Work-Study Programs
Part of your financial aid package might be a federal or state work-study program. Work-study is a part-time job, usually somewhere on campus. The jobs are awarded based on your financial need.
About Work-Study
Work-study jobs vary from school to school, but the basic process is generally the same.
- You're paid directly by the school with a paycheck for the hours you worked.
- The money is not disbursed at the beginning of the semester like other types of financial aid.
- Earnings can be used for personal and miscellaneous expenses like books and supplies, rent, and food.
- Being awarded work-study doesn't guarantee you a job, so apply early. You might want to visit campus before classes start to look for job openings.
Benefits of Work-study
Besides the money you earn, a work-study position can give you additional benefits:
- You might be able to work at a job in your area of study for experience you can list on a resume.
- The money you earn doesn't limit your eligibility for future financial aid.
- On-campus jobs are flexible and can work around your class schedule.
- A job on campus is easy to get to and usually doesn't require a car.
