The Federal Work-Study Program has been established by the Department of Education to assist the student in meeting educational expenses.

• Not all students are eligible to receive funds from this program.
• If you are eligible for the Federal Work-Study Program, it will be listed on your Award Letter.
• Unlike other aid programs, funds are not available to students until they have worked actual hours at an approved position.
• The primary goal is to provide funds for school expenses and help keep student debt down.

Student Work-Study Earnings

• Many students use the earnings from their work-study job to meet on-going expenses such as personal and transportation costs.
• Most students with work-study jobs work 8 to 15 hours per week.

Finding and Applying for Work-Study Jobs

It is the student’s responsibility to find an on-campus job. There is a job fair in August on the first Monday after students have returned to campus.

Once you have been hired, you will need to complete the following documentation:

• Federal Work Study Student Employment Contract
• Federal I-9 form
• Federal W-4 form
• Illinois W-4 form
• Work Study FERPA
• Direct Deposit Authorization (if you want your paycheck direct deposited into a bank account)
• Driver’s license (or state ID card)
• Social security card or a certified copy of your birth certificate

You cannot begin work until these forms have been completed.