Faculty can involve students in research or creative projects as partners in the work (as Student Research Partners) or as support for it (as Student Research Assistants).  Available financial support includes funding for student wages, supplies required for the project, and student travel to research sites. 

How SRP and SRA Roles Differ

Pay Rates for SRPs and SRAs

Student Research Partners

During academic breaks, SRPs are Carleton employees. The SRP pay rate for the summer of 2026 and the following winter break is $14.50 per hour, which is $580 for a 40-hour week.

Student Research Assistants

SRAs are also Carleton employees, independent of whether they are working during a break or during an academic term.  The SRA pay rate for the 2026-27 year is the standard student wage rate, which is $13.50 per hour.

Budgeting for SRPs and SRAs

During breaks, pay for both SRPs and SRAs is subject to Federal and State tax withholding as well as FICA (social security) taxes. Carleton also pays FICA employer taxes on these wages, which increases the amount that will be deducted from the budget paying them by 7.65%. SRPs and SRAs are paid biweekly, and they must fill out electronic timecards in Workday, which are approved by their research supervisor/mentor. SRPs and SRAs also earn overtime for any hours worked over 40 in a given week (which is from Sunday to Saturday).