UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The federal work-study programs at Penn State offer students the chance to gain valuable work experience, enhance their educational pursuits, and engage in community service and service-learning opportunities.
Penn State's Office of Student Aid has worked with departments and units across the University to increase and enhance federal work-study opportunities.
The University offers undergraduate and graduate students three types of federal work-study experiences: traditional on-campus positions, from research in a chemistry laboratory to the welcome desk at the HUB-Robeson Center to serving meals in the dining commons; positions with community partners in education through Nittany Lions Read/Nittany Lions Count; or positions in the human-services fields through the Community Service Federal Work-Study Program.
How does it work?
- Work-study positions are essentially part-time jobs for University students that are funded primarily by federal work-study programs.
- Work-study jobs are not automatic. Students must accept their work-study offer and apply to open positions on the Penn State Careers website.
- Once hired, students are paid biweekly, and the funding is intended to support students' educational expenses.
What are the benefits of a federal work-study position?
- Work-study positions offer encouragement and development of career readiness skills.
- Work-study positions are created with the student as the primary focus, allowing for support and flexibility.
- Work-study positions offer support and mentoring from faculty and staff.
Students are considered for work study when they submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and indicate an interest in work study.
Nearly 2,500 Penn State students take part in the federal work-study program annually, earning between $12 to $18 per hour. There are currently more than 325 open work-study job positions across the University.
Students who have not received a federal work-study offer but who are still interested can contact the Office of Student Aid for consideration.
Faculty or staff who are interested in establishing a work-study position should contact Carla Glisan at cmg102@psu.edu for assistance.