Work-Study

Understanding Work-Study for Caltech Students

2024-25 Supervisor Guide for Work-Study Students

Work-Study is a financial aid program that allows students to earn money for their college expenses through work. Students who participate in the Work-Study program also gain valuable job experience.

As a need-based program, high need undergraduate students who submit a financial aid application will be considered for Work-Study. Students are typically awarded $2,500 of Work-Study per year.

Federal Work-Study

Federal Work-Study is available to high need students who qualify for federal financial aid. Under the Federal Work-Study program, students may earn money by working for:

• Caltech
• Caltech Y

Wages earned under the Federal Work-Study program are subsidized by the federal government. The government will pay 75% of a student's wages, leaving the hiring department to pay the remaining 25%.

Caltech Work-Study

The Caltech Work-Study is designed to parallel the Federal Work-Study program, making Work-Study funds available to students who do not qualify for federal financial aid (including most international students). There are a few differences between the two programs, though. Students who receive Caltech Work-Study may only earn money by working for Caltech.

Wages earned under the Caltech Work-Study program are subsidized by Caltech's financial aid fund. The fund will pay 60% of a student's wages, leaving the hiring department to pay the remaining 40%.

Student Employment

Student employment is generally available to all students regardless of whether or not they apply for financial aid. Career Achievement, Leadership, and Exploration is happy to assist students in finding part-time jobs. Students typically work an average of 4-10 hours per week. Students may not work for more than 16 hours per week.