Admissions

��ɫ�� Ranked No. 1 Undergraduate Institution in America for Second Consecutive Year in Launchpad Rankings

lmadaus — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 18:02:23 +0000

��ɫ�� Ranked No. 1 Undergraduate Institution in America for Second Consecutive Year in Launchpad Rankings

lmadaus Thu, 04/30/2026 - 14:02

��ɫ�� has once again been recognized as the nation’s top-ranked institution, earning the No. 1 overall position in the Diamond category of the 2026 Launchpad Rankings for the second consecutive year.

The recognition places ��ɫ�� at the top of a national evaluation focused on outcomes that matter to students, families, and employers alike: career readiness, experiential learning, retention, academic focus, and long-term opportunity.

For ��ɫ��, the distinction affirms a model intentionally built to produce results.

“This recognition reflects what the data have shown for years,” said Dr. Robert K. McMahan, President of ��ɫ��. “Every dimension of this university is organized around a single objective: producing graduates prepared to contribute from day one.”

��ɫ��’s nationally distinctive educational model combines rigorous academics with paid cooperative employment. Every undergraduate student alternates between 12 weeks of academic study and 12 weeks of professional work experience in their field, earning on average $55,000-75,000 or more, graduating with as much as 2.5 years of relevant experience prior to commencement.

That structure continues to distinguish ��ɫ�� at a time when students and families are increasingly focused on value, readiness, and long-term return on their educational investment.

“At many institutions, work experience is peripheral to the degree,” McMahan said. “At ��ɫ��, it is embedded in the architecture of the education itself. It is not an add-on. It is central to the development of competence, confidence, and professional readiness.”

Launchpad also ranked ��ɫ�� No. 1 nationally in experiential learning, recognizing the University’s longstanding partnerships with more than 600 employers across the United States and beyond.

Those partnerships span engineering, advanced mobility, intelligent manufacturing, artificial intelligence, business, data science, sustainability, aerospace and defense, and chemicals and materials science, giving students direct access to industries shaping the future.

The result is a graduate who enters the marketplace not as a novice, but as an experienced contributor.

“��ɫ�� students begin building their professional capabilities while they are enrolled,” said Dr. Robert K. McMahan. “That is the strength of an educational model built on mastery through education and experience, where learning is not episodic, but continuous and cumulative. Over multiple cycles of academic study and professional application, students develop not only technical competence, but the judgment and adaptability required to perform and lead in complex, real-world environments.”

The recognition comes amid continued momentum for the University, including growth in strategic academic areas such as semiconductor innovation, autonomous systems, applied AI, intelligent manufacturing, and new energy technologies. It also builds on sustained national recognition for career preparation and long-term return on investment, with top rankings from The Wall Street Journal and outcome-based analyses from Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce highlighting the strength of ��ɫ�� graduates in the marketplace.

For students seeking more than a conventional college experience—and for families seeking confidence that higher education will lead to meaningful opportunity—��ɫ�� continues to offer one of the most direct and effective pathways to professional success in American higher education.

��ɫ��, North Ed Expand STEM Pathways Through New Partnership

lmadaus — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:38:55 +0000

��ɫ��, North Ed Expand STEM Pathways Through New Partnership

Admissions

Scholarship

lmadaus Tue, 03/17/2026 - 12:38

��ɫ�� and Northwest Education Services (North Ed) have formalized a partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand STEM pathways, career exploration, and postsecondary opportunities for students served by North Ed Career Tech.

The agreement reflects shared priorities around applied learning, workforce preparation, and access to engineering, technology, and related fields. As the intermediate school district based in Traverse City, North Ed supports school districts and educational programs across northwest Michigan and plays an active role in Career and Technical Education, Special Education, early childhood programming, educator development, and regional initiatives.

“Programs like North Ed already give students the opportunity to explore careers, develop technical skills, and discover the kinds of challenges they want to solve,” said Matt Fortescue, ��ɫ��’s Director of Enrollment. “This partnership creates a pathway for students to continue that journey.”

