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Work-Study Programs

Part of your financial aid package might be federal work-study program. Work-study is a part-time job, usually on campus. The jobs are determined based on your financial need.

About Work-Study

Work-study jobs vary from college to college, 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.
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