Work-Study Programs
Earn Money While You're in School
Federal Work-Study is a financial aid program that provides part-time employment opportunities for eligible students while they're enrolled in college, career school, or trade school.
If you qualify, Federal Work-Study may appear as part of your financial aid offer.
But work-study is different from a grant, scholarship, or student loan.
Work-Study Is Money You Earn
A work-study award isn't money automatically credited to your college bill.
You must find an eligible job, work the required hours, and earn the money through a paycheck.
How Do You Qualify for Work-Study?
Federal Work-Study is a need-based financial aid program.
To be considered, you must complete the FAFSA.
Your college determines whether you're eligible based on factors that include your financial need and the amount of work-study funding the school has available.
Not every college participates in Federal Work-Study, and funding is limited.
If you're interested in work-study, complete the FAFSA as early as possible and check with your college's financial aid office about availability.
An Award Doesn't Guarantee a Job
Seeing Federal Work-Study on your financial aid offer means you're eligible to earn up to the amount offered through an eligible work-study job.
It doesn't guarantee that you'll receive that money.
At many schools, students must:
- Accept the work-study award.
- Search for available positions.
- Apply for a job.
- Complete an interview or hiring process.
- Work the required hours.
- Receive wages for the hours worked.
Work-study positions can be limited, so begin looking for jobs early.
Check with your college's financial aid office or student employment office to learn how the process works at your school.
Where Can You Work?
Work-study jobs may be available on or off campus.
Positions vary by school and may include jobs in:
- Academic departments
- Libraries
- Campus offices
- Research programs
- Student services
- Recreation or athletics
- Community organizations
- Nonprofit organizations
- Other approved employers
When possible, Federal Work-Study encourages employment related to your course of study or community service.
Look beyond the paycheck when considering positions. A work-study job may also be an opportunity to build skills and gain experience related to your future career.
How Do You Get Paid?
Work-study earnings are generally paid directly to you through a regular paycheck rather than being provided upfront with your other financial aid.
You'll earn money based on the hours you work and your rate of pay.
Your total earnings are limited by your work-study award.
For example:
If your financial aid offer includes $3,000 in Federal Work-Study, you don't automatically receive $3,000.
You can earn up to $3,000 through your eligible work-study job.
Your school determines your work schedule based on factors that include your award, class schedule, and academic progress.
How Can You Use the Money?
Work-study earnings can help with everyday education and living expenses such as:
- Books and supplies
- Food
- Transportation
- Personal expenses
- Housing
- Other education-related costs
Because you earn the money throughout the semester, don't automatically count your entire work-study award as money available to pay a bill that's due before the semester begins.
Some schools may allow students to direct work-study earnings toward billed expenses. Check with your college if you're interested in that option.
Work-Study and Your Financial Aid Offer
Don't Treat Work-Study Like a Grant
This distinction becomes especially important when comparing financial aid offers.
Consider an offer that includes:
- $5,000 in grants and scholarships
- $3,000 in Federal Work-Study
- $5,500 in student loans
Those three types of aid work very differently.
Grants and scholarships reduce costs without requiring you to work for the money.
Work-study gives you the opportunity to earn money through employment.
Student loans are borrowed money that must be repaid with interest.
When determining how much a college will actually cost you, don't subtract work-study from your upfront college bill as though it were a scholarship or grant.
Learn How to Compare Financial Aid Offers →
Benefits of Work-Study
Federal Work-Study can provide benefits beyond your paycheck.
Gain Work Experience
A work-study position can help you develop:
- Workplace skills
- Professional references
- Experience for your resume
- Connections with faculty and staff
- Experience related to your career interests
Work Around Your Classes
Work-study jobs are part time, and employers are expected to consider your class schedule when arranging work hours.
Work Close to School
Many positions are located on campus, which can make employment easier to manage without additional transportation.
Protect Future Financial Aid Eligibility
Federal Work-Study earnings receive special treatment in the federal student aid process and aren't counted as regular student income when your school calculates your future federal aid offer.
Keep Academics First
Work-study is designed to help you earn money while continuing your education.
Your employer and college should consider your academic schedule when determining your work hours.
You'll also need to maintain your school's requirements for satisfactory academic progress to remain eligible for federal student aid, including Federal Work-Study.
If work begins interfering with your classes or academic progress, talk with your supervisor and financial aid office about your schedule.
If You Don't Receive Work-Study
Not receiving Federal Work-Study doesn't mean you can't work while attending college.
Many schools offer other part-time student employment opportunities that aren't connected to the Federal Work-Study Program.
You can also explore employment in the surrounding community.
A part-time job can still help you:
- Cover everyday expenses
- Reduce the amount you need to borrow
- Build work experience
- Develop professional skills
Check with your college's student employment or career services office for opportunities.
Make Work Part of Your Financial Plan
Work-study can be a valuable part of your plan to pay for college—but understand what the award actually represents.
It's an opportunity to earn money, not guaranteed money toward your bill.
When reviewing your financial aid offer, separate:
Money you don't repay — Scholarships and grants
Money you earn — Work-study and employment
Money you borrow — Student loans
Understanding the difference will give you a much clearer picture of what college will actually cost and how you'll cover it.
Learn About Scholarships & Grants →
Compare Financial Aid Offers →
