About Work-Study

Learn about work-study funds and how to get them.

Work-study is subsidized employment for eligible undergraduates. You earn this self-help financial aid, so you don't have to repay it. The state or federal government, your hiring department, and the work-study program share the cost of your earnings.

Work-study reduces your need for student loans, leaves you with less debt, and lets you explore careers while you gain work experience. Learn more about the benefits of working part-time.

To apply for work-study:

File your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year by March 2 to be considered for work-study and the best types of other financial aid awards. You may still apply after March 2 for federal loans, the renewal Cal Grant, and Pell Grant.
Submit documents requested by the Financial Aid Office before May 21.
Check for work-study awards in your award letter and online using the Financial Aid tool.

If you've accepted a work-study award:

Browse work-study job listings online at Port Triton, or visit the Career Services Center.
Consider a job in community service or a job related to your course of study.
If you already have a part-time campus job, ask your employer if you can keep it as a work-study employee.
Ask the Career Services Center to help you create a new work-study job with an on-campus department or off-campus nonprofit group.

After you're hired:

Work-study awards range from $600 to $2,800 depending on your job title and number of work hours.
You can earn up to the amount in your award letter. After that, ask your employer to consider using non-work-study funds so you can keep your job.
You can either receive checks every other week from your employer or have your paychecks deposited directly into your personal bank account.
Since, work-study awards don't go directly into your UCSD student account, you pay your fees, books, rent, transportation, and other expenses with checks you write.
Exclude your work-study income from next year's FAFSA calculation.