Work Study
Work-study is a financial aid award that allows undergraduate and graduate students to work part-time to earn money to pay for educational expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to the recipient's course of study. Students earning work-study funds are paid bi-weekly. Students may search open positions on the . In order to be awarded work study, students must submit a Work Study Request form and a Letter of Intent to hire. Funding may be limited.
Students can be awarded Federal or Colorado Work-study.
Federal Work-Study
Federal work-study is need-based financial aid awarded with Federal funding. To be eligible a student may be a graduate or undergraduate student, and must demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA. Students employed in off-campus positions are only eligible for Federal work study, if they meet all other eligibility requirements.
Colorado State Work-Study
Colorado State Need based Work-study – Awarded with state funding. To be eligible a student must be an undergraduate with no prior degree, and a Colorado resident. The student must demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA.
Colorado State Non-need based Work-study – Awarded without regard to need and funded by the state. To be eligible a student must be an undergraduate with no prior degree, and a Colorado resident. To be eligible the student must complete the FAFSA.
Colorado work-study is funded by the Colorado General Assembly.
How to Apply for Work-Study
- Complete your
- Search open positions on
- Mention your interest in work study
- Eligible students are sent an email from the Financial Aid and Scholarships office confirming potential eligibility. This may be shared with employers to establish work study positions.
- Complete and submit a Work Study Authorization Form. You or your supervisor can submit this form to the Student Employment Office. Students are only awarded work study funds once this form is complete and received by the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office.
- Watch your UCDAccess student portal and email for updates on your award.
- Once awarded, start working!
Search Work Study Jobs
Jump on Handshake and search job openings. Check back often!
Student Employment Webpage
Click here to find more information on all student employment.
Employee forms
Find forms needed for hourly and work study positions.
Student Employment Handbook
Formal handbook for all student employment, including work study.