Student Employment Opportunities at NIU 

Every year at NIU, thousands of students participate in student employment in our campus departments. For more information, visit the Human Resource Services Student Employment office located in Lowden Hall 102 or email us at StudentEmployment@niu.edu.

Learn more about graduate assistantships.

Advantages

  • Convenient locations close to your residence hall and classes.
  • Flexibility that allows you to balance your class and work schedules.
  • A variety of opportunities in all departments helps you explore your career interests.
  • Work experience that provides you with relevant skills for your resume and employment references.
  • Valuable connections you make when you work with campus staff and faculty.

Types of Student Employment

Regular Student Employment

Jobs for students who do or do not qualify for financial aid. These jobs are open to all students who meet the eligibility requirements.

Federal Work Study (FWS) Employment

FWS is awarded as part of a student’s financial aid package based on demonstrated financial need. Students are eligible to earn up to the amount listed on their financial aid award letter, and part of their wages will be subsidized by the federal government. Job postings will note if they are a work study positions. Students who are not eligible for work study can apply for a regular student employment position or internship.

Community Service

Off-campus work study positions with off-campus agencies in the community.


Eligibility for Student Employment

Fall and Spring Semester

  • Students must be registered for a minimum of six credit hours.
  • Students must have a GPA of 2.0 or above if they are an undergraduate and a GPA of 3.0 or above if they are a graduate student.

Summer Semester

  • The student is enrolled in at least three credit hours during the summer semester; or
  • The student was enrolled as a student during the spring semester for a minimum of six semester hours; or
  • The student has indicated their intention to register for the fall semester for a minimum of six semester hours.
  • The student must have a GPA of 2.0 or above if they are an undergraduate and a GPA of 3.0 or above if they are a graduate student.

Payroll Information

  • Students in good academic standing generally work a maximum of 20 hours per week total at one or more jobs.
  • All students (including FWS) submit time sheets to their department and are paid via direct deposit on a semimonthly basis.
  • More information about student employee payroll and timesheets is available on the HRS website.
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