Any on-campus job qualifies for Work-Study support, as long as it’s not associated with a religious or political organization. If you're an off-campus employer, check out Off-Campus Work-Study Employer Resources for additional information and/or to see if your position qualifies for Work-Study support.

  • The employing department covers 50% of the student’s wage up to $12/hour.
  • Departments will pay 100% of any wages above $12/hour. For example, a student paid $16/hour would have $6/hour paid by Work-Study funds and $10/hour paid by the department.
  • The Work-Study program covers the remaining 50% until the student’s Work-Study award is fully earned.
  • If the employing department is considered part of our community service program, the employer covers 40% and the Work-Study covers the remaining 60%. Learn more about the community service program below.

Work Hour Limitations

Although there are hour limitations by law, the Work-Study dollar eligibility of the student employee will determine the number of hours the student can work per week and may limit the work hours below the maximums listed.  

  • For example: A student's Work-Study offer is $1,750 per semester and they are earning the minimum wage of $8.20/hour: 

    • For fall semester, the student could work an average of 9.7 hours per week, if they work every week during the 22-week fall period. ($8.20 x 9.7 hours x 22 weeks = $1749.88) 

    • For spring semester, the student could work an average of 11.8 hours per week, if they work every week during the 18-week spring period. ($8.20 x 11.8 hours x 18 weeks = $1,741.68) 

  • Employers may continue to employee the student after the Work-Study offer is earned, paying 100% of a student's wages. Employers and the student employee should discuss this option before establishing the weekly work schedule. 

Student Employee Grievance Procedure

Should a student experience difficulties with their job regarding the interpretation or application of established policies and/or procedures governing the terms of their employment, working conditions, hours of work, or compensation, the Student Employee Grievance Procedure may apply. 

For Newly Hired Students

Provide the following information to your new student hires: 

Community Service Work-Study Employers

The community service work-study program offers students the chance to participate in meaningful work that directly contributes to improving the lives of local residents, especially those from low-income backgrounds. Through these positions, students not only support the community but also gain valuable work experience, develop professional networks, and earn a paycheck to help fund their education.

Community service jobs can be located either on-campus or off-campus. To qualify as community service, the position must involve work that benefits the broader community, ensuring the job serves an open, accessible space that is used by the public at large.

60% of the student's wages are covered by the work-study program, with the remaining 40% covered by the employer. This provides an enriching opportunity to give back to the community while advancing academic and career goals.

On-Campus partners:

  • Cambus 

  • Museum of Art 

  • Museum of Natural History 

  • Old Capitol Museum 

  • Public Safety 

  • Student Disability Services 

  • University Libraries 

Off-Campus partners:

  • Alice's Rainbow Childcare Center 

  • City of Iowa City 

  • Mary Jo Small Child Care Center at Brookland Woods 

  • Melrose Daycare 

  • Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County (5944) 

Partner With Us