A part-time job on campus can help you do more than earn money. Through Federal Work-Study, eligible UAlbany students can gain experience, build workplace skills and become more connected to the University community while helping pay for education-related expenses.
Work-Study is considered financial aid, but it works differently than grants, scholarships or loans. Students earn wages for hours worked and can use those earnings to help manage college costs.
What Is Federal Work-Study?
Federal Work-Study provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need.
The program allows eligible students to earn money to help pay education expenses. Work-Study jobs may include community service positions or work related to a student’s course of study.
Work-Study is not applied directly to your bill. Instead, students are paid directly for the hours they work.
Who Qualifies for Work-Study at UAlbany?
Federal Work-Study is awarded to eligible students who demonstrate financial need through the FAFSA.
Students who file the FAFSA by the priority filing date receive priority consideration for Work-Study. The priority filing date is December 1 for new students and January 1 for returning students.
Current students must also be registered as full-time students for the fall semester by June 15.
Returning Work-Study students must have earned at least $1,450 of their previous award to have the award renewed. Students typically receive a $2,835 award for the academic year.
Note: Work-Study funding is limited. Meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee that every student will receive a Work-Study award.
How Do You Apply for Work-Study?
You must complete the FAFSA to be considered for Federal Work-Study.
After UAlbany reviews your FAFSA and financial aid eligibility, Work-Study may appear as part of your financial aid offer.
If you are offered Work-Study, you must accept the award in the MyUAlbany portal before the beginning of the fall semester. If you do not accept your Work-Study award by the deadline, the award will be canceled.
Note: If you decline a Work-Study award, it will not be offered in the future.
How Does Work-Study Work?
Work-Study students are paid an hourly rate and receive a paycheck every two weeks for the hours they worked.
You cannot earn more than the amount of Work-Study you were awarded. For example, if you receive a Work-Study award for the academic year, your earnings from your Work-Study job cannot exceed that award amount.
Work-Study is a job opportunity, not a guaranteed job. After accepting a Work-Study award, you must search and apply for open Work-Study positions.
How Do You Find a Work-Study Job at UAlbany?
Once you accept your Work-Study award in the MyUAlbany portal, you can use the Work-Study employment website to search and apply for jobs online.
Students who are hired for a Work-Study job must also complete the federal I-9 form to verify employment eligibility.
Students receive information on how to complete this process in early August.
Only current UAlbany students who qualify for Work-Study may apply for Work-Study positions.
What If You Do Not Qualify for Work-Study?
Students who do not qualify for Federal Work-Study may still be able to work on campus.
UAlbany offers student assistant positions and other campus employment opportunities for current students. You may also use Handshake to review and apply for open positions.
Some on-campus positions are available through affiliated employers, such as the SUNY Research Foundation at UAlbany and University Auxiliary Services. These are not New York State employment positions through UAlbany.
Even if Work-Study is not part of your financial aid offer, campus employment may still help you earn money and build useful experience while studying at UAlbany.
What Are the Benefits of a Campus Job?
Working on campus can help you earn money while building professional experience.
As a student employee, you may be able to:
- Gain professional experience and skills.
- Earn money without leaving campus.
- Meet mentors, supervisors and other students.
- Learn more about UAlbany offices, services and departments.
- Build experience that can support future job or internship searches.
A campus job can also help you develop time management, communication and workplace skills that may be useful during college and after graduation.
What Should You Know Before Accepting Work-Study?
Students who are offered Federal Work-Study must accept, reduce or decline the award before it can be processed further.
Before accepting Work-Study, review your financial aid offer and make sure you understand how the award works. Work-Study funds are earned through employment and are not automatically applied to your student account.
If you accept or decline your award and need to make a change later, contact the Office of Financial Aid. Reinstating Federal Work-Study depends on available funds.
Note: Only students with a Federal Work-Study offer will see the Work-Study link on their MyUAlbany Finances page.
Get Help with Work-Study Questions
If you have questions about Federal Work-Study, your financial aid eligibility or your next steps, contact the Office of Financial Aid.
The UAlbany team can help you understand your award and find the right place to go for additional support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Work-Study guaranteed at UAlbany?
No. Work-Study is a job opportunity, not a guaranteed job.
Eligible students must receive a Work-Study award, accept the award in the MyUAlbany portal and apply for open Work-Study positions.
Does Work-Study pay my bill automatically?
No. Work-Study is earned through employment.
Students receive paychecks for the hours they work and can use those earnings to help pay education-related expenses.
How often are Work-Study students paid?
Work-Study students receive a paycheck every two weeks for the hours they worked.
Can I work on campus if I do not qualify for Work-Study?
Yes. Students who do not qualify for Work-Study can still look for student assistant positions and other campus employment opportunities.
Campus jobs can help students earn money, build skills and get involved in the UAlbany community.
What happens if I decline my Work-Study award?
If you decline a Work-Study award, it will not be offered in the future.
If you already accepted or declined an award and need to make a change, contact the Office of Financial Aid. Reinstating Work-Study depends on available funds.
Do I need to complete the FAFSA to be considered for Work-Study?
Yes. Financial need can only be determined by filing the FAFSA. Students who want to be considered for Federal Work-Study should complete the FAFSA by the priority filing date.