Introduction | Grants | Loans | Work Study | Scholarships

Getting into College   › Introduction   › Your Career Goal   › Prerequisites   › Academically Prepared   › Select College   › Application Essentials   › Prepare and Apply   › Financial Aid   › Early Application

Work Study requires student to work in order to receive money for school. Federal Work-Study Program is a federally funded program that assists students in getting part-time jobs, to help them pay their school expenses. Students typically work ten to 15 hours per week but no more than 20.

The program encourages community service and work related to the recipient's course of study. Undergraduate students are paid by the hour. Federal Work-Study students may not be paid a commission or fee. The school must pay the student directly (unless the student provides other instructions) and at least monthly. Wages for the program must equal at least the current federal minimum wage but might be higher, depending on the type of work the student does and the skills required. The amount a student earns can't exceed the total FWS award. When assigning work hours, the employer or financial aid administrator will consider the student's award amount, class schedule, and academic progress.

Students who work on campus usually work for their school. The employer for students who work off-campus will usually be a private nonprofit organization or a public agency, and the work performed must be in the public interest.

Introduction | Grants | Loans | Work Study | Scholarships