Work-Study Program: Student Information

There are around 800 students participating in the Work-Study program for the 25-26 academic year.

Through the Work-Study program, students may work for departments such as Athletics, the Office of Admissions, Dining Services, Lindley Health, the University Library, the University Store, and the Office of Financial Aid. Students may also work in community-service positions at organizations off campus.

Pay rates for Work-Study positions vary based on the position’s grade, which is determined by the job description. Pay rates are as follows:

Students generally work between 5 to 7 hours per week. Domestic students cannot work more than 29 hours per week during the academic year, and International students cannot work more than 20 hours during the academic year. The following is the average number of hours students should work per week in order to earn the full amount of their award before the end of the academic year:

Students who exhibit strong time management skills and take advantage of every week during which they can work are typically able to earn the full amount awarded to them for Work-Study.

If a student has earned the full amount awarded to them for Work-Study in their financial aid package before the end of the academic year, the student must stop working.

While students are allowed to receive their earnings via paper checks, they are strongly encouraged to set up direct deposit in Workday to receive the pay. Students enrolled in direct deposit will have their earnings deposited directly into their checking or savings account. Work-Study students are paid biweekly.

Yes. Work-Study earnings are taxed based on how the student fills out their tax elections in Workday.

The application process for the Work-Study program opens mid-June, and it closes mid-August. Once students have been hired into a position, they will receive communication from Student Employment. The student will receive directions on how to complete onboarding and I-9 verification in order to become eligible to start working on the first day of classes.

With the exception of those working as University Ambassadors for the Office of Admissions, students are not allowed to have more than one Work-Study position during the academic year.

Students are able to switch Work-Study positions at the end of the fall term on a case-by-case basis.

Students are allowed to work only one semester out of the academic year if desired. Students who are interested in working only during one semester should reach out to Miranda Edwards at studentemployment@wlu.edu.

Students may work during all breaks during the academic year with the exception of Winter Break.

No. Students will have the opportunity to find a new Work-Study position for the upcoming academic year during the month of March.

Students may contact Miranda Edwards at studentemployment@wlu.edu to see if they qualify for the Work-Study program.