<p>There are programs where you can co-op and go to school. My company employs both alternating co-ops (semester on, semester off) and parallel co-ops (15-24 hours per week, arranged around classes). It will depend on your location and whether you can find an employer in your immediate area. You may also have to consider transportation issues. Here, co-ops usually return for additional semesters and many are hired full time after graduation. The payscale is graduated based on your college standing, and co-op experience counts as work experience when you are hired full time. A 3 year co-op will usually be hired as a 2 year experienced engineer.</p>