Work-based learning is linked to better early career outcomes, including higher earnings and greater likelihood of securing college-level employment. As part of the 2025 State Opportunity Index, states were benchmarked using student-reported participation in at least one of five types of paid work-based learning at public two- and four-year institutions: internships, apprenticeships, co-ops, practica, and undergraduate research experiences. The findings, based on surveys of more than 56,000 students at public four- and two-year institutions, showed that despite growing recognition of the value of work-based learning, access remains uneven. Nationally, only 43 percent of students at public four-year institutions report at least one of these experiences. At public two-year institutions, participation rates are even lower.