Work-Study

Whitman College offers work-study as part of our need-based financial aid packages.

What is work-study?

Work-study gives you the ability to earn money to help pay for educational costs by working on campus. Work-study is a need-based financial aid offer. It is not a grant (you must work to earn it), and it is not a loan (you don't have to repay it). Work-study earnings are paid directly to students as opposed to scholarship, grant and loan funds, which are applied to your student account. Work-study jobs also give students the opportunity to develop new skills that can help improve their readiness for future internships and jobs.

How much can I earn through a work-study job?

Work-study offers range up to $3,000 per year. Because the minimum wage in Washington state is among the highest in the nation, many students are able to earn their full work-study amount in as little as six to eight hours a week.

What type of jobs are available?

A wide variety of work study opportunities exist on campus, allowing students to gain experience in areas ranging from tutoring to office work to research. 

There are also opportunities for work-study students to work off-campus in the Walla Walla Public Schools for the America Reads/America Counts program or as an Academic Student Employee tutor. 

How will I find a work-study job?

Job listings are posted on Handshake, Whitman’s online job board. All on-campus employers give preference to work-study students.

If you need help honing your interview skills or creating a resume, you can stop by the Career and Community Engagement Center—they would be happy to assist you!

Once I find a job, how will I get paid?

Once you are hired, complete the necessary forms, and start working, you will be paid through direct deposit to your personal checking or savings account. You are responsible for determining how to spend your work-study earnings.