Is Tufts or Northeastern better for co-op opportunities?

Northeastern is the clear pick for co-op opportunities. Its co-op program is built into the undergraduate experience in a way Tufts does not match, with a long-established system for alternating semesters of classes and full-time work, dedicated co-op advising, and a very large employer network that regularly hires Northeastern students specifically through that model.

The biggest difference is structure. At Northeastern, co-op is not just one career option among many; it is a defining part of how many students plan their college timeline, and the school is set up to support multiple substantial work terms before graduation. That makes it much easier to get organized, find roles that fit your academic path, and gain resume-building experience without having to piece everything together on your own.

Tufts has strong career support, access to Boston-area internships, and good outcomes for students who seek professional experience. But its model is much more centered on internships, research, and other experiential learning rather than a signature co-op system. You can absolutely build strong work experience there, especially if you are proactive, but it is not as institutionally embedded or as standardized.

Another concrete distinction is employer expectations. Many companies recruit at Northeastern already understanding the co-op calendar and the value of hiring students for longer full-time stretches, which can lead to more substantive responsibilities than a short summer internship. At Tufts, students can still land excellent positions, but the school is less defined by that employer-facing co-op pipeline.