Work Study is a federal program. This program allows students to earn financial aid through employment. Financial aid under work study is awarded based on the need calculated from your FAFSA Application. It was designed for undergraduate students only. The funding for this program is limited. Not all students will be awarded.

Apply Now For Federal Work Study Program

The Work Study program was created to promote part-time employment for students who have financial need and who need earnings to pursue education. It helps students to meet their educational expenses without incurring debt. It is intended to provide worthwhile job opportunities for qualified students. In order to participate, you must be awarded Federal Work Study with your financial aid.

This program offer a little bit more than financial aid. You get job experience as well. If lucky, one can find a job related to his/her college major. Not only you can graduate with a diploma, but also with recommendations from former employers.

The most important thing when applying for Work Study is your financial situation and time when you apply. Every limited funding works on first come first server basis.

There is no financial aid payment, the student's Work-Study award is paid in the form of a check for time/hours worked.

Important Questions

Q:  May I Hold Two Work-Study Jobs At The Same Time?
You may not hold two Work-Study jobs simultaneously, so it is important to select a job that will provide you with enough hours to earn the total amount of your award.

Q:  What If I Already Have a Job?
If you are currently employed on-campus, the Employer requests the Work-Study Eligibility Form from the Student Employment Center. If you secure a position with a non-profit organization or government agency, have the organization or agency contact the Student Employment Center to determine whether they are an eligible Work-Study employer.

Q:  How is Federal Work-Study funded?
Federal Work-Study is a cooperative program administered by UC Davis whereby the federal government pays a portion of your wages and your employer pays the balance. Employment may be with on-campus departments or off-campus employers.

Q:  Are Community Service Jobs Available?
Students employed through the Work-Study Program have the opportunity to work in positions which are designated by UC Davis as community service positions. Community service employers provide services designed to improve the quality of life for community residents, particularly low income individuals. Most of these positions will be for employers who are located off-campus. UC Davis encourages its students to seek employment with organizations that provide community services. Students employed in community service may petition for an increase in their Federal Work-Study award.

Q:  What Kinds of Work-Study Jobs Are Available?
Work-Study jobs are available in campus departments including the Library, Bookstore, Memorial Union, Recreation Hall, ASUCD, administrative offices, and laboratories. Off-campus agencies offer a variety of openings such as recreation leaders, counselors, research and technical assistants, and preschool aides. Pay rates range from slightly above minimum wage to approximately $8.00 per hour.

Q:  Can I Change Work-Study Jobs?
In order to change jobs, you must terminate your current Work-Study position. Obtain a memo from your employer stating your last day of employment and the balance of your Work-Study award. Take that memo to the Financial Aid Office to the attention of Student Employment Center and have your new employer request the Work-Study Eligibility Form.

Q:  How Is My Work Schedule Arranged?
Most employers try to coordinate your work schedule with your academic schedule. You may not be paid for more than 40 hours per week with Work-Study funds. If you work "overtime" on your Work-Study job, your employer must pay the entire amount of your earnings that exceed 40 hours.

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