Work-Study and Student Employment

Federal and state work-study programs provide part-time job opportunities for students who demonstrate financial need based on their FAFSA. Eligibility depends on financial need, available funding, and enrollment status.

Work-study allows eligible students to earn money to help with educational expenses while gaining valuable work experience — and unlike loans, you only earn as you work, and you don’t have to repay it.

Eligibility and Application

• Submit your FAFSA or CASFA by the June 1 priority date each year.
• CASFA students with work authorization may be eligible for state work-study and can apply by submitting a Work-Study Waitlist Request.
• Be enrolled in at least 12 credits (undergraduate) and 5 credits (graduate).
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to keep your eligibility.
• Graduate students must submit a Work-Study Waitlist request to be considered for funding.

Earning and Employment

This state-funded program helps Colorado resident undergraduates who do not qualify for need-based aid but still wish to participate in work-study.

Eligibility and Application 

• Submit your FAFSA or CASFA by the June 1 priority date each year.
• Complete the Work-Study Waitlist Request form to be considered for funding.
• Be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours and maintain good academic standing.

Approved awards will appear on your Ursa financial aid award letter once processed.

Eligibility and Application

• Submit your FAFSA or CASFA by the June 1 priority date each year.
• CASFA students with work authorization may be eligible for state work-study and can apply by submitting a Work-Study Waitlist Request.
• Be enrolled in at least 12 credits (undergraduate) and 5 credits (graduate).
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to keep your eligibility.
• Graduate students must submit a Work-Study Waitlist request to be considered for funding.

Earning and Employment

All students enrolled at UNC can apply for student non-work-study positions, regardless of financial aid status.

Eligibility and Pay

• To avoid paying into retirement or Medicare, undergraduates must be enrolled in at least 6 credits and graduate students in at least 5 credits each term.
• Students enrolled less than half-time should contact Payroll for details on required deductions.
• You must have employer authorization before starting any job.
• Summer employment is available to continuing students enrolled part-time during the spring semester or to those admitted to a degree program for the following term.

Students with valid visa status may be eligible to work at UNC; however, work eligibility and restrictions depend on visa type. Always confirm your work authorization before starting any job.

• F-1 Visa: May work up to 20 hours per week on campus while classes are in session. During official breaks, there is no upper limit on hours as long as the student maintains valid status and has not completed their studies. 
• F-2 Visa: May not work on- or off-campus in any capacity. 
• J-1 Visa: Must have written permission from the Office of Global Engagement (or sponsoring organization) for all campus employment, regardless of hours or break periods. Permission ends if visa status is violated. 
• J-2 Visa: Must have an I-766 Employment Authorization Document from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for any employment (on- or off-campus) and must follow the hour restrictions on the I-766 form. 

Additional guidance: 

• Wait at least 10 days after arriving in the U.S. and after being entered into the SEVIS system) before visiting and Social Security Administration Office to apply for a Social Security Number.
• For questions about the work authorization or employment eligibility, contact the Office of Global Engagement
  • Location: Wilson Hall, 1927 9th Avenue, Campus Box 52, Greeley, CO 80631 
  • Phone: 970-351-2396 
  • Email: global@unco.edu 

Your pay rate depends on the type of job you have and your level of experience, but all student employees are paid within UNC’s approved wage range.

• The current wage range is $15.00 – $20.00 per hour (effective January 1, 2024).
• The $15.00 starting rate typically applies to new student employees or those with limited experience.
• Students with advanced skills, prior experience, or in graduate-level positions may be paid at the higher end of the range.
• Raises within this range may be offered at the employer’s discretion.
• Direct deposit is a condition of employment to receive your pay quickly and securely.
• Student employees are paid twice a month through UNC’s payroll system, with earnings deposited directly into your bank account.

Set Up Direct Deposit.

If you were not awarded work-study or have already earned your full allocation, you can join the waitlist to be considered for available funds.

Key Information

• Reviews begin September 15 each year.
• Awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to students who had work-study in the prior year.
• Funding is limited and not guaranteed.
• Requests from students without financial need cannot be approved.
• Duplicated requests are not reviewed.
• Monitor Ursa and your BearMail for status updates.

Join the Work-Study Waitlist.

UNC uses Handshake to connect students with on-campus and community job opportunities. Handshake makes it easy to search for positions that match your interests, skills, and schedule.

• Students: Use Handshake to explore and apply for jobs.
  • For instructions on how to log in, visit the “How Do I Use Handshake” guide on the Center for Career Readiness webpage.
• Employers: Post and manage job listings directly through Handshake.

If you have questions or need assistance, contact the Center for Career Readiness.

Start Your Job Search – Handshake

Each fall, the Center for Career Readiness hosts a Student Job Fair in the Campus Commons. This is your chance to meet employers, learn about job openings, and even get hired on the spot for work-study or hourly positions.

Students interested in summer employment should contact departments directly about available positions. Most summer jobs are funded through departmental hourly budgets.

Find open positions anytime in Handshake.