There are many ways to work on and off campus. Many students also have the opportunity to participate in the Federal Work-Study Program. The Office of Student Employment explains what the program is and how you can find out if you’re eligible.
What is the Federal Work-Study Program?
It is a federally funded program that helps students pay for school and gain valuable job experience. If you are eligible, you can apply for positions that accept your work-study award. The employer that hires you will then use your award to pay you in biweekly paychecks.
Eligibility for the Federal Work-Study Program is determined by financial need as indicated on your FAFSA. You also must have submitted a FAFSA and be a U.S. citizen or have a green card.
What are the benefits of work-study?
In addition to the financial assistance, you can expect benefits like:
- More take-home pay because you are exempt from FICA taxes (for federal work-study earnings). That means you’ll take home nearly 8% more of the money you earn.
- Work experience with either our community program or on-campus positions.
- A flexible work schedule. Our community and on-campus employers understand that you’re a student first, and they’ll work with your class schedule.
How do you know if you are offered work-study?
Visit the Student Center and go to the “financials” section. Then click “accept/decline awards.” There you will see if you were offered work-study. If you were offered, remember to accept it.
If you don’t see the award in the “financials” section, reach out to the Office of Student Financial Services and see if you can have the award added.
How can I find work-study jobs?
Work-study opportunities are available off and on campus; both can be found on IUPUI’s job search platform, Handshake. When you search for work-study positions be sure to check the “work-study” box under “all filters.” Then, you’ll find positions located on campus and from our community program. All work-study positions are part time.
For more information on work-study, check out the Office of Student Employment’s website or send questions to fwsjobs@iupui.edu.
