Work Study & Student Employment
Student employees at Northern New Mexico College can make a significant contribution toward meeting their college costs. In addition, having a job while in school or during the summer may help prepare students for life after college.
Here’s how it works:
- Students who wish to be considered for the Work-Study program must apply for aid through Northern New Mexico College's Financial Aid Office by completing the FAFSA and be enrolled at least half time in an eligible program
- Once the FAFSA is processed, students must meet with the Financial Aid Office to determine eligibility and allowable hours.
- Students who receive a Work-Study financial aid award will be given a list of available positions and the contact information to apply for these openings (these jobs are not available to students without Work-Study).
- When applying for Work-Study positions, students will need to show a copy of their award letter and their class schedule for the full semester.
- Students may earn wages up to the amount listed on their financial aid award letter. Work-Study wages do not appear on the student’s college eBill; rather, the student earns a paycheck.
- All time sheets must be submitted on time through the online payroll system, any delay will postpone payment of the current pay period.
- The Financial Aid Office administers the Work-Study program. Award amounts vary, based on eligibility and available funding.
How to Apply for Work-Study
Students must complete the FAFSA application and must ensure that their student file is complete within the Financial Aid Office. Work Study awards are awarded on a first come first serve basis until work study funds have been exhausted. Students who are awarded work-study must accept and return their award letter to the Financial Aid Office within 14 days of receiving the award. If no response is received within the 14 days, work study award(s) will be canceled. Those students who have accepted work-study will receive an Authorization Form from the Financial Aid Office that must be completed by both the student and the hiring supervisor. A listing of available job postings can be found at the Financial Aid Office. , Positions will also be advertised via the NNMC email system, in the weekly Eagle News, and on the Financial Aid Facebook page. It is important to note that being awarded work-study does not guarantee you a position.
After you have secured a job, you will need to take a copy of your award letter and the completed authorization form to the Financial Aid Office. Students who have not held a positions with Northern before will also need to meet with the Human Resources department to complete the following forms for payroll purposes:
- Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 Form
- New Mexico W-4 (Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate)
- Direct Deposit Authorization Form (we encourage students to choose direct deposit)
- Attend the New Student Hiring Orientation
- Must return Authorization Form to the Financial Aid Office to approve work study
Summer Employment
The summer months are an ideal time to work and save for the coming year's expenses. Working and saving during the summer can reduce the need to work during the academic year. You will want to get your employment set up for the summer months in advance to guarantee yourself a position. If a position cannot be found, please see the Student Work Study Employment Coordinator in the Financial Aid Office the first week of class to be placed where positions are available.
Work Study FAQ
Purpose of Work-Study
The student employment program is designed to provide part-time employment to students who have financial need and require additional income to help meet costs of post-secondary education. The student employment program also provides students with actual work experience, providing the opportunity to apply their skills in a professional environment.
Work-study is a form of need-based financial aid that allows students to work on or off campus to earn money to pay for college expenses. Students with work-study will have it included as part of their financial aid package. Work-study awards are offered on an annual basis. You must apply every year by submitting the FAFSA.
Every student who is interested in pursuing work-study, must complete a FAFSA application, ensure that your financial aid file is complete and enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours to be considered for work-study.
Once the FAFSA is processed, students must meet with the Financial Aid Office to determine eligibility and allowable hours. Students who receive a Work-Study financial aid award will be given a list of available positions and the contact information to apply for these openings (these jobs are not available to students without Work-Study).
Most students work between 12-20 hours per week. The amount of hours are determined by the Financial Aid Office when evaluating your eligibility . Students are not allowed to work more than 20 hours per week.
Yes. Work-study earnings are taxed. Besides social security and other applicable taxes, how much is deducted from your paycheck depends largely, when hired, on how you fill out your W-4 form. Completion of the W-4 form indicates the number of exemptions for withholding purposes.
No. Work-study earnings are paid as a wage for work performed. For example, you cannot get paid for hours not worked as described within the job description and duties.
No. This is the maximum amount of funds you can earn. There are no consequences for not earning the full amount of your award.
Only students who have been awarded work-study as part of their financial aid package can apply for a work-study job.
You can only have one work-study job at a time. If you decide to switch (transfer) jobs at some point in the year, you will need to resign from one position, submit a separation form in order to be hired in another position.
No. You will need to navigate all available positions to find the ideal position for you. Be prepared to provide a cover letter, resume and a copy of your class schedule. Interviews will be scheduled by the hiring department.
Work-study awards can decrease because financial aid in another area has increased, e.g., an outside scholarship check arrived.
The student has earned the full amount of their award
The student is not maintaining satisfactory academic progress
The student has withdrawn from Northern
Or, all funds allocated to Northern have been spent
No. Being awarded work-study does not guarantee you will be hired in a work-study job.
No. Every student who has been awarded work-study must go through the hiring process. The Financial Aid Office and HR will determine your start date.
You will get paid in the form of a paycheck twice a month, we recommend setting up direct deposit so you will receive your funds faster.
Yes, as long as you have direct deposit set up. If you do not have direct deposit then a physical paycheck will go directly to you.
No. Students have to apply for financial aid and demonstrate financial need to be awarded a work-study award. Due to limited funds, awards are not guaranteed to all students.
No. We encourage each student work-study employee to work all hours if possible. You are not penalized if you don't work the maximum hours a week.
For any questions or concerns regarding your paycheck, it is best to talk to the Payroll office.
No, student work-study employees are not required to pay back any of their earnings.
You can decline or reduce the work-study award at any time.
You can still make a FAFSA correction to update the work-study question to "Yes." The Financial Aid Office can assist you by updating the information for you.
Once you have earned all awarded funds you will need to stop working. Please keep track of you hours and speak with your supervisor to ensure you know how many hours you have remaining.
Funds are extremely limited. Once a student declines work-study, it will be offered to another student.
Updated: 11/16/2022
