Wages and Classifications

The Cornell Student Job and Wage Classification System governs student positions and wages. Hourly jobs are categorized into four classification levels depending on job responsibilities, required skills and experience, level of supervision, and degree of decision-making for different types of jobs. The student hourly wage is also based on equity within the department. Review the links below to learn more.

The Federal Work Study (FWS) Program is a federally funded financial-aid program administered by Cornell University, and is designed to assist students in meeting the cost of higher education by promoting access to meaningful work experiences. If you qualify as an eligible employer, Cornell may subsidize a percentage of the wages you pay your eligible student workers. During the academic year, this is limited to Cornell employers.

Many Cornell students are interested in finding public service opportunities. Cornell’s David M. Einhorn Center for Community Engagement offers a wide range of opportunities for students who want to collaborate with community partners, and make a positive difference in peoples’ lives, the Ithaca community, and the world.

If this is your first work experience, we know it can sometimes be confusing. Use the resources below to help you through the process.

The Federal Work Study (FWS) program is a federally funded financial aid program administered by Cornell University. It is designed to assist students in meeting the costs associated with higher education by promoting access to meaningful work experiences. Work Study does not mean that students are paid to study, but rather work in jobs to earn money. The standard amount of the work expectation is $5,000, funded by Cornell and FWS.

While a Cornell student employment job may not directly align with your ultimate career goals, you should still take the job preparation and interview process seriously. It can mean landing a job that you really need, while also giving you a leg up post-graduation when careful job preparation and interviewing is essential.

Cornell’s Career Services Office offers numerous resources to get you prepared, including, but not limited to:

Student Employment Guidance

The following guidance applies to all student employees appointed to Cornell University’s hourly payroll. We encourage both students and employers to carefully read and familiarize themselves with this guidance. Guidance from departments should be consistent with the guidance stated here. Students are entitled to request and receive a copy of any written statement of additional employment guidance that applies in their department.

Your responsibilities as a student employee include:

• Completing the federally required I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form after you have been hired into Workday.
• Reporting to work on time and completing your scheduled shift.
• Working your schedule as agreed upon when hired, which may include working the days surrounding or during study and exam weeks, fall and spring breaks, and university holidays/vacations.
• Asking permission (in a time