Financial Aid

Federal Work Study

The federal work study program provides access to jobs for undergraduates who have demonstrated financial need as determined from the results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Federal work study awards will be listed as a separate item on the financial aid award. The work study program is designed to help eligible students meet the costs of obtaining a higher education. The program encourages work related to the student’s course of study and community service work, and is a wonderful opportunity for qualified students to work part-time in an educational environment while taking classes.

Pay rates are $7.25, $7.50 and $7.75 as assigned by the supervisor.

Earnings from the federal work study program, although taxable, are excluded from the student’s income for purposes of applying for financial aid for the next year.

Note: The bookstore and dining services are owned and operated by outside agencies; therefore, federal work study does not apply.

Student Hourly

Even if you do not have federal work study, there are still employment opportunities available to you on campus. Plymouth State University hires many students on the student hourly program. Pay rates are the same as work study and are assigned by the supervisor.

Helpful Information

Why work on campus? Research shows that students who work while attending the university generally have higher grades, graduate faster and more easily find jobs after graduation. It also helps students make connections that will get them through their first year in a more successful and positive manner.

As a student worker, you can gain experience in your field of study at Plymouth State or in other areas of personal interest. Hiring departments understand that education is the top priority and are flexible in working around student schedules. For these reasons, as well as for the financial benefits, we encourage students to consider employment as an option for financing their education.

For information on off-campus job opportunities, please visit the The Global Education Office’s Career Services webpage.

Earnings are paid directly to the student and will not be applied to your bill. Student workers are paid by the hour and paychecks are distributed on a bi-weekly schedule. Pay rates are in compliance with Federal and State minimum wage requirements. Direct deposit is available if you wish to have your paychecks automatically deposited into your checking or savings account. You can make this decision at the time of hire or anytime during the academic year.

What documentation is needed? All students who work on campus are required to complete the I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verfication) and W-4 (Federal Tax Withholding) forms. These documents will be requested by the department for whom you are working at the time you are hired. The I-9 form requires you to present one or two forms of identification.  Please note that all appropriate identification  must be original documents and not photocopies. We highly recommend that if intending to work on campus, you bring appropriate identification with you to prevent delays in starting work. You will not be able to start work until these two forms are completed.