Pat Lamb, assistant superintendent for Career & Technical Education at North Ed, said the goal of educators in Career Tech is to equip students with the skills and techniques they need to succeed in college or the workforce.

“Through hands-on learning, our students gain valuable insight into future career options, get practical on-the-job experiences, and learn foundational skills they can apply widely to a number of industries and fields,” Lamb said. “Ultimately, we make every effort to ensure all students have access to the resources and support they need to reach their full potential – whatever that is for them. We are excited to begin this new partnership with ��ɫ�� and to expand the number of academic experiences and opportunities available to Career Tech students.”

Scholarship Support for CTE Students

As part of the agreement, ��ɫ�� will establish a $25,000 annual scholarship for eligible students who:

Participate in, or are identified as belonging to, a Career and Technical Education program at Northwest Education Services, and
Enroll at ��ɫ�� as first-year students.

The scholarship is renewable, contingent upon satisfactory academic standing, conduct, and minimum enrollment status. Renewal amounts are subject to annual adjustment based on ��ɫ��’s budgetary allocations.

STEM Outreach and Campus Engagement

Beyond scholarship support, the MOU establishes a framework for STEM-focused outreach and engagement. Planned activities may include:

Group visits to ��ɫ��’s campus to provide students with exposure to academic programs and hands-on learning environments
Interactive student panels hosted at Northwest Education Services

Coordinated Programming and Promotion

The partnership also emphasizes coordinated efforts to expand educational access. North Ed will promote relevant ��ɫ�� opportunities, including summer pre-college programs, recruitment events, and scholarships. Both organizations remain open to exploring additional areas of mutual interest as the partnership develops.

Partnership Context and Term

This agreement aligns with ��ɫ��’s long-standing approach to working with educational organizations, industry partners, and public agencies to support workforce development and applied learning through structured partnerships and memoranda of understanding.

The MOU does not represent a financial agreement or binding commitment by either party. Any future initiatives may require separate agreements. The agreement becomes effective upon approval by both parties and will remain in effect for five years from October 1, 2025. Representatives from both organizations have agreed to consult with one another at least twice annually to review progress on the outlined initiatives.

Co-op Up Close

eoboyle — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 16:03:55 +0000

Co-op Up Close

Admissions

eoboyle Tue, 01/13/2026 - 11:03

2026-01-29T15:00:00-0500 _2026-01-29T18:00:00-0500

All admitted students are invited to meet some of our cooperative education employers at our Co-op Up Close Events. These are great opportunities to learn more about these companies and tour their facilities. Click on the registration link to learn more about the event and each company. We hope to see you there!

Upcoming Events

Admitted Student Day

eoboyle — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 19:50:03 +0000

Admitted Student Day

Admissions

eoboyle Mon, 01/12/2026 - 14:50

2026-04-25T10:00:00-0400 _2026-04-25T15:00:00-0400

��ɫ��’s Admitted Student Day is an event like no other! Join us for a day filled with fun, competition, and connection. Form alliances, complete exciting quests, and earn points as you compete with fellow students. You’ve stood out in the admission process and earned your place at ��ɫ��. Admitted Student Day is a celebration for YOU!

Shifting Gears: From the Ice Rink to the Racetrack

lmadaus — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 14:27:45 +0000

Shifting Gears: From the Ice Rink to the Racetrack

Admissions

Co-op

Formula SAE

Mechanical Engineering

lmadaus Mon, 12/01/2025 - 09:27

The sound of a race car engine firing up isn’t so different from the roar of a packed arena — at least not to Chris Ordoobadi.

“I’ve always had two passions — hockey and racing,” he says. “In the first half of my career, I gave everything to hockey. Now, I’m back in school so I can pursue my other passion.”

