutions for internships and co-ops (U.S. News and World Report, 2024).

 

 

Cooperative Education (co-op) programs offer numerous benefits for students looking to gain real-world experience before they graduate. In addition to gaining anywhere from 12-22 months of practical experience prior to graduation, students can also earn a significant and competitive salary while on their co-op sessions. Unlike many other co-op programs around the nation, the co-op programs at Purdue typically involve students completing 3-5 work sessions with the same employer which allows students to gain a long relationship with their employer, work on more projects, and take on increasingly responsible roles in their work sessions. Students that complete a Purdue co-op program are highly sought after they graduate and are distinguished from other recent graduates.

This program is a transcript-recorded experience and provides an academic certificate upon completion. This course is designed to maximize the student experience and aid with professional development and career readiness. This special rate allows students to maintain full-time status which helps with insurance and student loan purposes. Normal tuition and fees are charged only while on campus.