Work Study

Work Study allows students to work part time to help pay for educational expenses and gain experience in an area they are interested in. Work Study gets broken down into the following programs: Federal Work Study, Institutional Work Study, and State Work Study. Work Study is not a grant or a loan; students must apply and be hired for a job to earn these funds.

Federal Work Study

Federal Work Study (FWS) is awarded to eligible 1L's that demonstrate financial need. A FAFSA application must be submitted by February 15 to be considered for the program. 

Institutional Work Study

Institutional Work Study (IWS) is a non-need based program that is available to students, including international students. Unlike FWS which is funded by the federal government, IWS is funded directly by the institution. 

Finding On-Campus Employment

Available Work Study positions in the School of Law and select off campus positions will be advertised by law school faculty and through newsletters. Students interested in positions across Seattle University can join Handshake.

Employment Policies

Students can only work up to 20 hours per week when enrolled in half-time or more (2-3 credits Summer Term, 4-7 credits Fall/Spring Term). When a student becomes employed in more than one position on campus, students and supervisors must coordinate to ensure that the student does not work a combined total of more than 20 hours per week. 

Compensation

As of January 1st, 2025, the hourly compensation rate is $20.76 per hour. 

Washington State Work Study Program

The Washington State Work Study (SWS) program is a need-based program for eligible 2L's and 3L's. The program helps continuing students secure off-campus, career-related jobs so they can earn money while getting a head start in career preparation. In order to receive SWS, student must meet the following criteria:

  • Meet the Washington state residency requirements. Students that moved to Washington state to attend school are ineligible. 
  • Complete a federal or state financial aid application
  • Be enrolled in at least half-time at a participating college
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress
  • Be able to legally work in the United States
  • Not be in default or owe a refund or repayment on another financial aid program

Award Amounts

Awards are based on the availability of funds and financial need. Once students have applied and been hired on for a qualifying off-campus position, the student's gross pay will be deducted from their total financial aid award amount. 

Policies

Students may not work more than a maximum of 19 hours per week during the Fall and Spring semester, or more than 40 hours per week during Winter/Spring breaks after the exam period as concluded. See 2025-26 State Work Study (PDF) for more information. 

Important note: Do not presume that you will be awarded state work study even if you are awarded federal work study after your first year. The state program residency and need criteria are different and funding is limited.

State Work Study information for continuing law students

If you are awarded State Work Study (SWS) for the 2025-2026 academic and financial aid year, eligible law students may use SWS from May 19, 2025 until end of May 2025 (unless you are graduating and if so it ends May 16, 2025). 

You may only work 19 hours per week while classes are in session during fall and spring terms. You may work up to 40 hours per week during winter and spring breaks and after the entire exam period is over (as noted in the Registrar’s Academic Calendar).

If you are awarded SWS for 2025-2026 Academic Year, and upon acceptance of your SWS award, you must submit the name and contact information of your employer to lawfa@seattleu.edu. Please ensure all details are provided promptly to facilitate the processing of your award.

The following steps are also required to finalize your ability to utilize your SWS funds:

  • Your Employer must be a SWS approved employer with WSAC. Our Student Financial Services (SFS) team will facilitate this process for you.
  • Both you and your Employer must complete a SWS Employer Referral Agreement (ERA). Our SFS team will provide you with this agreement form.
  • Once the above information has been completed, our office will provide you with the final SWS timesheet process.

Please refer to 2025-26 State Work Study (PDF) for information about SWS.

SWS is a need-based employment program. Based on time sheets submitted to our office, the gross pay you earn is deducted in full from your award amount. Employers are reimbursed a percentage of your gross earnings by the State of Washington. Due to our limited allotment and SWS need and policy regulations, the awarding criteria are very strict. Washington residents may petition to be awarded SWS or you may petition for a limited SWS increase. However, additional funding will depend upon funding expenditures to date, potential allotment increases from the State and your remaining eligibility for more SWS aid.

Notes:

SWS funding is designed to offer minimal part-time work in a student’s field of study but cannot sustain a comprehensive employment situation.

A student is considered an out-of-state resident if they moved to Washington to attend school - they must have moved to Washington one year prior to attending school for a purpose other than attending school. (RCW 28B.15.012).

Law-related jobs

  • Jobs at law firms, agencies, corporations, nonprofits and in other organizations are routinely posted by the Center for Professional Development, which also coordinates on-campus interviews.