'RIT's Co-op Structure Ensures Valuable Professional Experience, Even Amid OPT Policy Changes', Says AVP of Rochester Institute of Technology

With nearly two centuries of STEM education, RIT has long been a preferred destination for students from India, offering a unique blend of global, experiential, and customisable learning. In an exclusive conversation with The Free Press Journal, Elizabeth Sullivan, Assistant Vice President at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), New York, offers valuable insights into how the institution supports Indian students. She further discusses RIT’s commitment to academic excellence, its robust co-op program, scholarships, cultural integration, and the university’s ongoing efforts to ensure the success of international students, particularly in navigating challenges such as visa concerns and career opportunities post-graduation.

FPJ: What does RIT offer to Indian students?

Sullivan: Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) has a long and strong relationship with India. As one of the original Institutes of Technology in the United States, with nearly a 200-year history of delivering STEM education, we have been actively recruiting and enrolling students from India for the past 30 years.

What truly sets RIT apart is our educational model, built on three key pillars: global, experiential, and customisable learning.

Global: Our curriculum is designed to tackle global challenges and bring together students from around the world. Beyond our U.S. campus, we have international campuses in Dubai, Croatia, Kosovo, and China, creating a truly global footprint.

Customisable: We encourage every student to design their own academic journey to align with their career aspirations, whether they are studying engineering, computer science, or any other discipline.

Experiential: RIT is a co-op university, meaning students have opportunities for paid internships as part of their academic program. Beyond co-ops, students can also engage in research, internships, and other hands-on experiences, helping them build real-world skills alongside their studies.

Out of the 19,000 students at our U.S. campus, around 2,000 are international students at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Notably, international students make up about 60% of our graduate student population (master’s and PhD programs).

FPJ: Which course at RIT is most popular among Indian students, and why?

Sullivan: The STEM-certified programs at RIT are a major draw for Indian students. We have particularly strong offerings in engineering, technology, and AI, which have been very popular. In addition, we see Indian students gravitating towards two distinct areas: highly technical fields like engineering and AI and creative fields such as game design and media-related programs — almost polar opposites. Regardless of their major, whether it's engineering, health sciences, or creative arts, students are gaining strong exposure to AI tools, research, and policy.

FPJ: How does RIT support Indian students academically and culturally in the U.S.?

Sullivan: Supporting students holistically is very important to us. RIT celebrates festivals like Diwali, Holi, and Dandiya with great enthusiasm, offering students a chance to stay connected to their culture while being part of a global campus. Rochester itself is a culturally diverse city, just a short flight from New York City and a drive from Toronto, offering students plenty of opportunities to explore, travel, and make international friends. Academically and socially, students can engage with over 300 clubs and organisations, many of which have strong Indian representation. We also have a large and active Indian alumni network, with over 15,000 RIT alumni in India.  

FPJ: Does RIT offer scholarships for Indian students?

Sullivan: We offer merit-based scholarships to all students, regardless of their country of origin. For UG students, scholarships can go up to $28,000 per year, which covers a significant portion of the tuition fee. For graduate students, scholarships typically cover around 30% of tuition costs. However, the exact amount varies based on each student’s academic performance, qualifications, and the specific program they are applying to.

Additionally, RIT’s cooperative education (co-op) program — where students engage in paid internships — helps many students manage their expenses. These paid work experiences not only contribute financially but also add valuable professional experience while studying.

FPJ: How does RIT’s co-op program support Indian students in finding jobs after graduation?

Sullivan: Our co-op education program is a cornerstone of experiential learning at RIT. It allows students to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world jobs before they even graduate. We have partnerships with over 2,000 employers worldwide who hire our students. For Indian students especially, our strong alumni network plays a big role — many RIT alumni are in positions where they can hire or mentor current students. These co-op assignments are full-time and professionally structured, providing students with real skills, strong industry connections, and a network that boosts their employability after graduation. In fact, for many of our programs, completing one or more co-op experiences is built into the curriculum. Students often complete two or three different co-op assignments, helping them better understand various work environments and industries.

FPJ: What kind of support services are available for students participating in co-ops?

Sullivan: Our Career and Co-op Services office supports students from day one — not just after graduation, like at many universities, but throughout their academic journey. They help students find co-op positions, prepare for the job market, and build long-term career strategies. This year, we also launched Tiger Stripes, a virtual platform where students can start career planning even before officially joining RIT. Through Tiger Stripes, students can take skill-building courses in areas like AI and project management and participate in micro-internships — short, four-week projects with companies — to get early hands-on experience.

Additionally, RIT’s support doesn't end after graduation. Our Career Services team stays connected with alumni for life. Whether graduates are looking for new job opportunities, seeking career switches, or need help with resume building or mock interviews — even a decade after graduating — they can reach out and receive guidance. We truly believe in lifelong support for our students.

FPJ: What is your view on the debates around OPT and its impact on the U.S. job market?

Sullivan: First, it's important to acknowledge that we’re closely monitoring these developments. At this point, it’s uncertain how things will unfold with the proposed bills and discussions happening in the media. Regardless of what happens, RIT remains committed to supporting our students, both domestic and international. We have a long-standing foundation of care and strong support services for students navigating their career paths. Also, experiential learning has been part of RIT’s DNA since our founding. Our co-op program is deeply integrated into our curriculum, providing students with real-world work experience even before graduation. So, even if changes were to happen with OPT policies, our co-op structure ensures that students continue to have valuable professional experiences.

FPJ: How does the university help international students avoid visa issues & provide support during such concerns?

Sullivan: First and foremost, the university is very proactive in monitoring these situations. Our International Student Services (ISS) Office is always available to support students, whether they're dealing with homesickness, academic challenges, or concerns about immigration status. If a student's visa does get revoked for any reason, we do everything possible to support them, whether that's helping them find legal resources, exploring ways to continue their education, or simply being there to listen and guide them through the next steps.

We know the current uncertainty is causing a lot of anxiety among students, especially because information can be unclear. We emphasise to students that as long as they comply with F-1 visa regulations — such as not engaging in unauthorised off-campus work — there’s no immediate cause for concern. At the same time, we recognise that students don’t always know what they don’t know. So, we make it a point to stay in constant communication, providing updates and reassurance whenever possible. Our message to students is simple: if you’re following the rules, you don’t need to panic. And if you ever have doubts, come to us — we are here to help.