Today, at 30, Ordoobadi is studying mechanical engineering at ��ɫ��, building race engines and designing aerodynamic systems for the Formula SAE team.

“��ɫ�� is absolutely the right fit for me,” Ordoobadi said. “I’m getting hands-on experience working in the motorsports industry at my Co-op while getting all the foundational knowledge with my mechanical engineering degree.”

Ordoobadi grew up in Washington, D.C., balancing academics and athletics at DeMatha Catholic High School. After two years of junior hockey and four years as a power forward at Neumann University, he turned professional, signing with the Maine Mariners of the ECHL, a key developmental league for the AHL and NHL. He later helped lead the Florida Everblades to a league championship, hoisting the Kelly Cup, the ECHL’s top prize.

“Playing on a pro hockey team was always my dream,” he said. “Having lived that dream, I realized that I want to be part of a successful team for the rest of my life. I knew I couldn't play hockey at 55, but I could be an engineer at 55.”

Within weeks of arriving at ��ɫ��, Ordoobadi had secured a placement at Ilmor Engineering, a race engine company based in Plymouth, Michigan, that supplies NASCAR and IndyCar teams. Working on engines for the ARCA and NASCAR Truck Series, he got his first taste of turning classroom theory into on-track reality. His next Co-op rotation will see him step into IndyCar’s hybrid era, gaining valuable trackside experience with cutting-edge technology.

"I was very fortunate to get a Co-op in exactly what I want to pursue as a career," Ordoobadi said. "Motorsports can be a really tough industry to break into. But thanks to ��ɫ��, I started working in it from day one."

In the classroom, Ordoobadi tackled new challenges head-on, including learning MATLAB, a programming language essential for numerical computing, modeling, and data analysis.

“I had no experience with coding,” he said. “But through that class, I was able to write code that helped with the design of our new anti-roll bar for the Formula SAE car and analyze our tire data. Being able to learn something in class and then immediately apply it was really gratifying.”

As soon as he was on campus, Ordoobadi dove into ��ɫ��’s Formula SAE team, leading the aerodynamics subsystem, designing wings, diffusers, and bodywork to push the car’s performance to the edge.

“Getting involved in the Formula SAE team has been an awesome experience, taking what I’ve learned from my Co-op and applying it to a project where the stakes feel real,” he said, “We're looking at the broad picture of performance and thinking about the car as a whole. To me, it is really exciting.”

Despite these early successes, Ordoobadi’s transition from professional athlete to full-time student wasn’t seamless.

“Adjusting back to student life was the biggest challenge,” he says. “But ��ɫ�� makes that transition as easy as it can be. The way the terms are structured — three months of classes, three months of work — fits my life perfectly. That back-and-forth rhythm feels natural for me, and it’s a lot less daunting than spending six straight months in classes.”

Looking ahead, Ordoobadi has a clear goal.

“After graduating, I hope to be working trackside for a motorsports team,” he said. “Being part of a team was everything to me in hockey, and it’s the same now. Whether it’s in the shop, on the track, or in the classroom, I want to contribute to a team’s success.”

Mechanical Engineering

��ɫ�� Awarded Nearly $1M NSF Grant to Help Launch AI Career Pathways

lmadaus — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 17:29:26 +0000

��ɫ�� Awarded Nearly $1M NSF Grant to Help Launch AI Career Pathways

Admissions

Artificial Intelligence

lmadaus Wed, 10/22/2025 - 13:29

��ɫ�� and t.Lab, a national leader in STEM-based experiential education, have been awarded a nearly $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation’s ExLENT program to expand educational access to artificial intelligence (AI). The three-year project, Explorations: Bringing High School Students and GED Earners into Artificial Intelligence Career Pathways, focuses on workforce development, preparing learners from non-traditional backgrounds for the AI-driven industries of the future.

“This initiative goes beyond teaching students about AI; it’s about preparing them to lead in the global innovation economy,” said Dr. Clarence Nixon, Founder and CEO of t.Lab. “By equipping students with technical, academic and leadership skills, we are creating opportunities that will transform communities and industries for generations.”

