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Work-Study Opportunities

Financial Planning

Using federal and internal work-study opportunities to lower your total debt load

The student employment program provides opportunities for part-time work through both federal and institutional funding. Job listings are available for on- and off-campus positions.

Federal Work-Study Requirements

  • Based upon financial need as determined by completing the FAFSA form
  • Awarding criteria ($1,500/quarter) and Expected Family Contribution (from FAFSA) below 15,000. Students have the opportunity to request a larger award.
  • Must be enrolled at least half-time
  • Must have satisfactory academic progress
  • Provide proof of employment eligibility in the United States as stipulated by the INS

Federal Work-Study Options

  • Work on campus in various departments and offices
  • Reading tutors (literacy program operated at various local sites)
  • Other community service organizations (Mentoring)

Institutional Work-Study Options

  • Available on limited basis
  • On-campus positions only

Student Employment

Some students choose to work independently off-site in order to earn a little extra money.
The Job Location and Development Program (JDL) is a job program Life West offers to help connect our students with local jobs. Our JLD person works to develop off-campus positions for all students (federal work-study and non-work-study). Additional services include providing access to employment opportunity information and to various workshops developed to improve your resume or interviewing skills.

Reasons to Become A Work-Study Employee

This is how it works:
Students often chose work-study jobs to minimize the amount of money they borrow while in school. During the duration of a student’s education (12 or 14 quarters), earnings could range from $18,000 to $21,000 by working 6-7 hours a week. Taking into consideration the interest accrual on federal student loans while in school, earning a $1,500 a quarter would lower your future monthly loan payments.

Will a job work around my schedule?
Yes, most departments are flexible and sensitive to student needs and expect the same thing in return from their employees.

Where do I get information on jobs?
Job listings are posted on the jobs bulletin boards in Sid Square, in Student Life and online. A variety of positions are available with hourly wages ranging from $15 to $20. To apply for a position, stop by Student Life.

Where do students work?
The federal and institutional work-study programs offer jobs on and off-campus. A variety of positions are available in administrative/ support services, labs, and clinic. In addition, the federal work-study program offers positions in tutoring elementary school students.

How and when are students paid?
Students are paid twice a month on the 15th and last day of the month. Checks are available for pick-up at the Payroll Office.

Are you willing to make sacrifices now for the future?
We know classes are tough and times are tight; however, for 10 hours a week you can greatly reduce your student loan debt and monthly payments in the future.

A work-study job is a great way for you to hold down the cost of your education by making a little money while attending school. The advantages of a work-study job are convenience, flexibility and, potentially,  an opportunity to learn a valuable skill while getting paid.

Federal Work-Study

Federal Work-Study is based on financial need as determined by completing the FAFSA form.

Federal Work-Study Guidelines:

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen, a national, a permanent resident or an eligible non-citizen with appropriate documentation
  • Must be making satisfactory progress
  • Must have financial need
  • Must have a valid Social Security number
  • Must not owe a refund or be in default of federal funds
  • Must have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid

Federal work-study positions include the following opportunities:

  • Work on campus in various departments and offices
  • Reading tutors (literacy program operated at various local sites)
  • Other community service organizations

Institutional Work-Study

Institutional Work-Study is available on limited basis. On-campus positions only, working in various departments and offices.

  • All work-study positions (both federal and institutional) are paid an hourly rate for the work performed. Students may work up to 20 hours per week in a wide variety of positions (lab assistant, Admissions Outreach, Financial Aid clerk, Library Computer Lab, etc.). Students must be enrolled at least half-time and provide proof of employment eligibility in the United States as stipulated by the INS.
  • Students who wish to apply for a work-study position may pick up an application packet in the Student Life Office. Each applicant will be required to provide identification as outlined on the I-9 form.