The Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment works to ensure that students graduate with little to no student debt. Fifty percent of all undergraduate students receive financial aid in the form of grants, which do not need to be repaid. At Cornell, 100% of demonstrated financial need is met for undergraduate students, and aid is recalculated annually to provide tailored aid packages to the needs of every student. You can find more information about these initiatives from Cornell's commitment to access and affordability. 
 
Understanding the financial aid process can be confusing, but financial aid counselors are always available to support students, both incoming and current, with the process. Additionally, the financial aid website provides many resources for students. Most answers can be found on the website! 
 
The Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment also provides guidance to help students find jobs on campus. Additionally, the Office of Student Employment offers support to student employees, informing them of their rights and responsibilities as employees on campus, and providing tools to help navigate employment from the job-seeking stage and beyond.  
 
Student employment may be a part of many students’ financial aid packages, as work-study enables eligible students to work part-time to meet a portion of their educational costs. If offered a federal work-study, 50 percent of a student’s hourly wage is paid for by the federal work-study program, making work-study eligible student employees more favorable hires. Students can work various work-study eligible jobs on campus, such as receptionist, tutor, research assistant, event staff, and more.  
 
The Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment enables many students to attend Cornell. It is important that students include themselves, their guardians (if available), and an advisor from the Office of Financial Aid in the conversation of their student aid index. You should feel free to share your concerns and ask for help or guidance as early as possible.  
 
If you have questions about your financial aid process, please contact finaid@cornell.edu; current students also have the option to make an appointment to learn more.