Columbia Summer Funding (CSF)

Your guide to funding your summer work in public interest.

In 2025, students are eligible to earn:

  • 1Ls: $24/hour (pre-tax) for eight weeks of full-time work (minimum of 35 hours a week)

    *1Ls may apply for extended summer funding to receive funding for up to 10 weeks of work.
     
  • 2Ls: $24/hour (pre-tax) for up to 12 weeks of full-time work (minimum of 35 hours a week)

Note: You must meet all deadlines and requirements of the Columbia Summer Funding Program (CSF) in order to receive funding.

How to Qualify for CSF

1. Registration

1Ls must complete the CSF Registration Requirements Checklist by November 29th to be registered for CSF. It is the student's responsibility to make sure they have fulfilled the requirements by the deadline to be registered. Once the registration requirements are completed, students will be added to the Summer Funding Group on CLS Connect.

All 2Ls that opted out of SIP are automatically registered for CSF. Review your group memberships on CLS Connect to ensure you have been registered and added to the Summer Funding Group. Email [email protected] a copy of your resume by November 29th to request to be registered for CSF.

2. Attend CSF 1L Mandatory Sessions

Complete the CSF registration requirements on CLS Connect (1Ls only).

4. Complete the FAFSA
Submit the 2025–2026 FAFSA by January 22nd if you wish to participate in CSF. After your FAFSA is submitted and reviewed, you will see the requirement as complete on your CSF Spring Requirements Checklist on CLS Connect. Please note, it may take 2-3 weeks following the deadline to see this requirement as complete on your checklist. 

The FAFSA uses your 2023 federal tax data (if applicable). Your parent’s data is not required. 

  • All U.S. permanent residents and citizens must complete the FAFSA.
  • Designate Columbia University (code: 002707) as the recipient school.

5. Secure a qualifying public interest or public service internship.