What is Work Study?

• Work study is a financial aid award.
• If you have submitted a FAFSA and "Federal Work Study" is listed on your award letter, you have the opportunity to apply for work study employment and earn up to the amount of work study awarded.
• The work study award is not a guarantee of a job; you need to apply for jobs and complete any hiring processes that may be involved.
• Once you are hired, a work schedule is developed with your employer to best fit your class schedule, possibly including nights and weekends.
• A paycheck is disbursed (by direct deposit) every two weeks for the hours you work. You will receive bi-weekly electronic earnings statements via your UW-River Falls e-mail account.

What is Student Assistance?

• Student Assistance is the other form of on-campus employment.
• Any enrolled, degree-seeking student can work in a student assistant position, even if not awarded financial aid. The FAFSA submittal is not required to pursue this type of position.
• Once you are hired, a work schedule is developed with your employer to best fit your class schedule, possibly including nights and weekends.
• A paycheck is disbursed (by direct deposit) every two weeks for the hours you work. You will receive bi-weekly electronic earnings statements via your UW-River Falls e-mail account.