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Work Study Program 

What You Need To Know About The Federal Work Study Program.

Federal work study programs are need-based financial aid programs.  They provide students with the opportunity to work part-time while attending school. The employer under the program pays only part of the student's wages, and the rest is subsidized by federal funds.  Work study students are able to find jobs, and therefore reduce their loan debt by earning part of their financial aid allocation. 

The Federal work study program is a program only for certain financial aid recipients.  Under this program, the Federal government will pay from 50 to 100 percent of the wages for an eligible student, which makes it easier for an employer to offer the student a job. 

In order to be eligible for work study, students must meet certain requirements:

·         Be a full-time student

·         Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

·         Indicate interest in a work study program on their FAFSA

·         Qualify for federal aid based on their FAFSA

·         Receive a financial aid award listing Federal work study jobs

·         Apply for posted work study jobs or create a position of particular interest 

Many students in the work study program participate in campus work study, which is offered by the particular college or university they are attending.  Students in a work study program may even be able to work in a career-related job either at their educational institution, or in the private sector. While some universities do not promote private sector employment for work study, students may want to look into that option if it may be beneficial to their career plans. 

Since the Federal work study program has strict rules for student and employer eligibility, most colleges and universities establish forms and procedures.  Be certain to find out about these requirements at the institution you will be attending. 

How To Apply For The Work Study Program 

If you want to apply for work study, you must fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You should apply before April 2 each year to ensure the availability of funds for work study. You need to indicate that you are interested in work study on your data sheet.  If you are eligible, you will receive a Notice of Award letter from the Student Financial Services Office.  If work study is not listed as an award on your letter, you may want to consider calling the Student Financial Services Office to investigate your eligibility. 

What To Expect From Work Study 

There are a few things that you should expect from your experience:

·         There is a limit, or earnings ceiling, to how much you can earn from your work study. This is determined by the financial aid office.

·         You must use all of your earnings for college expenses.

·         You need to keep a record of all your work study wages, deductions, and work-related expenses.

·         You will have to pay taxes on your wages.

Financial, Tax and Legal Disclosures

NextStudent does not offer tax, legal or investment advice.  Nothing contained herein is intended to serve as tax, legal or investment advice.  We urge you to consult with experts in these fields before taking any action based on the information contained on our site.