Concordia College

Work Study

Who can work?

All students are eligible to work on campus regardless of financial need. Those who do qualify for need-based aid can choose to work on campus or with the America Reads program in Fargo-Moorhead. America Reads is one of the off-campus programs that requires federal work study.

What forms are required to work on campus?

When you are hired in a work study position, your employer will complete a work certification form for the Financial Aid Office to verify your eligibility for the program. You may not begin working until both you and your supervisor have signed this document and returned the form to the Financial Aid Office.

How much can I earn?

Starting wage is $6.55 per hour and increases 10 cents every semester that you have worked 60 hours or more in the same department. Dining Services and Physical Plant student employees begin at $7.55 per hour. During the academic year no Social Security and Medicare tax (7.65 percent) are withheld from on-campus employment earnings. This is equivalent to making $7.00 per hour, or $8.07 per hour (Dining Services and Physical Plant), at an off-campus employer. You are paid once a month on the 16th for the prior month’s hours.

In most cases, you are not limited to the amount of earnings listed on your award letter. If you are employed on campus and are not working for America Reads, you may earn as much as you choose.

All earnings are taxable and must be included on both federal and state returns. However, when filling out the FAFSA you are instructed to enter your adjusted gross income on one line and on a separate line indicate the amount of those earnings that were work study earnings. This provision was created to help keep your student contribution for subsequent academic years at a lower figure.

How do I find a job?

We have an office on campus called the Job Shop, located in Academy Hall. This is a student-managed employment office that can help you find a job on or off campus.

There are new openings throughout the school year, so you may make a change in employment at any time. We request that you do give fair notice to your current employer (usually two weeks). You will have the opportunity to receive a 10-cent raise each semester you work for the same department a minimum of 60 hours.

Can I cancel my work study award?

You may wish to cancel your work study award in order to borrow more loan funds. If you do so, you will be prohibited from working on campus. Students also request that we cancel their work award because they are working off campus instead. If you would like to cancel your work award, we do request that you give us a written note.