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Types of Student Employment

Last Updated: October 14, 2024 2:30:39 PM PDT
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Learn about the different types of student employment that exist at UC San Diego.

These include On-Campus Federal Work-Study Jobs, which provide eligible students with the chance to work on campus while earning financial aid, and General Student Employment Jobs (Non-Work-Study), which are open to all students regardless of financial aid status. Both options allow students to gain valuable experience, earn income, and contribute to their campus and community.


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Federal Work-Study Jobs

Federal Work-Study is a federal student aid program that funds part-time job opportunities for undergraduate students. All work-study jobs are intended to be part-time opportunities that pay at least minimum wage. Work-study awards are not applied directly to student accounts. Rather, students work part-time each week and earn a paycheck that can assist them with paying for books, transportation, fees, and other personal expenses. To determine if you have a work-study award, review your Award Notification on TritonLink from the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office.

Work-study eligibility is determined by completing the FAFSA – the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The program provides funding to colleges and universities, which then use the funds to pay a portion of the wages earned by work-study students. Work-study reduces the need for student loans, leaves students with less debt, and lets them explore careers while gaining work experience. 

Several departments prioritize work-study students in their recruitment by indicating a preference for work-study candidates in the job posting on Handshake. If a position requires work-study, applicants will be asked to provide their financial aid award letter either as part of the application packet or upon being offered the position.

To better understand your work-study award, please visit “About Work-Study” on the Financial Aid website.

For more information about your financial aid award, please contact the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office.

General Student Employment Jobs (Non-Work-Study)

General Student Employment (Non-Work-Study) jobs are available to international students and U.S. students who are not awarded work-study by the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office as part of their financial aid package. These jobs are available in a variety of departments where the same enrollment eligibility requirements apply. The difference is that student wages are funded from a department’s general operations budget for these jobs as opposed to work-study jobs that are subsidized by Federal Work-Study funds for students who demonstrate financial need through the FAFSA.

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Need more information or have a specific question? We’re here to help with all your student employment needs. Contact us at studentemployment@ucsd.edu.