Student Employment FAQs

Who qualifies to work on-campus?

Any Northwestern College traditional undergraduate student enrolled in six credits or more.

How do I find out about student job openings?

Many of our Northwestern College student employment opportunities are listed online. You may also go directly to any department on-campus to inquire about student employment opportunities they may have or visit with our Student Employment Staff. 

What paperwork do I need to complete for student employment?

Northwestern College complies with Immigration Reform and Control Act which makes it necessary for you to bring verification for authorization to work in the United States with you within the first three days of employment. Generally the easiest documentation to bring is listed below; however, other forms of acceptable documentation are listed on the back of the I-9 form.

a) driver's license and Social Security card

OR b) passport

OR c) driver's license and original or certified copy of birth certificate issued by a state, county, municipal authority or outlying possession of the United States bearing an official seal.

Additional paperwork will be completed at the time of hire.

How do I apply for employment on campus?

Review posted jobs online.

• Submit application to the Student Employment office for each job you are interested in. 
• Applications will be reviewed by hiring supervisor, followed by interviews for qualified applicants.
• Upon accepting a position, please see Student Employment office to fill out necessary paperwork before employment begins.

How much should I work?

Balancing your studies, work, and other activities will be a challenge. Typically a student will work between 8–15 hours per week. It is recommended that student employees limit their work to no more than 20 hours per week when classes are in session and no more than 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. (This guideline is a federal requirement for non-immigrant students attending on F-1 Visas.)

How much will I earn and what are the pay rates?

Wages for positions vary based on level of responsibility and previous work experience. Your total earnings will depend on the number of hours you work and the rate of pay for the position. By working 10–15 hours weekly during the school year, students typically can earn $1,500 to $2,000 at an on-campus job. There are approximately 450 jobs available on campus.

Are my earnings taxed?

All earnings from the college (including work study earnings) are subject to federal and state tax withholdings. Wages earned while you are enrolled in at least one class (either during the academic year or during summer school) are exempt from FICA withholding (Social Security and Medicare). Summer wages earned by student workers who are not enrolled in summer school are subject to FICA withholding.

How will I be paid if I work on campus?

Students are paid bi-weekly through the Payroll Office. Checks are distributed through the student mail center.

Is direct deposit to my bank available?

Yes. Complete and submit the Direct Deposit form in the student employee handbook you receive upon employment.

How do I apply my earnings directly to my student account?

Complete the Student Account Direct Deposit form in the student employee handbook you receive upon employment.

What is federal or state Work-Study and how does it impact me?

Federal and State Work Study is a form of financial aid which subsidizes the on-campus earnings of students with financial need. Eligibility is determined through the financial aid process. Participation in work study in and of itself does not limit the number of hours/dollars the student may earn. All earnings from on-campus jobs are paid in full by check to the student employee.

Are there opportunities to work during the summer?

Yes. Northwestern offers numerous summer employment opportunities for students. Positions are advertised through the Student Employment office beginning in February. Please contact Student Employment for additional information on summer employment.

Can I live on campus if I am working on campus for the summer?

Yes. Students may apply for summer on-campus housing if they are working on-campus at least 20 hours per week over the summer months. Please contact Student Employment for additional information on summer housing for student workers.

Off-campus employment

Are there off-campus work opportunities?

Yes, you are encouraged to contact the Center for Calling & Career at 651-631-5265. The NWC web page lists part-time job opportunities with off-campus employers along with information about how to contact them and apply for positions.

Does off-campus employment affect my financial aid eligibility?

Since you are employed by and paid directly by your off-campus employer and are not being paid with state or federal work study dollars, your earnings will not affect your current year financial aid eligibility. However, you will need to report these earnings as income when you apply for financial aid the subsequent year.

Can I use federal or state work-study dollars to work off campus?

Northwestern College does have a limited amount of work study dollars that can be used to pay students employed in community service work study positions. Interested students should contact the Financial Aid Office in Nazareth 1132, 651-631-5174, for further information.