Student Employment
Student employment is an integral part of the financial aid offerings at the University of St. Thomas. Our students collectively earn more than $3 million annually through a combination of federal, state and university funds.
While the University of St. Thomas cannot guarantee employment for every student, we do give all students the opportunity to work on campus, regardless of financial need.
Effective January 1st, 2025, the City of St. Paul and the City of Minneapolis will see an increase to the minimum wage from $15.57 per hour to $15.97 per hour.
Benefits of Working on Campus
On-campus work opportunities allow the university to deliver necessary services, help students offset education expenses and provide valuable work experiences. Working part-time on campus can help you:
- Gain valuable work experience
- Develop relationships with faculty, staff and other students
- Create a network of people who will be able to serve as references for you in the future
- Eliminate the need to commute to work
- Serve your community
- Earn money
that students who become actively involved on campus tend to be better about managing their time and responsibilities which can lead to better grades.
Find a Job
Students can apply for any posted position keeping in mind their skills, interests and availability. Postings fluctuate throughout the year.
Types of Student Employment
Federal and State Work-Study
Federal Work-Study (FWS) and State Work-Study (SWS) are unique financial aid programs that allow eligible students to earn money through part-time employment while attending school. However, receiving a work-study offer does not automatically place you in a job. Instead, it provides you with the opportunity to apply for all on-campus and specific off-campus jobs.
Eligibility
- Complete the (FAFSA)
- If eligible, FWS / SWS will be included in your financial aid package
- Complete the FAFSA annually to confirm your eligibility
- Enrolled at least part-time in courses for credit (part-time for undergraduate students = 6 credits)
Types of Jobs Available
- On-campus: Positions in various departments and a variety of roles.
- Off-campus: Opportunities with approved, local nonprofit organizations and community service agencies.
St. Thomas Employment
For students who do not quality for FWS or SWS, university-funded jobs are available on-campus. These positions are most often open to students regardless of financial need.
Types of Jobs Available
- Various university departments such as libraries, dining services, facilities and administrative offices.
- Positions in event management, peer tutoring, technical support and more.
Work-Study
Federal and State Work-Study
Federal Work-Study (FWS) and State Work-Study (SWS) are unique financial aid programs that allow eligible students to earn money through part-time employment while attending school. However, receiving a work-study offer does not automatically place you in a job. Instead, it provides you with the opportunity to apply for all on-campus and specific off-campus jobs.
Eligibility
- Complete the (FAFSA)
- If eligible, FWS / SWS will be included in your financial aid package
- Complete the FAFSA annually to confirm your eligibility
- Enrolled at least part-time in courses for credit (part-time for undergraduate students = 6 credits)
Types of Jobs Available
- On-campus: Positions in various departments and a variety of roles.
- Off-campus: Opportunities with approved, local nonprofit organizations and community service agencies.
St. Thomas Employment
St. Thomas Employment
For students who do not quality for FWS or SWS, university-funded jobs are available on-campus. These positions are most often open to students regardless of financial need.
Types of Jobs Available
- Various university departments such as libraries, dining services, facilities and administrative offices.
- Positions in event management, peer tutoring, technical support and more.
Sample Jobs
Admissions Tour Guide
Students can work for the Admissions Office, providing tours of campus for prospective students and their families.
Sample Jobs
Residence Hall Advisor
Some students work in the Residence Halls as leaders that build community, plan events and support students with their academic or personal concerns. This position is not eligible for Work-Study and has a separate application process.
Sample Jobs
Food Service
Students can work for Food Service in a variety of settings, such as: serving food during meal times, making drinks at an on-campus coffee shop and being part of the team who serves food at catered on-campus events.
Sample Jobs
Research Assistant
Students can work as Research Assistants within many departments.
Sample Jobs
Tutor
The University has a wide variety of tutoring positions, including writing, math, languages and more.
Sample Jobs
Help Desk and Other Technology Positions
Our ITS department employs students to work the technology help desk, provide support for classroom and meeting rooms and within teams of developers.
Find Your Balance
Balancing work and academics can be challenging, but many St. Thomas students find that part-time jobs actually improve their time management and academic performance.
On-campus roles are designed to fit your class schedule, and our Career Development Center is here to help you with resume writing and interview prep. Even if you don't land your first choice, each application is a learning experience.
For off-campus jobs, transportation options like public transit and carpooling are available.
If you have questions about how your earnings impact financial aid or paperwork, the Financial Aid office is ready to help.
Student Employment
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ section is specific to undergraduate, four-year students at the University of St. Thomas. If you're a Dougherty Family College (DFC) student who has questions regarding student employment, please contact Amy Kadrmas, Director Corporate Internship Program for DFC.
Federal and State Work-Study are financial aid programs that, if you’re eligible, allow you to earn money by working part-time while you’re in school. It's important to note that while receiving an WS offer means you are eligible to apply for WS-approved jobs, you will still need to search, apply and secure a job on your own. You'll also need to accept your WS offer. Check out our Financial Aid Checklist for more details.
- For on-campus jobs, you can choose if you want your earnings paid directly toward tuition OR paid directly to you on a bi-weekly basis.
- For off-campus jobs, your earnings are paid directly to you.
Yes, to earn your WS award, you must apply for and be hired for a WS-eligible job. This requires submitting your resume, interviewing and securing a position. St. Thomas does not automatically place students in jobs. Start your search:
If you have WS, you can apply for any on-campus job or off-campus jobs that denote the role is WS eligible. If you don't have WS, you can still apply for on-campus jobs unless they specify they require someone with FWS.
Your WS offer outlines the maximum amount you can earn during the academic year. Typically, students work 10-15 hours per week under WS to balance their studies.
If you work at an approved off-campus partner in a WS role, your total earnings cannot exceed the amount offered, which means it's important to manage your hours accordingly. Your supervisor will also support tracking your earnings. Once you reach the maximum earnings, you must stop working or transition to a non-WS role.
You may be able to work beyond your maximum amount with an on-campus job with supervisor approval, but it is not guaranteed.
If you are unable to secure a WS position, you won't be able to earn the funds allocated in your WS offer. That is why it's crucial to start your job search early and make use of the resources offered at St. Thomas to help you in finding a position. Connect with the Career Development Center for support and resources.
Absolutely! There are plenty of university-funded positions on campus open to all students, regardless of WS eligibility. These jobs offer similar benefits, such as flexible hours, earning money, and gaining valuable experience.
All available on-campus jobs, whether WS or university-funded, can be found on the . Simply search for positions that match your skills and interests and apply directly through the portal.
Congratulations! Once you've been hired, you'll need to complete a Student Employment Form before starting your job. This form is available via under the Student Services menu. Any other required forms will be listed there as well, so you can ensure all paperwork is submitted before you begin working. If you don't see a Student Employment Form, you'll need to accept your WS offer in Murphy Online.
Reminder: you can choose if you'd like to receive a paycheck OR if you'd like your earnings to be applied directly to tuition, so be sure to accept this part of your financial aid package! Check out our for more details.
For Non-Profit Organizations
Partner with St. Thomas
St. Thomas seeks to build partnerships with local non-profit organizations to provide valuable work experiences for our students. If you are interested in employing our students, we would love to hear from you.
Benefits of Partnering
- Access to motivated and skilled student employees.
- Contribute to the professional development of future leaders.
- Strengthen your organization's community impact.
Email financialaid@stthomas.edu and include details about available positions and your organization's mission to start collaborating with us to create meaningful work experiences.