Work-study programs are federally funded programs that provide part-time jobs to undergraduate and graduate students with financial need. These programs allow students to earn money to help pay for their education, and they also provide valuable work experience.

At Duke University, work-study is administered by the Office of Student Financial Aid. To be eligible for work-study, students must meet the following criteria:
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Be enrolled at least half-time in an undergraduate or graduate program at Duke
- Meet the family income eligibility criteria (see below)
Family Income Eligibility Criteria
The following table shows the family income eligibility criteria for work-study at Duke University:
Family Size | Income Limit |
---|---|
1 | $30,000 |
2 | $40,000 |
3 | $50,000 |
4 | $60,000 |
5 | $70,000 |
6 | $80,000 |
7 | $90,000 |
8 | $100,000 |
9+ | $110,000 |
How to Apply for Work-Study
Students who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for work-study through the Office of Student Financial Aid. The application process is as follows:
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is used to determine your financial need.
- Submit your FAFSA to Duke University. Duke’s school code is 003741.
- Once you have submitted your FAFSA, you will receive a financial aid award letter from Duke. This letter will include information about your eligibility for work-study.
- If you are eligible for work-study, you will need to accept the award and complete a work-study agreement. The work-study agreement will outline the terms of your employment, including your hourly wage and the number of hours you can work per week.
Work-Study Jobs
There are a variety of work-study jobs available at Duke University. These jobs are located in a variety of departments and offices across campus, including:
- Academic departments
- Administrative offices
- Libraries
- Museums
- Student unions
Benefits of Work-Study
There are many benefits to participating in a work-study program, including:
- Earn money to help pay for your education.
- Gain valuable work experience.
- Develop new skills.
- Meet new people.
- Get involved in the Duke community.
Tips for Success in Work-Study
Here are a few tips for success in work-study:
- Be professional and reliable.
- Be willing to work hard.
- Be a team player.
- Take initiative.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when participating in work-study:
- Don’t overwork yourself. It’s important to balance your work-study job with your academic responsibilities.
- Don’t procrastinate. Start your work-study assignments early so that you can avoid stress.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re struggling with a task, don’t be afraid to ask your supervisor or a co-worker for help.
- Don’t give up. Work-study can be a challenging experience, but it’s also a rewarding one. Don’t give up if you’re struggling. Just keep at it and you’ll eventually succeed.
Conclusion
Work-study is a great way to earn money to help pay for your education and gain valuable work experience. If you meet the eligibility criteria, I encourage you to apply for work-study. I’m confident that you’ll find it to be a rewarding experience.