ASME interns are temporary employees of the magazine they are assigned to. ASME interns are paid the minimum wage in the city or state where the publication to which they are assigned is located.

ASME interns are responsible for their own travel, housing, meals and personal expenses. ASME arranges group housing at New York University dormitories. ASME also provides housing information for students assigned to magazines in Washington.

Housing costs for the length of the Magazine Internship Program are approximately $4,000 at New York University (costs are comparable in Washington). A $500 deposit is required when housing is reserved for the summer; payment must be made in full before the scheduled move-in date.