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 based on their financial aid packages.

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.
• 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.
• 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

All students are notified of Federal Work-Study eligibility with finalized award letters. 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.