On-Campus Employment

Work Study and campus employment help students supplement their education funding plan. NECO offers two types of campus employment:
1. Federal Work-Study (FWS): A need-based program funded by the federal government that provides part-time employment opportunities to eligible students.
2. Student Employment (SE): A college-funded program that offers part-time positions to students who are not eligible for Federal Work-Study but wish to work on campus.

Both programs allow students to gain valuable work experience while contributing toward their educational expenses.

Federal Work Study Program

The Federal Work Study (FWS) program is a federally-funded financial aid program provided by the U.S. Department of Education to help students earn money for educational expenses through part-time employment while enrolled in school. It is available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents with demonstrated financial need.

FWS Eligibility Requirement
To qualify for Federal Work-Study, you must:

• Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
• Demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA and the college.
• Be enrolled at least half-time.
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
• Must maintain satisfactory academic progress (as defined by the college).
• Once hired, complete and sign the federal work study student contract and additional tax forms, such as the I-9, W-4, etc.
• The student may begin working after all documents are completed and approved by the Payroll Department at NECO.

Federal Work Study Adjustment

If you have reached your awarded FWS limit in wages, you must stop working unless the award is increased. You may request a change, (increase/reduction) to your work study award by emailing the Financial Aid Office.

Non-federal Student Employment (SE)

• Non-federal student employment is funded entirely by NECO and available to international students. After obtaining employment, international students will need to receive a United States Social Security Number before being paid.
• To complete the onboarding process, students will need to complete all work study documents, complete the I-9 form, provide original copies of their I-94 and I-20 forms, and complete tax documents, after receiving their social security number.

Federal Work Study and Non-federal Work Study Students

Students awarded Federal Work-Study or Student Employment can view job listings on the NECO student portal and reach out to departments directly to learn more and schedule interviews. Positions are based on skills, experience, and departmental needs. While we can’t guarantee placement, there are a variety of roles to explore!

Students have worked as Front Desk Receptionists, Research Assistants, Library Aides, Admissions Ambassadors, Note Takers, and Events Assistants, among others. These jobs let you connect with faculty, staff, and fellow students, build your resume, and even earn references for future opportunities.

Getting Paid

• Work-study earnings are not automatically applied to tuition. Students are paid directly every two weeks based on the number of hours worked. You can use these funds to help cover educational or personal expenses throughout the semester.
• Work hours are usually limited to 20 hours per week during the academic periods, and up to 40 hours per week during school breaks.
• Students cannot work during scheduled class time.
• Payrate is determined by the number of years you have actively participated in the work study program and varies depending on the type of job and skills required, many students earn hourly rates that are higher than the minimum wage.
• Time sheets must be completed every two weeks and signed by your supervisor approving the hours worked.