Student Jobs at CU Boulder
Types of student employment
Work-study jobs
Work-study is a type of financial aid based on your need that lets you earn money through part-time jobs. These jobs are just like regular jobs where you get paid and taxed. To qualify for work-study, you need to apply for financial aid, but not everyone who qualifies will get it. Instead of directly paying for your tuition, you’ll get your work-study money as a paycheck.
If you have work-study, you can apply for any on-campus student job. You can find jobs that are specifically labeled as work-study on Handshake, and some off-campus options as well. If you’re eligible, you can also apply for summer work-study jobs as long as you meet certain requirements. Learn more about work-study at CU Boulder.
Hourly jobs (non-work study)
Most students apply for hourly jobs, which are open to everyone—no FAFSA or work-study award needed. If a job doesn’t say “work-study required,” you can apply!


Did you know that CU Boulder offers more than 9,300 on-campus student jobs?
On-campus employment isn’t just for fall and spring—many positions are available during the summer as well! Review summer on-campus job openings.
Student job opportunities
On-campus employers who hire the most students:
FAQs
If you’re a current or incoming student, you can start using Handshake about 24 hours after enrolling in classes. Graduates from May 2017 and later probably already have an account set up. If you don’t have an active account, no worries—just email career@colorado.edu with your name, graduation year and degree, and we’ll help you get started!
You can apply for on-campus jobs year-round. Typically, more opportunities are available at the beginning of each semester.
On-campus jobs, like any other jobs, can be competitive. We recommend meeting with a career advisor, which you can schedule on Buff Portal Advising. Career advisors can review your resume and help you prepare for the interview process.
Check out our On-Campus Student Jobs collection!
You’ll need to be enrolled in classes to access Handshake. Once you’ve enrolled, your Handshake account will be ready within 24 hours. If you’re not enrolled yet, hang tight—your account will be waiting for you when the time comes!
You can apply for any on-campus job. Even if it doesn’t mention work-study, it can often be converted if the employer is a campus entity (e.g., a university department). For jobs that specifically prefer or require work-study, check out our Work-Study On-Campus Jobs collection on Handshake.
Yes! A key benefit of on-campus jobs is their flexibility, allowing you to work around your class schedule. We understand you’re a student first. Most students work 10–15 hours per week, with the option to work up to 25 hours.
Student hourly employees may work up to 25 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters, and up to 40 hours per week in the summer. Graduate and international students are limited to 20 hours per week during the academic year. Learn more about CU Boulder Student Employment Policies.
Resources
- Student employment forms: Find timesheets, schedule availability, work-study requests and more.
- Student employment policies: Check out full details on student employment policies, employer handbooks and more.
- Student employment eligibility: Review requirements, needed approvals and more.
- Internship credit: Discover how you can earn internship credit through your on-campus job.
- Career advising appointments: Schedule appointments in Buff Portal Advising to ask questions and get career help.
- Work-study information: Learn more about work-study eligibility, important dates and more.
- Handshake: Explore open job opportunities.