Work-study is a need-based, “self-help” financial aid program that enables eligible students to work part-time to meet a portion of their educational costs. All eligible undergraduate aid applicants with demonstrated need are offered work-study funds—typically $5,000 per academic year—and Cornell offers a wide variety of part-time jobs, both on and off-campus. Work-study funds are earned through hourly student employment positions and paid via university payroll.   

Federal Work-Study (FWS)

U.S. citizen and eligible non-citizen with demonstrated need based on the FAFSA form may be eligible for Federal Work-Study (FWS). Funding is limited, some students who are eligible may not receive a federal work-study offer.

• As a federal work-study eligible student, 50 percent of your hourly wage is paid for by the federal work-study program if you are hired into a FWS-eligible position. (most student employment positions at Cornell are FWS-eligible.)
• Many Cornell student employers prefer federal work-study eligible student employees.
• Cornell does not offer job placement services—you can find a student job and apply online.

Student Employment or Employment Earnings Expectation (EEE)

Cornell has an abundance of student opportunities available to all students—with or without federal Work-Study funding. All enrolled undergraduates in good standing (no registration, bursar, or other holds on your Cornell record) are eligible to work in student employment positions.

• You can conduct your own job search to identify opportunities that best fit your interests, skills, and class schedules
• Cornell does not offer job placement services—you can find a student job and apply online.