Info for Students

While work-study was originally designed as an employment program within a student's area of study, students now often work in areas unrelated to their major.

Also, the "work-study" title does not indicate that students will be able to study while working. 

Students who do not have work-study awarded to them can still seek campus employment.

Through the online job search in Handshake, students awarded work-study can review available positions, their job descriptions, and rate of pay. Application to individual positions is done online. The positions are primarily on-campus though some off-campus opportunities are available.

A wide range of Federal Work-Study jobs exist at the university. Students provide valuable work in areas ranging from academic offices to research labs. Position descriptions vary in job titles spanning from gallery monitor to marketing intern.

All student employment for UC is available in Handshake.  Work-Study jobs are noted as such.

Jobs will be added as employers post them so you may wish to check the site regularly. While most jobs are posted in August/September (for the academic year) and April/May (for summer), jobs are listed and newly posted throughout the year.

Any student seeking to return to a past student position should contact their previous employer for details on the hiring process.

There are many options available near campus for students seeking employment. Some may be for work-study students while most will be open to anyone.

Simply watch for posted signs or inquire at local shops and restaurants for employment opportunities.

Additionally, within Experience-Based Learning and Career Education (ELCE), there are programs that specifically assist students prepare for employment. ELCE is located on the 7th floor of Steger Center. They can also be reached by calling 513-556-2667.

Employment opportunities to work on campus are also available for those students who do not qualify for Work-Study. More information about student employment is available to any UC student.

Your work scheduled is arranged with your individual employer once hired. Based on your class schedule, it may need to be reviewed each semester.

Students may be employed in more than one position. However, a student may not work over 40 hours in a single or combination of university positions and are generally limited to a maximum of 24 hours per week due to other labor laws. Work-study employment is usually in the range of 10-20 hours per week during enrollment periods with additional hours often available during breaks and summer.

Because work-study is an aid source, enrollment in classes or co-op is required for employment. Students who completely withdraw from classes must cease working effective the date of withdrawal. The only enrollment exceptions are for summer and break periods when enrollment will occur in the upcoming term.

Unlike other aid sources, work-study earnings will not be credited to your university bill. Students will earn a bi-weekly paycheck with payday being alternating Tuesdays. Students should complete the direct deposit information (specifically with Payroll, not the same as student bill refund check direct deposit though you could use your same bank account) so their paychecks are deposited with each pay period.

Earnings are limited to a specified amount on your Financial Aid Award Offer. Your individual work schedule and hourly wage will determine if you earn the total amount awarded. You must also keep careful record of your earnings to ensure you do not exceed your Federal Work-Study award.

Summer work-study requires a separate application process. Summer aid processing begins February 1 of each year.

Remember to apply for financial aid as soon after October 1 as possible each year because some aid programs are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. An early application by December 1 receives priority consideration for limited funding sources.

An advantage for students in work-study positions is that their work-study earnings are excluded when calculating their financial aid eligibility the following year. Be sure you list your full earnings from all jobs on the FAFSA, but also note your Federal Work-Study earnings on the appropriate FAFSA worksheet and line item.