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Student Employment: Federal Work-Study

College of DuPage participates in the Federal Work-Study Program (FWS) under the Higher Education Act of 1965, Title IV, Part C. The COD student employment work-study program provides job opportunities for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay educational expenses.

The work-study program encourages positions in community services and work-related to student program of study. Although many students will qualify, a work-study award is not offered to all eligible students due to limited funding. The work-study program makes a conscious attempt to support the employment needs of all College of DuPage students to the greatest level possible.

Student Employment

Students must establish and maintain eligibility for participation in the FWS program. To do so students must

  • Submit a FAFSA
  • Demonstrate financial need
  • Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
  • Be enrolled in a Financial Aid eligible program
  • Be enrolled at least 6 Financial Aid eligible credits for Fall and Spring, and one Financial Aid eligible credit for the summer semester.

The Federal Work-Study Program (FWS) provides part-time employment opportunities to eligible Students to assist with costs of post-secondary education. Work Study jobs provide practical training and experience in a chosen field, positive job experience to help students identify career objectives, an opportunity to build a more complete resume, and potential recommendations from supervisors. Based on the results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), eligible students can receive Federal Work Study funds to find employment at the College of DuPage. The program is designed to provide students with an opportunity for employment arranged around class schedules.

Jobs generally are on-campus; however, there may be an opportunity to work with various literacy programs at approved off-campus locations. Whether on-campus or off-campus, the FWS program provides experiences for students to develop skills, work habits, and responsibilities.

Student employment is strictly by the hour. If a student misses work time due to illness, a holiday, or any other reason, the student is not paid or given credit for the time missed. A student is assigned at a specific department and can earn up to the allocated amount of FWS funds.

Students can work up to 20 hours per week during the Fall and Spring Semester.

During the Summer Semester, students may work up to 25 hours per week.

During the breaks when classes are not in sessions - Spring Break, Summer Break, Winter Break - students may may work up to 40 hours per week.

The student will work with their Hiring Manager to determine their actual work schedule.

Students must notify the Financial Aid Office (FAO) of all sources of aid for each academic school year. Other sources of aid include, but are not limited to: Vocational Rehabilitation, G.I. Benefits, stipends, scholarships, tuition waivers, employer assistance, etc.

Students will be awarded FWS funds once they apply for a student position via the Students Employment Site. All student applicants will be checked for FWS eligibility until all FWS funds are depleted.  Students who are eligible to participate in the FWS Program will receive an award of maximum earnings available for the academic school year. FWS does not offer any sick leave, vacation, holiday, or overtime pay.

FWS is not applied directly to your tuition, fees and/or bookstore charges. FWS funds are disbursed via bi-weekly paycheck based on hours worked during any given pay period. These awards are not guaranteed; you must work in order to receive the funding. Students will be responsible to work the hours agreed upon between the student and their hiring supervisor.

Would you like to build your work experience? Work on campus at College of DuPage.
Gain skills, work experience and stay on campus while you go to classes. Many positions offer flexible schedules around classes and will help you earn while you learn.

Student Employment Opportunities

Contact Information

Office of Student Financial Assistance
Seaton Computing Center (SCC), Room 123
(630) 942-2251
Email: financialaid@cod.edu
Fax: (630) 942-2151

Regular Hours

  • Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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