Financial Aid

FAQ - Student Employment

  • How do I receive Federal Work Study?
    • Federal Work Study is a federally funded student employment program and eligibility is determined through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Make sure to mark that you are interested in a Federal Work Study when you file your FAFSA. If you are eligible for Federal Work Study and funds are available, it will be listed on your financial aid award letter available on STARS.
    • If you were not awarded Federal Work Study, but find a department that wants to hire you through the Federal Work Study program, that department should contact the Student Employment Office at (309)298-1996. If you are eligible for the program, you will be put on a wait list. If additional Federal Work Study funds become available, awards are then made to students who are on the wait list.
  • What should I do if I found a job that wants to hire me under Federal Work Study but I don't have an award?
    • Ask the employer to call the Student Employment office at (309)298-1996 to request consideration if funds become available later. You will be contacted by email at a later date, if funds become available
  • What is the difference between Federal Work Study and regular student employment?
    • Regular student employment has similar qualifications and pay rates as Federal Work Study jobs. Work study positions are funded primarily through federal funds, while regular student employment positions are often funded by the university. To learn more about Federal Work Study and regular student employment, or to search job listings, visit the  Student Employment  website.
  • Why should I get a job through Student Employment?
    • Student employment is a good way to earn money while building a resume for the future. Research shows an effective mix between work and school is important to be successful-- for a full-time student, it is recommended to have between 12-15 hours of work for upper class students and 8-10 hours for new students.

To learn more about Federal Work Study and regular student employment, or to search job listings, visit the Student Employment website.