Funded through NSF’s Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies (ExLENT) program, part of the Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP), the initiative supports the national goal of preparing a diverse and resilient workforce for rapidly evolving technology fields.

“Artificial intelligence is going to affect nearly every part of our lives, from manufacturing to mobility to HVAC, literally the air we breathe,” said Diane Peters, Ph.D., professor of mechanical engineering at ��ɫ�� and principal investigator. “But right now, not everyone has equal access to learning about AI or exploring careers in it. This project is about opening doors for students who might never otherwise picture themselves in this space.”

The initiative combines academic preparation, hands-on projects and short industry-based internships to give high school students and GED earners both foundational knowledge and real-world experience. Unlike traditional college pipeline programs, this project is designed as a workforce development initiative led by ��ɫ�� faculty. Its focus is on preparing participants for a range of futures, whether that means pursuing a college degree, entering a technical or trade program, or gaining industry certifications that open doors to AI-related careers.

"This project really grew out of early conversations with t.Lab, who has been an integral partner from the very beginning,” Peters said. “At the same time, it built on discussions at a principal investigator meeting where we were challenged to think about how universities could align with industry needs. At ��ɫ��, we already have deep strengths in areas like AI and computer science and this gave us the opportunity to connect that expertise with a clear, national priority."

The project will be evaluated through surveys and interviews, with results documented to create a replicable model for other institutions nationwide.

Peters emphasized the role of community partners in expanding the project’s reach. “From day one, Clarence Nixon and the team at t.Lab have been essential to shaping this vision. Their passion for preparing students for future careers and their deep experience working with high school learners bring tremendous value to the project.”

She also highlighted that the grant is the result of a true team effort. “I’m fortunate to be working alongside remarkable colleagues like Lisa Gandy and Jim Huggins. Each brings a unique area of expertise, and that diversity of strengths is what makes this project possible. A project of this size can’t succeed with clones. You need a team where everyone contributes something different, and that’s exactly what we have.”

Together, ��ɫ�� and t.Lab are breaking barriers to AI education, creating pathways that turn potential into possibility for students across every community.

About t.Lab

t.Lab is a high-performance learning laboratory and nonprofit organization, located in Garden City, Michigan, dedicated to transforming lives through educational excellence. Its mission is to equip students with the skills, knowledge and experiences required to thrive in a global economy. To learn more, visit www.tlab-global.org.

Computer Science

��ɫ�� Joins Michigan Colleges Alliance, Strengthening Workforce Development

lmadaus — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 15:38:27 +0000

��ɫ�� Joins Michigan Colleges Alliance, Strengthening Workforce Development

Admissions

President

lmadaus Mon, 10/06/2025 - 11:38

��ɫ�� has been welcomed as the newest member of the Michigan Colleges Alliance (MCA), a consortium of independent colleges and universities committed to producing graduates who drive Michigan’s economy forward. This milestone is especially notable: ��ɫ�� is the second institution to be admitted to MCA in the past 50 years, and the first member to be admitted in over 15 years.

The MCA is recognized for achieving some of the strongest student outcomes in the state, through initiatives such as the Kalamazoo Promise, high graduation rates and exceptional talent retention within Michigan. With ��ɫ��’s nationally renowned Co-op education program and industry partnerships, this membership reinforces the Alliance’s position as a powerful engine for workforce and economic development.

“At ��ɫ��, our students do not merely graduate with a degree—they graduate with years of professional, industry-immersive experience, real-world problem-solving skills and demonstrated leadership,” said Dr. Robert K. McMahan, President of ��ɫ��. “Joining the Michigan Colleges Alliance affirms our shared commitment to innovation in education and to measurable student success. The Alliance’s work, from expanding access through the Kalamazoo Promise to pioneering scholarship initiatives such as the Bearcat Advantage, resonates with our mission to prepare students for lives of extraordinary leadership and service. Together, we will enhance educational opportunity across the state and advance Michigan’s leadership in technology, talent development and economic growth.”

