First-Year Students
Work-Study is part of your financial aid. It allows you the opportunity to earn money while attending college through a flexible and conveniently located job. It is not a traditional grant. You earn this money by working in a job and getting paid. Please review this page for answers to some common questions.
What kind of Work-Study jobs are available?
- A wide variety of jobs are available. Most BU departments hire students. For example, there are jobs in offices, labs, and libraries, as well as jobs related to computers, security, athletics and recreation, research, or community service.
- Pay rates vary based on job duties and skill level required. Entry-level positions start at $15.00 per hour.
How will I be paid?
- At the end of each week of work you will complete and submit an electronic time sheet on the Student Link, recording the hours you worked. The following Friday you will receive payment.
- Note: It is a federal offense to falsify hours on a Work-Study time sheet.
- You’ll be able to sign up for direct deposit and view your pay statement on the Employee Self Service Portal. You should complete a Direct Deposit Authorization as soon as you have been hired into the payroll system. You may have your check deposited into a checking or savings account at a bank either in Boston or at home.
- Work-Study earnings are not part of your tuition or student account. The earnings are intended to be used to pay for miscellaneous education-related expenses such as books, travel expenses, entertainment, etc.
What does it mean that I have a Work-Study award of $3000*?
- This means you may earn up to $3000 during the Academic Year (September through May).
*You may receive an award that is less or more than $3000; it depends on your financial aid package.
How do I get a Work-Study job?
One of two ways:
- You can attend the Resource Fair at Orientation.
- OR, you can use the Student Job Board JobX. Fall positions will be posted as early as July. The posted positions vary from entry level jobs to jobs that require prior experience. You may apply online or email contacts of the positions you are interested in directly to schedule interviews.
For Off-Campus Work-Study, those organizations advertise on our website. You can also contact our office regarding eligible organizations. The requirements are listed on our website.
If you do not have a job by the October deadline, your award will be cancelled.