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Work-Study Employment

The Benefits of Working as a Student

Student employment is a win-win for both the student and the employer. Students gain additional financial resources while developing valuable skills for future careers. Employers benefit from a creative, motivated, and dependable workforce.

Working as a student provides career-enhancing opportunities, helps students develop skills relevant to all majors, and prepares them for competitive job markets. Contrary to common belief, employment does not negatively affect academic performance—studies show that students who work 20 hours or less per week perform better academically on average than their non-working peers (Noel-Levitz, 2010).

Additionally, students who are more connected to campus tend to report higher satisfaction, stronger engagement, and higher graduation rates. Research at Delaware State University (DSU) confirms that on-campus student employment significantly improves student retention and graduation outcomes.

Work-Study Definition

Work-Study is a need-based financial aid program that allows eligible students to earn money through part-time employment. Students are paid for the hours they work—they are not paid to study—and earnings are deposited directly into their bank account, not applied to the University bill.

Being offered Work-Study does not guarantee a job. Students must apply and be selected for available positions. Many on- and off-campus employers prefer Work-Study students, as the program covers 50% of their wages, making them a cost-effective addition to the workforce.

Work-Study positions may be located:

  • On campus, within various DSU departments, or
  • Off campus, with approved government or non-profit organizations.

Some positions are specifically designed to benefit the community and are designated as community service positions. 

ELIGIBITY REQUIREMENTS

To be offered Work-Study, a student must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Be enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program
  • Demonstrate financial need by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year
  • Meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress
  • Request Work-Study consideration on the FAFSA
  • Be enrolled in at least six credit hours as an undergraduate student or five hours as a graduate student (for summer, graduate students must enroll in at least three hours)

For details on the impact of dropping classes, view Academic Regulations at https://www.desu.edu/admissions/other-admissions-types/academic-regulations

earning potential AND WORK LIMITATIONS

  • Maximum Work-Study Award:
    • $2,000 per academic year for in-state students
    • $3,000 per academic year for out-of-state students
    • Summer maximums are determined annually based on available funding.
  • Work Hour Limits:
    Per State of Delaware law, students may work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year.