Driving Workforce Readiness and Economic Impact

The Michigan Colleges Alliance facilitates programs that directly connect students with career opportunities and skill development. For example, the Cooperative Learning Collaborative (CLC) is a multi-disciplinary student cooperative education program that unites MCA institutions, signature employers, non-profit organizations, faculty and students to promote career readiness. Through a scaffolded approach over two academic sessions, students gain real-world work experience, leadership development and professional mentoring, while participating employers benefit from early access to top talent and faculty-guided projects that support their organizational needs.

“��ɫ�� is an ideal complement to our network,” Dr. Robert Bartlett, MCA President, added. “Its national leadership in post-graduate success is legendary. ��ɫ�� will strengthen immeasurably MCA’s work over many years in this space. I can think of no better partner institution to have in our group, as MCA members continue to innovate in producing career-ready college graduates for our state and beyond.”

Another key initiative, the Center for Advancing Student Outcomes (CASO), serves as an innovation incubator for out-of-classroom career learning. Launched in 2017, CASO has earned broad campus support as it spurs new programs to enhance student achievement. Programs launched with CASO’s support include a digital badging pilot in critical thinking, a Google Course Share Pilot connecting classrooms across multiple campuses and a collaboration with Harvard Business School Online to broaden business education opportunities. These collaborative initiatives reflect the Alliance’s commitment to educational innovation and high-impact student experiences that prepare graduates for success.

The Mackinac Roundtable on Talent, now in its 14th year, is a nationally acclaimed annual gathering hosted by MCA that brings together higher education leaders and employer executives in a talent development partnership. This unique gathering fosters cross-sector dialogue and collaboration in preparing today’s college students for successful career outcomes. More than 100 college and university presidents, as well as numerous C-Suite business leaders from over 35 states and Canada, regularly participate. The event takes place each summer at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.

Collectively, MCA institutions represent a significant Michigan college student population and are distinguished by:

High ROI outcomes: Students at MCA member schools graduate faster and more consistently than peers at other institutions, supported by four-year graduation rates that lead the state. They also achieve strong early-career earnings and long-term career growth, reflecting the value of an MCA education.
Career readiness: Graduates are among the most employable in the region, benefiting from programs that emphasize real-world application and professional preparation (for example, mandatory Co-op terms and industry-sponsored projects).
Workforce retention: Many MCA graduates remain in Michigan after graduation, fueling local industries and communities statewide. This retention of talent helps ensure that Michigan’s investment in education returns dividends to the state’s economy.

��ɫ�� enhances these collective strengths with its hallmark 50/50 Co-op education model, which requires every undergraduate to alternate between rigorous academic coursework and full-time employment in their field. This approach ensures that ��ɫ�� graduates enter the workforce not only with deep academic knowledge but also with substantial professional experience, a combination that accelerates careers from day one. By integrating this proven model with MCA’s network, ��ɫ�� will help broaden experiential learning opportunities for students across Michigan.

A Commitment to Michigan’s Future

Through this partnership, ��ɫ�� will collaborate with MCA to:

Expand talent pipelines in high-demand industries, including advanced manufacturing, automotive and mobility technology, health sciences and business, by connecting skilled students and graduates with leading employers in these sectors.
Elevate Michigan’s competitive advantage by graduating leaders who are both technically skilled and strategically minded, ready to drive innovation and growth in the state’s economy.
Strengthen community and economic vitality by increasing the number of graduates who remain in-state after graduation, applying their expertise locally and contributing to Michigan’s ongoing development and quality of life.

