Working is not a requirement for students; it is simply a good way to gain practical work experience and help cover educational or personal expenses. Through hiring and supervising student employees, you are helping them by providing the following:

• Students work in an environment suited to the student’s skills, preferences and possible career goals.
• The work schedule arranged by the student and employer works around the student’s class schedule. The student will not be asked to work during class periods and employers are flexible in allowing time off for studying for exams.
• Professional experience and contacts are developed. These can be valuable when beginning a career or applying to graduate school.

Students may be eligible for part time employment at Rice through Federal Work Study or Rice Work. To be eligible, undergraduate and graduate students must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours and 4.5 credit hours, respectively at Rice University as well as meet other program specific requirements.

Federal Work Study

Federal Work Study is a part-time employment program for students who have demonstrated financial need according to eligibility criteria set forth by the federal government. Students are limited to earning the dollar amount shown on their award letter.

Through Federal Work Study, 75% of the students’ wages are paid with a federal grant and 25% are paid by the department that employs them. The Office of Financial Aid does not pay any fringe.

• 75% G10004543 45300 OSP2
• 25% Department Budget

Rice Work

Rice Work, unlike Federal Work Study, is open to all Rice students regardless of need. Departments pay 100% of a student's wages under Rice Work. For additional information, click here.

International Students

F-1 or J-1 students may work on campus, but they must obtain the appropriate work authorization before starting to work. If a student works even one day before or after the authorization, he or she must leave the U.S. or face deportation. For more information, please see the Office of International Students and Scholars webpage. The Office of Financial Aid does not advise supervisors on this topic. Please contact the OISS at 713-348-6095.

Hiring a Student

Students may use the 12Twenty Job Board to view and apply for jobs whether the jobs are funded through Rice Work or Federal Work Study. Registered supervisors may view and hire applicants for posted positions.

Students being hired for the first time must also complete the Form I-9 and Form W-4. Students may not begin work, nor be paid until the Form I-9 is completed. The student's employment eligibility and I-9 status may be reviewed online through iO. Please contact the HR Service Center at 713-348-2232 or email people@rice.edu if you need assistance.

Caution: Students should self-report to you that they are recipients of Federal Work Study. Please ask the student to show you the printed financial aid award page from ESTHER that verifies the Federal Work Study award. Rice does not award any FWS during the summer semester.

Important Links

Useful links to forms, procedures and FAQs are listed below. If your question is not answered, please feel free to use the Student Employment Contact List or reach out to the Office of Financial Aid at fina@rice.edu.

• 2025 Annual Student Employment Workshop Part I
• 2025 Annual Student Employment Workshop Part II
• Student Employee Rights and Responsibilities
• Office of International Students and Scholars
• Student Employment Campus Contacts
• Supervisor Resources
• Payroll Resources
• FAQs

In addition, we hold an annual Student Employment Workshop in the beginning of the fall semester for supervisors. The link to the presentations are provided above.