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. Students cannot work more than 20 hours per week through the work study program.

What forms are required to work on campus?
When you are hired in a work study position, your employer will complete a work certification process to verify your eligibility for the program. You may not begin working until this process has been completed with Human Resources.  All student employees must complete an I-9 form on or before the first day of work.  An I-9 must be completed before you start working.  Students must also complete a W-4 form.  You can obtain these forms from your employer or Human Resources.

How much can I earn?
Starting wage is $7.25 (in 2012-13) per hour. Some employers such as Dining Services and Facilities Management generally begin at $1.00 per hour more. 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 $7.80 per hour at an off-campus employer. You are paid every two weeks for the hours worked.

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, however, you will be capped at 20 hours per week.

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 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. 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 request that you give us a written note.

Information For:

current students
faculty and staff		 parents
alumni		 high school students
admitted students