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.
It is not guaranteed that you will find a job, because all jobs are competitive and may require a resume and interview. If you are having difficulty securing a Work-Study job, contact theStudent Employment Office to schedule an appointment to discuss.
How do I view available on-campus Work-Study positions in Handshake?
Do a keyword search for “Work-Study.”
How is a Work-Study job different from a “regular” job?
It is the same as a "regular" job. You work hours and receive a paycheck. The Federal government pays a portion of your wages and the employing department pays the other portion.
Where can I use my Work-Study award?
Work-Study is primarily reserved for on-campus UC funded positions, however there are two Off-Campus Work-Study Programs that may utilize your award:
Non-Profit Partnership - funded by the Federal government; educationally-related and/or community service positions that are on-campus or with local nonprofit, governmental or community-based organizations.
Reading/Math Tutoring Program - funded by the Federal government; work as a reading tutor with pre-K through 5th or 6th grade students and/or family literacy programs or as a math tutor, K through 8th grades. Both assist school children in developing or improving their reading and/or math skills and are with school districts and other nonprofit agencies.
How do I notify a potential hiring department that I have a Work-Study award?
FromTritonLink, take a copy of your award information to the job interview. Your Work-Study information can be found in your Financial Aid award letter. If you already work on campus, notify your department timekeeper that you would like to use your award. Most campus departments and some off-campus agencies employ students with Work-Study.
Do I get a check for the amount shown on my award notification?
Once you are working, you submit hours worked and receive a paycheck for those hours. You can earn up to the dollar amount of your Work-Study award. Once the award amount has been earned, it is up to the employing department to determine if your job will continue.
Do I have to pay the money back?
A Work-Study award is not a loan. It is an award for you to earn and use within the academic year received. There is no penalty if the award is not earned. You do not pay back any unused monies, any unused funds are returned back to the Financial Aid Office.
Are taxes taken out of my Work-Study earnings?
Yes, if you earn enough according to IRS tax rules.
Can my Work-Study award be used during the summer?
Per financial aid awarding policy, Work-Study is available during the Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters. Work-Study funding is generally not available for the Summer.
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.