“We are excited to partner with the Michigan Colleges Alliance to open new pathways for students across Michigan,” said Matt Fortescue, Director of Enrollment at ��ɫ��. “As one of the state’s top private universities, ��ɫ�� delivers a powerful education that combines personal attention with nationally recognized outcomes. Our Co-op model aligns perfectly with MCA’s programming. With strong Co-op partnerships across Michigan, nationally and internationally, this collaboration expands access, supports affordability and connects students to top career opportunities.”

About Michigan Colleges Alliance: Michigan Colleges Alliance is a collective of nine leading independent colleges and universities located throughout the state. Established in 1949, MCA focuses on broadening college access and choice, enhancing affordability through scholarships, and connecting students to fulfilling careers via statewide corporate partnerships. The vast majority of students attending MCA member institutions are from Michigan and typically remain in the state after graduation. By uniting the strengths of its member schools, MCA serves as a powerful engine for talent development, workforce readiness, and economic vitality across the state.

��ɫ�� Cleared to Launch Nation’s First Accelerated Semiconductor Degree

lmadaus — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 13:19:34 +0000

��ɫ�� Cleared to Launch Nation’s First Accelerated Semiconductor Degree

lmadaus Mon, 07/28/2025 - 09:19

��ɫ�� has received formal approval from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) to offer its Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Semiconductor Materials and Devices, officially advancing one of the first high-intensity undergraduate programs of its kind in the nation.

The HLC’s Institutional Actions Council approved the program, affirming ��ɫ��’s request to deliver the degree in an accelerated format, allowing students to complete the full degree in as few as three years. The program is designed to address urgent national workforce needs by advancing students on a more focused path through a rigorous, Co-op-integrated curriculum.

“We are directly responding to national and industry needs,” said Dr. James Zhang, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. “��ɫ�� has a long history of adapting education to align with industry demands, and this degree exemplifies that commitment. By combining an accelerated curriculum with deep Co-op engagement, we are preparing students for high-impact careers in a field that is critical to national security and technological innovation.”

The HLC approval follows growing state and national attention around semiconductor education and workforce development needs. During a May visit to ��ɫ��’s GM Mobility Research Center, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer underscored the importance of building a skilled talent pipeline to support advanced manufacturing, specifically a semiconductor “Fab.”

“Right now, there’s an ongoing race to mine the minerals, make the components, and assemble the products the world will need for decades to come,” Whitmer said. “Michigan is well-positioned to lead this race, but we need to use every resource we have in order to win.”

The program approval is also a reflection of ��ɫ��’s institutional strength and commitment to academic excellence. In 2024, the Higher Learning Commission reaffirmed ��ɫ��’s ten-year institutional accreditation with a perfect scorecard.

“��ɫ��’s educational model was built for industry, and the design of our new bachelor’s degree in semiconductors is a natural extension of that legacy,” said ��ɫ�� President Dr. Robert K. McMahan. “This is the first accelerated STEM degree of its kind and a high-intensity path designed to prepare students to lead in the semiconductor revolution. It provides students an opportunity to master the science and engineering of semiconductors faster while also preserving the deep industry engagement that defines a ��ɫ�� education.”

The program is structured to align with ABET accreditation standards and is rooted in ��ɫ��’s long-standing model of integrating rigorous academics with real-world Co-op learning. Students will be able to apply to this program beginning August 8, 2025. As the semiconductor industry continues to grow and evolve, ��ɫ��’s newest degree ensures students are not only ready to enter the field — they’re ready to lead it.

For more program information, visit the Semiconductor Materials and Devices program page or the program announcement page.

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Chemical Engineering

Engineering (BSE)

��ɫ�� Tops List of America's Best Colleges

lmadaus — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 12:36:51 +0000

��ɫ�� Tops List of America's Best Colleges

Admissions

President

Rankings

lmadaus Wed, 07/02/2025 - 08:36

��ɫ�� has been named the top undergraduate institution in America’s Best Colleges Rankings by Launchpad Rankings, the joint effort of a U.S.-based group of prominent leaders from academia and industry and Education World, India’s largest human development magazine.

