About Work-Study
The Federal Work-Study program is a financial aid program developed by the U.S. Congress and administered at Northwestern University by the Work-Study Office which is part of the Undergraduate Financial Aid Office. Eligibility to participate in the Work-Study Program is based on the student's financial need as determined by their financial aid office.
Students may be employed by the University or private non-profit organizations working for the public good within the Evanston community.
Wage costs are shared by the federal government and the individual employers including Northwestern and our Community Service partners. The current wage cost ratio for On-Campus and Off-Campus Employers is 25%-75%. In other words, the employer pays 25% of each student's wage, and the Federal Government pays 75%. Because of its federal funding, the Work-Study Program must adhere to strict regulations enacted by Congress and enforced by the U.S. Department of Education.
Wages are paid directly to students for their hours worked. Although this income looks and acts like any other paycheck, it is technically financial aid and is intended to help students pay for educational and personal expenses while also providing work experience. Students should work enough hours to reach their work-study allotment and to budget their money earned wisely to meet necessary educational expenses.
The Work-Study Office is here to help facilitate the Federal Work-Study Program on campus for student employees and Work-Study supervisors. While we can answer questions and refer, it is the student's responsibility to browse the jobs list and find an opportunity that fits their employment interests and fulfills their FWS allotment. We do not place students in jobs, nor can we guarantee a job.
The Work-Study Program includes varied jobs ranging from clerical to musical, laboratory to technology work. With a variety of positions available, we hope students will find jobs which are both interesting and related to their career goals.
To learn more, review the history of the program and student eligibility and earning guidelines. Also, see the Federal Work-Study page on the Undergraduate Financial Aid website.
You may Contact us with questions.