Financial Aid
Work-study at Union is based on need as determined by the FAFSA and CSS Profile. The program is administered by the college and offered to students as part of their financial aid package. Authorized earnings range from $1700 to $3200 for the year and the specific amount will be indicated on the financial aid offer letter. The pay rate for all work-study positions is $9.70 per hour.
For the 2025-26 academic year, students will no longer be using Handshake as a means for applying for work study. Available work study positions can be accessed via our Careers at Union webpage. Please follow these directions based on your student type:
Students with Workday login capability (Current students that have done work study before):
- If you are returning to the same work study position for the next academic year, no action is required unless specified by your supervisor
- Apply quickly and easily within Workday
- Review the following Job Aids for detailed instructions
Students without Workday login capability (Incoming first-year students, transfer students, and students that have not done work study before):
- Apply through our website at jobs.union.edu - click on the ‘Union College Student Employment Opportunities’ button
- Review the Job Aid, How To Apply For A Job, for detailed instructions
Work study earnings are not directly applied to the student’s account. Most students use their earnings for personal and book expenses. Students are able to make payments to their account from work study earnings, but this is not an automatic process.
Paychecks are issued bi-weekly for hours worked during the prior two weeks. Students can have a paper check sent to the campus mailroom for pickup or can have the check deposited directly into their checking account. Direct deposit is recommended, to sign up for this the student must complete the Direct Deposit Request Form included in the Student New Hire Packet.
Students who have not worked at Union previously need to complete employment paperwork with Human Resources before beginning work. Once a student has accepted an offer in Workday, they will receive an email prompting them to complete the New Hire paperwork through Workday. *Note: original documentation verifying the student’s identity and employment authorization is required for the I-9 form and must be brought in-person to Human Resources, located in College Park Hall. The list of acceptable documents can be found in the Student New Hire Packet. Any questions, students should contact hr@union.edu.