Types of Employment

Federal Work-Study (FWS)

Subsidized by the federal government, FWS is a need-based financial aid award that allows you to work and earn money. To be considered, you must complete a FAFSA each academic year. Therefore, you must be awarded FWS before you can begin working a FWS job.

The FWS award amount is the maximum amount you may earn through this type of employment during the corresponding award period. You must also maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) requirements.

Effective Dates

2024-2025 Academic Year  
Full Academic Year August 18, 2024 through May 17, 2025
Fall 2024 August 18, 2024 through December 21, 2024
Spring 2025 January 19, 2025 through May 17, 2025

On-Campus Positions

Many FWS positions are available in departments throughout campus. The type of work will vary by department. You should review the virtual job board or contact the department directly to find FWS positions.

Graduate Assistantships

If you’re a graduate student, and you have applied for or have already secured a graduate assistantship, you could be eligible for Graduate Federal Work Study. Contact your department regarding availability. The Office of Student Financial Aid will work with your department to determine and or confirm your eligibility for FWS. Once confirmed, if awarded, you’ll receive a revised Award Letter.

America Reads/America Counts Program Tutors

America Reads/America Counts offers tutoring positions to eligible undergraduate students. Tutors work with students in pre-K through 8th grade in the local school districts and after school programs. Tutors assist teachers by providing one-one-one or small group support to help improve students math and reading skills and serve as role models to the students they work with.

Recruitment takes place at the beginning of each semester. Undergraduate students who are eligible for at least $2,000 in FWS funds for the academic year will receive emails with information on the application and training process.

Our office works in cooperation with Urbana and Champaign school districts to identify, train, and place tutors. Tutoring partnerships also exist with the Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club and Orchard Downs Kids Club.

America Reads/America Counts Graduate Coordinators

Graduate students interested in working with the America Reads/America Counts program may apply for hourly positions as Coordinators. Coordinators supervise tutors at their assigned site and serve as a liaison between the school, the school district, and our office.

To be considered for a Coordinator position with the America Reads/America Counts program, students must complete the FAFSA and be eligible for need-based financial aid. Graduate students who are interested should email americareads@illinois.edu to enquire about the application process.

America Reads/America Counts Undergraduate Coordinators

Undergraduate students who have worked with the America Reads/America Counts program as a tutor for at least 2 years (4 semesters) may be eligible to be hired as a Coordinator. Coordinators supervise tutors at their assigned site and serve as a liaison between the school, the school district, and our office.

Coordinators are hired prior to the beginning of each semester, and eligible tutors will receive an email notifying them about the opportunity and application process. Students must have completed the FAFSA and have at least $2500 in Federal Work Study funds for the academic year, in addition to the minimum 4 semester tutoring requirement.

Off-Campus Community Service Program

Our Community Service Program works with local community service agencies such as the Champaign County Health Care Consumers, Community Shares of Illinois, Children’s Center Day Care, YMCA, and YWCA. These community service positions not only enhance your learning, but also benefit the community. Most community service positions are in off-campus settings that serve the community at large. A limited number of employment positions are available, which limits opportunities.  Some positions may require special skills or training, others will require performing a variety of tasks ranging from child care to administrative assistance.

University Hourly Employment

The University of Illinois has a large number of student positions open on campus, regardless of eligibility of Federal Work Study. Please go to the Virtual Job Board to see hourly student jobs that are available throughout campus.