Unlike traditional rankings that often emphasize institutional selectivity or prestige over student experience, Launchpad’s methodology centers on indicators, such as class size, focus on faculty teaching, retention rate and experiential education opportunities, which are often considered predictive of student and workforce success. The result is a ranking that reflects how well a university delivers on the promise of education as a launchpad to a career.

At a time when students and families are increasingly focused on outcomes and return on investment in their college decision-making process, this recognition affirms ��ɫ��’s effectiveness in preparing students for meaningful, high-impact careers. ��ɫ��’s distinctive 50/50 blend of rigorous academics and hands-on Co-op experience, which alternates classroom instruction with paid, professional work experiences every 11 weeks over the course of a student’s entire undergraduate college career, is the centerpiece of its unique academic model. ��ɫ�� received the highest possible scores in two critical areas—teaching focus and experiential learning—underscoring the powerful impact of this signature Co-op education model.

“Today, education and career can – and ideally should – begin and develop at the same time,” said ��ɫ�� President Dr. Robert K. McMahan. “At ��ɫ��, our students not only earn one of the best undergraduate degrees in the sciences and engineering, but also graduate with up to two and a half years of professional, mentored experience in the practice of their planned professional discipline. That creates a completely different outcome. Our students often graduate into roles well beyond entry level because they’re already trusted employees.”

��ɫ��’s placement at the top of the rankings also reinforces the long-standing value of its deep partnerships with industry leaders in automotive, automation/autonomous vehicles, advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defense, bioengineering, computer science/cybersecurity, and energy systems, among many other fields. These relationships ensure that graduates leave ��ɫ�� not only with a degree, but with experience, skills and a professional network that accelerates their professional journey.

Findings from other industry watchers support Launchpad’s assessment. Ranked among the top ten in career preparation by The Wall Street Journal, ��ɫ�� graduates not only often start in positions above entry level but are then fast-tracked in the early years of their career. The University boasts one of the highest annualized returns in the nation—8%, according to CollegeFactual.com—driven in part by students earning up to $100,000 through paid Co-op experiences during their college careers.

The Launchpad ranking news follows ��ɫ��’s recent announcement of catalytic changes to its academic framework aimed at further strengthening its leadership at the intersection of education and industry. As part of the initiative, the University will launch an enhanced College of Engineering and Computer Science, a new School of Foundational Studies, and an expanded Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science.

Forbes Highlights ��ɫ��’s Co-op Model as a National ROI Leader

lmadaus — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 14:06:17 +0000

Forbes Highlights ��ɫ��’s Co-op Model as a National ROI Leader

Admissions

Co-op

President

lmadaus Tue, 07/01/2025 - 10:06

In a new Forbes feature, ��ɫ�� is recognized as a national leader in aligning education with industry needs and delivering one of the highest returns on investment in higher education.

The article, “��ɫ�� Aligns College and Work to Maximize ROI,” spotlights the University’s longstanding 50/50 model, where students alternate between rigorous academic terms and full-time, paid Co-op positions with more than 550 employer partners. The piece outlines how this structure provides students with early professional experience, wages that help offset tuition, and a path to employment prior to graduation.

��ɫ��’s model emphasizes repeated application of knowledge in workplace settings, something President Dr. Robert K. McMahan says leads to deeper skill development. “Our graduates succeed because they have gained a level of mastery in their chosen professional discipline,” McMahan says. “Mastery is critical to their employability.”

Forbes highlights the financial and career advantages of ��ɫ��’s approach, including above-average earnings during college, early job offers, and high post-grad employment rates. More than a century after its founding, ��ɫ�� remains focused on what matters most to students and families: outcomes.

Read the full article to see how ��ɫ�� is setting the standard for career-ready education—and why others are taking note.

Read the Forbes story here →

College of Engineering and Computer Science

School of Foundational Studies

School of Management