Federal Work-Study Program

The Federal Work–Study Program at Albert Einstein College of Medicine provides jobs for M.D. students and graduate students in the biomedical sciences who have financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay for living expenses, while offering a valuable opportunity to gain work experience.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility for the Federal Work-Study Program is based on the results of your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and is awarded to some, but not all financial aid recipients. Your eligibility for the program will appear with your financial aid award letter.

To be considered for the Federal Work-Study Program, you must complete the FAFSA by the March 15 deadline and reapply every academic year. Students who haven't been awarded but have financial need can discuss eligibility with a financial aid counselor. Please note that earnings from the Federal Work-Study Program won't affect your FAFSA eligibility in the future.

Schedule and Payments

Students are limited to one job per semester and can work up to 20 hours per week as part of the Federal-Work Study Program. The minimum wage is set at $15 per hour.

Payments will not offset or be credited towards your bill. If you cannot earn your entire Federal Work-Study award before the end of the academic year, the unearned portion of your award is returned to the federal government.

Taxes and Work-Study Earnings

Federal Work Study wages are reportable income earnings. Students who participate are issued a W-2 form from Einstein detailing the wages earned for the appropriate tax year on or before the IRS deadline of January 31.

Einstein cannot advise students or their parents on the preparation of tax returns. It is your responsibility to make sure you file the appropriate federal and state tax forms to report all income earned as required by tax laws.

Student Rights & Responsibilities

All students who participate in the Federal Work-Study Program at Einstein agree to the following:

  • to act professionally and responsibly to ensure positive job references in the future
  • to address issues or misunderstandings in the workplace promptly and professionally
  • to familiarize yourself with the Einstein Work-Study Policy  
  • to adhere to college policies related to ensuring a discrimination-free workplace