Work-Study Employment
The Work-Study Program provides income to assist students in meeting the Cost of Attendance at eligible public and private post-secondary institutions. If eligible, students will have the opportunity to apply for work-study positions they are interested in. Upon being hired in a department, students will earn income based off the number of hours worked.
How is Work-Study Awarded?
Work-Study is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on financial need. The average Minnesota State University, Mankato Work-Study award ranges from approximately, $1450-$5800. Funding for the Work-Study program is awarded to eligible students until the funds are exhausted.
What type of jobs does Work-Study include?
Minnesota State University, Mankato offers a variety of general work-study opportunities for students. On-campus work-study positions include a wide array of duties such as clerical, child care, tutoring, library positions, security, lifeguards and laboratory assistants. Off-campus work-study positions are referred to as Community Service opportunities. These positions are designed to provide direct public service to the community. Most of these positions are for students whose majors or previous work experiences are in education, social work, parks and recreation, community health, etc.
How many hours can a Work-Study student work per week?
Work-Study students cannot work more than 20 hours per week, but your award is based on up to 15 hours per week.
- Students must be enrolled for a minimum of 6 credits per term.
- The minimum wage for Work-Study is $12.50/hour as of July 3, 2023.
- Students are paid bi-weekly.
- Paycheck and Direct Deposit information.
What is the application process for Work-Study?
To apply for Work-Study, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually. FAFSA becomes available October 1 for the next academic year. Eligibility for Work-Study is based upon the results of your FAFSA. You may apply online at https://studentaid.gov. Work-Study funds are limited; submitting a FAFSA as early as possible each year provides the greatest opportunity for eligible students to receive an award that includes Work-Study.
Check List:
- Accept work-study award on via the online-process on e-services
- Review and apply for work-study positions on Handshake
- Once hired, complete tax forms at department (bring original social security card and one picture ID)
How is Work-Study paid to students?
While Work-Study is part of the overall financial aid award it is not applied directly to the student’s charges with the University like other types of aid. Once a student begins working for the hiring department, the hours worked are reported on Student eTime. Each pay period, net earnings are paid directly to the student by direct deposit or check.
If work-study earnings are needed as a resource to cover unpaid University charge, the student must initiate those payments. If the student expects earnings received by the published due date will not be enough to pay the University balance in full, a work-study payment plan may be requested before the due date. Students who meet the terms of an established work-study payment plan are protected from past due account penalties. To set up a work-study payment plan, meet with the Accounts Receivable Director in the Student Financial Services office.
