Employing Students with Work-Study
Many UC San Diego students receive federally funded work-study awards as part of their financial aid package.
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. 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.
The funding model is a 50/50 split where 50% of the wages are funded through Federal funds and 50% are funded through a department’s operational funds for student employment. By utilizing Work-Study students, departments can stretch their operational budget by leveraging Work-Study to fund 50% of the student wages.
For 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.
Work-Study Job Aids
Utilize the following job aids to set up a Work-Study student employee in UCPath.
Need More Information?
Department HR Contacts and People Leaders can access more student employment guidance and best practices via the Student Employee Supervisor & Human Resources Handbook.
Have Questions or Need Help?
- If you have questions about student employment, please reach out to your department HR Contact.
- For additional assistance, please email the Student Employment Office.