Work-study is a part-time job. Work-study funds are limited and are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. Filing your FAFSA early each year is imperative. Payment of work-study funds comes in the form of a paycheck, rather than being applied to their bill like other federal aid. Students eligible for federal work-study are paid in the form of a paycheck once they secure a work-study position and begin working. The current rate of pay is $15.50 per hour (as of 1/1/2025). Students are eligible to work up to 12 hours per week. Work study is available during the fall and spring semesters only. 

Review the Federal Work Study Program Handbook for detailed information about the work-study program. Watch this space for Fall 2025 Federal Work Study jobs.

  • Must have a valid FAFSA on file
  • Must have financial need, as demonstrated by the FAFSA
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
  • Accepted as a regular student working toward a degree or eligible certificate program (bachelor's or master's level)
  • Attending at least half-time (6 credit hours)
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) toward the completion of a degree
  • Cannot be in default on any other federal loans
  • Cannot owe a refund on a federal student grant or loan
  • Log-in to Banner to accept work-study.  Students must accept work-study or it will be cancelled (typically in July).
  • Students who have accepted work-study will receive an email from Financial Aid in early August describing the work-study job search process.

Only students who have received a FWS Eligibility Letter are permitted to search for a work-study position. Students who have misplaced this letter may obtain a new one at the Financial Aid Office.

All federal work-study jobs are posted in BengalLink in collaboration with the Career & Professional Education Center (CAPE). See Placement Instructions.

Once a student secures a job it is important that they complete the required employment paperwork (below), submit electronic timesheets per the payroll schedule, and succeed in performing the job requirements to the supervisor's satisfaction. The FWS Handbook is an excellent resource to learn more about the entire work-study process.

The Equity and Diversity Office is available to ensure that the college community understands and complies with both federal and state laws concerning equal employment opportunity and affirmative action.

Students cannot begin work or receive any payroll checks until all the required paperwork has been submitted to the Financial Aid Office.

ALL WORK STUDY STUDENTS MUST SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION TO THE FINANCIAL AID OFFICE:

IN ADDITION, NEW WORK-STUDY STUDENTS MUST ALSO SUBMIT THESE FORMS:

Students who have worked on campus in any paid capacity during the last three academic years do not have to complete the below forms again.

The I-9 requires that the student shows proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. This is done most often by showing a social security card, birth certificate, or passport. Photocopies are not acceptable.

IMPORTANT:  The hiring supervisor is responsible for providing ALL necessary paperwork to the student applying to the open position in their area. All work-study students should have the Conditions of Student Employment form on file in the department in which they are employed.

Timesheets are found online in the SUNY Secure Employee Services Portal

Follow the Federal Work Study Payroll Dates for 2024-2025 to ensure you are paid on time.

Use the Federal Work Study Calculator for Spring 2025 to track:

  • per hour rate
  • average number of hours per week a student should work
  • total number of hours already worked in the semester
  • how many hours remain to be worked in the semester
  • semester earnings to date

Students found to be falsifying work-study time sheets will be forever banned from the work-study program, even if they meet all other eligibility requirements.

Due to limited funding, not all students who are awarded work-study will find a position. Further, all students who requested work-study will not be awarded it.

The Career & Professional Education Center (CAPE) can assist students in:

  • Choosing a Career or Major
  • Finding a Job or an Internship (part-time or full-time positions, internships, volunteer experience)
  • Job Search Preparation (resume, cover letter, mock interviews)
  • Selecting a Graduate School

On-Campus Positions

On-campus student jobs not funded through work-study are called Student Assistant positions. Students interested in these positions should inquire with the department to see if they have any open student assistant positions. Some of these positions may be posted on CAPE's job posting database, BengalLink. Below are links to departments which traditionally hire student assistants each year. Remember, other on campus departments also hire students, but may not advertise, so stop by and inquire if other offices have openings.

Off-Campus Positions

In addition to on-campus student assistant positions, many off-campus employers close to campus hire Buffalo State students. In addition to these part-time jobs being posted on BengalLink, students are encouraged to also check the following local job positing sites.