Work Study
St. Cloud State University offers a variety of general work-study opportunities for students. On-campus work-study positions include a wide array of duties such as clerical, child care, tutoring, library positions, parking safety, information technology, and more. Off-campus work-study positions are referred to as Community Service opportunities. These positions are designed to provide direct public service to the community. Most of these positions are for students whose majors or previous work experiences are in education, social work, parks and recreation, community health, etc.
The Work-Study Program provides income to assist students in meeting the Cost of Attendance at eligible public and private post-secondary institutions. If eligible, students will have the opportunity to apply for work-study positions they are interested in. Upon being hired in a department, students will earn income based off the number of hours worked.
Students can currently work a maximum of 20 hours per week. Minimum wage for student employment is $14.00/hour.
Federal Work Study
Federal Work Study (FWS) is a federally funded, need-based program that allows students to earn money while gaining meaningful work experience with an on-campus employer or a local nonprofit community service partner. St. Cloud State University does not place FWS awardees into jobs; students are responsible for finding and securing eligible employment if they wish to participate in the program.
FWS awards are not applied to tuition or related costs. Money earned from FWS positions will be paid to students biweekly via direct deposit. Earnings vary based on compensation rate and hours worked.
Who is eligible?
You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for funding. To earn funds, get a qualified position with an on-campus employer or community service partner. You also have to maintain half-time enrollment (six credits for undergraduate, three credits for graduate) and meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements.
State Work Study
The state work study program is open to undergraduates, graduate, and vocational students. It provides part time on-or off-campus jobs to help students pay the cost of their higher education.
Some work study positions can be structured as internships that allow students to learn as they earn by working in jobs directly related to their field of study. Internships may take place in both the public and private sectors.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for work study, the student must be:
- A Minnesota resident (includes eligible Minnesota Dream Act students with work authorization)
- Enrolled for at least six credit hours per term in a program leading to a degree, certificate, or diploma
- Priority is given to students enrolled for the equivalent of 12 or more credits.
How Is the Award Determined?
The work study award is set by the financial aid office. The actual amount depends on the student's financial need and the amount of money the school has available for the program. On average, students earn about $1,903 per year in State Work-Study jobs
Off-campus Work Study- Community Service
The FWS program requires participating institutions to employ awardees in community service positions and promote these opportunities to students. These experiences allow students to learn about off-campus agencies and gain additional skills related to their program of study. Community service activities include activities in which a student serves as a mentor for such purposes as tutoring, performing the duties of a student success coach, supporting educational and recreational activities, and counseling, including career counseling.