Federal Work-Study Program
Students who qualify for the federal work-study program work on campus and are paid with federal funds.
How do I qualify for work-study?
When filling out your FAFSA, check the box on the app asking if you are interested in work-study funds. Undergraduate and graduate students who check that box and demonstrate financial need may be eligible for work-study. (If you didn't check the box, you may still be eligible. But funds are first awarded to those who expressed interested on the FAFSA.)
Funding is limited. Assistance usually goes to the earliest applicants with the highest need. So file the FAFSA as early as possible. The FAFSA becomes available for the following academic year in December.
Are you a law student? Learn more about the College of Law work-study program.
How will I know if I get work-study funds?
Work-study award amounts vary and are noted in your financial aid offer. Aid offers are available to review in myUT in March for new students and in April for returning students.
Go to myUT → Student tab → My Financial Aid → My Financial Aid Dashboard → Award Offer
If you qualify, you need to accept the work-study award in myUT. Once you do, we'll email guidelines and a work-study agreement that you and your employer need to sign.
- Don't see a work-study award in your package? Call Rocket Solution Central and ask to be put on the wait list. Funds may become available throughout the year since students don't always use all of their funds.
- Use it or lose it. Any unused work study funds revert back to the University and are re-allocated to other eligible students. Funds cannot be carried over from one academic year to the next.
How to find a work-study job
It is your responsibility to find an appropriate work-study job.
Many UToledo campus employers hire work-study students. For a list of available positions, check:
- Career Services
- Handshake, our online job database in myUT (You receive access to handshake 24 hours after registering for classes.)
To assure potential employers that you have been awarded work-study, it can be helpful to take your work-study agreement or a copy of your financial aid award to the job interview.
Examples of work-study jobs
- Student Recreation Center front desk
- Tutor
- General office/clerical
- Grounds crew
- Tour guide
What's the difference between a work-study job or any other job on campus?
- How the job is funded
The federal government pays the bulk of your paycheck for a work-study position. You'll earn at least minimum wage. You'll also have more jobs available to you since some departments only hire work-study students. - Maximum number of hours you can work
Most employers offer flexible schedules that accommodate your class schedule. Work-study students are limited to 20 hours of work a week. The amount you earn can't exceed your total federal work-study award. - Work-study earnings don't count as income when you apply for financial aid.
This is huge! You may qualify for more aid because your work-study doesn't count as income. Your income will appear to be less than it actually is on your FAFSA.
How am I paid?
You get paid every two weeks. It is up to you how you spend the money. You can apply it directly to your bill or use it to pay your expenses.
Make sure the appropriate paperwork is completed before you start your job. We also highly recommend that you have your checks directly deposited in your bank account. This is the quickest and safest way to receive your pay.
Go to myUT → Employee tab → Direct Deposit Authorization
Can I combine a work-study job with another on- or off-campus job?
Sure. Note that non-work-study student employees on campus are limited to 28 hours a week.