Some faculty will have funds to pay students for their work, which allows students to earn money for work on research projects. Research groups will advertise for students with specific skills, for example, statistics, molecular biology, or linear algebra. Student jobs can be found on Cornell’s Student Employment website.

Many research groups will require or prefer to hire students who have work-study funding as part of their financial aid offer, so be mindful of that when looking at job postings.

In many fields, the faculty member leading the research will have funding to purchase whatever supplies or materials you may need. Some colleges, including the Cornell CALS, Arts and Sciences, and Duffield Engineering, have grants to help support research.

If you're selected to present your research at a conference, you can seek funding to do attend that conference. Many of the professional organizations that host these conferences offer undergraduate travel awards you can apply for. You can also talk to staff and faculty in your major and college/school; many have funding to help students present their work. You can also see if your research group has funds that you might be able to use.

If you're staying in Ithaca for the summer to do research, and there are several options to be paid for your work:

• College- and major-specific competitive fellowships
• Stipends offered through professional societies
• Funding through federal agencies, such as the National Science Foundation
• Funding through the Office of Academic Discovery and Impact (OADI) or the Engineering Office of Inclusive Excellence for associated students
• Funding through the McNair Scholars Program for low-income and first generation students interested in applying to graduate school 

Most of these programs require an application from you or your research advisor, so talk to them as early as possible (preferably during the previous fall semester) to make a plan.

Academic Credit

Many departments award academic credit to students who file for an independent study. Credit is a great way to engage in research and enhance your academics in a structured setting. Students should consult with the Courses of Study and their faculty advisor to explore this option.

Paid positions

Many research positions are paid. It’s a great opportunity to use work-study while engaging in a stimulating setting. While the student who is eligible for work/study funding has an advantage, paid positions that don’t require work-study eligibility exist as well. See additional information on the Student Employment website.

Volunteer Positions

A student volunteer receives neither pay nor credit, but volunteering can help you “get a foot in the door.” Sometimes students, especially first- and second-year students, use these opportunities to work their way into a research project or develop basic skills that qualify them for the research they want to do. Volunteering is a great way to demonstrate enthusiasm for the research work of a professor.

Fellowships are endowments used to provide financial support to individuals pursuing advanced study or training. They can be for schooling, travel to certain countries, or projects within a given organization or group. See the Cornell University Fellowships Program for more information.

Beyond the college and department contacts, there are several offices that support undergraduate research:

• Einaudi Center
• Cornell Career Network
• Research & Innovation
• School of Continuing Education