Columbia Financial Aid and Educational Financing

On-Campus Jobs

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Many students choose to earn money towards their personal expenses or term bill through an on-campus job. Each academic year, students may be eligible for either Federal Work-Study or Student Employment (or casual work) based on their financial aid packages.

All students are notified of Federal Work-Study eligibility with finalized award letters. (Early Decision students will be notified of Federal Work-Study eligibility with final award letters in June).

Federal Work-Study

  • Apply for term time-jobs at the beginning of the semester after finalizing your course schedule. Most jobs are posted starting in late August (after new students are registered for classes).
  • Jobs are not assigned; search for jobs through the Federal Work-Study Database.*
  • Students are paid directly through bi-weekly paychecks based on hours worked
  • Average hourly wages range from $7.25-$12.00
  • Wages are primarily expected to cover non-billed educational expenses, such as books and personal supplies.
  • Students typically work 10-12 hours per week
  • Limited eligibility based on federal need as determined by the FAFSA
  • Students can find required paperwork online or at the Federal Work Study Office in 205 Kent Hall
  • My Columbia Portal shows W2 & direct deposit information

Student Employment

  • Apply for term time-jobs at the beginning of the semester after finalizing your course schedule. Most jobs are posted starting in late August (after new students are registered for classes).
  • Jobs are not assigned; search for jobs through the Center for Career Education’s LionSHARE Database.*
  • Students are paid directly through bi-weekly paychecks based on hours worked
  • Average hourly wages range from $7.25-$12.00
  • Wages are primarily expected to cover non-billed educational expenses, such as books and personal supplies.
  • Students typically work 10-12 hours per week
  • Employment paperwork is provided by the office once the student is hired
  • My Columbia Portal shows W2 & direct deposit information

*The Center for Career Education offers all students resume advice and interviewing skills to help with the job application process (download PDF). Access to the Federal Work-Study Database and the LionSHARE Student Employment Database requires a log in and is limited to currently registered Columbia students.