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Federal Work Study Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Federal Work Study information

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$11

$38

$70

How much do federal work study jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for federal work study in Chicago, IL is $38.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.49 and $49.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to find a federal work study job?

To find a Federal Work Study job, students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and indicate interest in work-study programs. Once approved, students can search for available positions through their college's career services or job portals, and may need to submit applications or resumes to specific departments or employers on campus.

What does a Federal Work Study employee do?

Federal Work Study positions vary widely but typically involve supporting administrative, research, or community service functions within your college or affiliated organizations. You may assist with clerical work, help faculty with research projects, staff campus events, or work in student services. The tasks are designed to be flexible around your academic schedule and provide valuable workplace skills. Collaboration with peers, staff, and sometimes external community partners is common, offering practical experience and networking opportunities.

What is Federal Work Study?

Federal Work Study is a need-based financial aid program in the United States that provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students. The program allows students to earn money to help pay for educational expenses by working on or off campus, often in roles related to their course of study or in community service positions. Eligibility for Federal Work Study is determined through the FAFSA application process, and jobs typically offer flexible hours to accommodate class schedules. The wages earned are paid directly to the student and do not automatically reduce tuition or other billed costs. Participation in the program can also provide valuable work experience and networking opportunities.

What skills and qualifications are needed for a Federal Work Study employee?

To thrive as a Federal Work Study employee, you typically need to be enrolled in college, demonstrate financial need, and possess basic organizational and time management skills. Familiarity with office software like Microsoft Office or Google Workspace and the ability to learn institutional systems are often required. Strong communication, reliability, and teamwork make students stand out in these roles. These skills ensure students can effectively support campus departments while balancing their academic commitments.

What is the difference between Federal Work Study vs Student Intern?

AspectFederal Work StudyStudent Intern
CredentialsMust be enrolled in a participating college or university, eligible based on financial needVaries; often requires enrollment in related academic program
Work EnvironmentOn-campus or community service settings, part-timeOn-site at employer's location, often professional or industry-specific
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, government, non-profitsPrivate companies, government agencies, non-profits
PurposeFinancial aid supplement, work experienceSkill development, industry exposure, career exploration

Federal Work Study and Student Intern programs both provide work opportunities for students, but they differ in purpose, eligibility, and work settings. Federal Work Study primarily offers financial aid through on-campus or community service jobs, while Student Internships focus on gaining industry-specific experience, often in private or government sectors.

What are the most commonly searched types of Federal jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Federal jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Federal Work Study jobs in Chicago, IL? For Federal Work Study jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Federal Work Study jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Federal Work Study jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Federal Work Study jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Federal Work Study job openings:
Infographic showing various Federal Work Study job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, and 32% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $80,709 per year, or $38.8 per hour.

Assistant Director, Federal Work Study

The University of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 hours ago


University Of Chicago rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

155th of 615 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department
ESA College Aid
About the Department
Reporting directly to the Assistant Vice President of Enrollment and Student Advancement, the Financial Aid office at the University of Chicago provides exceptional customer service to all students and families requesting assistance in financing their education. The Office of Financial Aid has a staff of 20, including advisors, counselors, and assistant directors. For more information visit https://financialaid.uchicago.edu/.
Job Summary
Oversee and manage all aspects of the Federal Work-Study program, ensuring timely and accurate reporting, awarding, and processing of the Federal Work-Study program. Serves as a liaison between the College, graduate schools, the Office of Financial Aid, Career Advancement, off-campus partners, Human Resources, and Financial Services for all Federal Work-Study processes and programming. Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and financial aid requirements surrounding the Federal Work-Study program and student employment.
Responsibilities
  • Manages all aspects of the Federal Work-Study program for the University of Chicago
  • Responsible for bi-weekly, monthly, and annual accounting and reconciliation of the Federal Work-Study program
  • Assists in the completion of institutional reporting, year-end audits, and federal reporting requirements, as needed.
  • Serves as a resource for students, on- and off-campus partners, departmental liaisons, and employing agencies regarding student employment.
  • Creates and maintains federal, state, and institutional financial aid policies and procedures for the Federal Work-Study program; trains University staff and partners on Federal Work-Study best practices and guidelines.
  • Counsels students and families; performs need analysis; completes the verification process on selected files; reviews appeals; and packages awards by assigning different types of financial aid to meet demonstrated needs.
  • Represents the Office of Financial Aid at various on- and off-campus events as needed, including occasional evening and weekend hours.
  • Coordinates timely responses to all email and telephone contacts from students.
  • Analyzes the maximum aid needed to students yet remain within government guidelines and overall budget limitations for aid distribution.
  • Communicates financial aid policies and programs to currently enrolled students with moderate guidance.
  • Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
---
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
  • Bachelor's degree.
  • Advanced degree.

Experience:
  • Background in a financial aid office setting.
  • Familiar with reconciling federal aid programs

Technical Skills or Knowledge:
  • General knowledge of Microsoft Office.
  • Exemplary knowledge of Oracle's Campus Solutions (PeopleSoft) software.
  • Processing of knowledge of Common Origination and Disbursement Web Site (COD) and National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS).
  • Advanced knowledge of Workday's human resources applications.
  • Knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs and regulations.
  • Extensive knowledge of the Federal Work-Study program.
  • General knowledge of federal, state, and local laws governing student employment.
  • Familiarity with Education Department systems.

Preferred Competencies
  • Superb written and verbal communication skills.
  • Provide superior customer service to a wide variety of constituents in a fast-paced environment.
  • Exceptional analytical, verbal, and written communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
  • Handle several projects simultaneously and work well under pressure.
  • Work independently and as part of a team.
  • Maintain confidentiality.

Working Conditions
  • This position has a hybrid work schedule. Weekly in-office presence as needed on UChicago's main campus in Hyde Park.
  • Work independently for periods of 8 hours or more.
  • May be asked to work on 1-2 weekends per year.

Application Documents
  • Resume/CV (required)
  • Cover Letter (preferred)
  • Reference Contact Information (3)(required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Student Affairs & Services
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$60,000.00 - $75,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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