Work-Study is a part-time job opportunity with the wages being used to help pay for college expenses. Students are awarded a Work-Study allocation which is the amount that they are able to earn throughout the academic year. Allocations are usually $2,500 a year with an average pay rate of $8.36/hour. Students are paid every other week by direct deposit to their personal bank accounts.

Colorado State has several types of Work-Study Programs available. The Need-Based Work-Study Programs include the Federal Work-Study Program and the State of Colorado Work-Study Program. As a part of the Federal Work-Study Program, Community Service Work-Study provides opportunities for students to work in local community service agencies and as America Reads tutors. Merit Work-Study is awarded without regard for need.