Federal Work Study
FAQ
What is Federal Work-Study?
The Federal Work-Study Program provides jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. Unfortunately, the money earned cannot be used to pay tuition. The program provides a wide variety of positions and possibly a position related to your field of study. The advantage of working through the Work-Study program is that the money earned is not counted as earned income on the upcoming FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid).
Are Federal Work-Study jobs on-campus or off-campus?
Both. You choose!! If you work on-campus, you will work for your school. If you work off-campus, your employer will be a private non-profit organization. The Federal Work-Study Office maintains an up to date listing of all jobs available.
How much can I make?
Your total Federal Work-Study award depends on when you apply, your level of need and the funding level of your school. Your pay rate will be based on your classification per the Registrar's Office and whether you choose to work on-campus or off-campus.
How will I be paid?
You will be paid bi-weekly for hours worked during each pay period. If your position is on-campus you will normally pick-up your remuneration statement in the department where you work. If your position is off-campus notify the Work-Study Office where to mail your statement.
A Pre-employment National Background Check — Are You Serious?
Kentucky law requires the university to complete national background checks on all newly hired employees. Since the work-study payroll is part of the university's payroll system, the requirement includes work-study employees. The hiring department is responsible for initiating the background check request through Human Resources' On-line Employment System (OES). Students must complete an application in OES, the employing department then triggers the background request. The background check request must be made before the Employment Office will issue an I-9. All employees must have an I-9 before beginning work for the university.
Pay Rate Schedule
| Classification | On-Campus | Off-Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Freshman | 7.10 | 8.10 |
| Sophomore | 7.35 | 8.35 |
| Junior | 7.60 | 8.60 |
| Senior | 7.85 | 8.85 |
| Graduate, 1st year | 8.35 | 9.35 |
| Graduate, after 1st year | 8.60 | 9.60 |
| Classification | On-Campus | Off-Campus |
|---|---|---|
| 1st year | 9.10 | 10.10 |
| 2nd year | 9.35 | 10.35 |
| 3rd year | 9.60 | 10.60 |
| 4th year | 9.85 | 10.85 |
Freshman: 0-29 credit hours
Sophomore: 30-59 credit hours
Junior: 60-89 credit hours
Senior: 90+ credit hours
Graduate: 1st year: 0-16 credit hours as a Graduate, 2nd year: 17+ credit hours as a Graduate.