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Understanding federal work-study
Federal Work-Study is money you earn, not money you borrow or are given outright — it's part-time employment included in your financial aid package. You're paid an hourly wage, biweekly, according to the UNH Payroll Calendar. Work-study earnings are never credited toward your tuition bill.
Work-study can help reduce how much you need to borrow, cover day-to-day living expenses, and give you valuable work experience. You may hold more than one work-study job at a time, on or off campus, as long as your total hours stay within your award.
To use a work-study award, you have to apply for and get hired at a work-study job — being eligible doesn't guarantee you a position. Work-study positions are competitive, so it's on you to search and apply, the same as any other job.
This page applies to all UNH students, whether you're at Durham, Manchester, online through the College of Professional Studies, at Franklin Pierce School of Law, or in a UNH graduate program. Work-study is included in your aid package based on financial need shown on your FAFSA.
International students: before starting any on-campus or off-campus work, connect with your campus's international student office to confirm your work authorization.
Starting the job search
Work-study jobs, along with other part-time and internship opportunities, are posted regularly by campus departments and off-campus organizations.
Off-campus positions: Handshake is UNH's shared career portal for off-campus jobs and internships across every campus. Log in with your UNH email and password to search and apply.
On-campus positions: postings and application processes vary slightly by campus — see below for yours.
Career planning support is available through UNH Career and Professional Services — check the CaPS by College section for advising and support specific to your school.
Applying for on-campus work
All on-campus jobs and internships are listed in Workday. Log in to see opportunities and submit applications directly — see the "Applying for Student Jobs in Workday" tutorial for step-by-step help.
Summer work-study: file your FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1 if you want to be considered for summer work-study. Summer applications open on MyUNH after March 1 each year.
Work-study for CPS Online students
To qualify for Federal Work-Study through CPS Online, you must:
- Be admitted to a CPS degree or post-baccalaureate program
- Have a valid FAFSA for the current aid year showing financial need
- Be enrolled at least half-time during your work-study employment
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress
Work-study awards depend on CPS's annual federal allocation and aren't guaranteed to every eligible student.
VA Work-Study: if you receive veterans education benefits under Chapters 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, 1606, or 1607, you may also qualify for the VA-sponsored work-study program. You'll need to be certified for at least ¾-time enrollment and perform duties directly related to veteran benefits. Email the School Certifying Official (veterans.cps@unh.edu) for details.