Work Study
What is work study?
Work study is a federal program in which the government provides part-time jobs for college students. Typically, work study programs will involve some form of community service or will relate to the student's area of study. How much does work study pay?
At the very least, you will make minimum wage. However, you could also earn more depending on your skills and the nature of the work. Other factors that may influence your work study award include individual financial need, when you apply, and the funding level of your institution. Will I be paid by the hour or receive a salary? That depends. Typically, undergraduates are paid by the hour. Graduate students are often paid by the hour but may receive a salary. In either case, you will be paid at least once a month, and the money will go to you directly. (In other words, money cannot be deducted from your wages to pay for tuition, fees, and housing without your consent.) Will I work on campus or off campus? Again, that depends. You might work on campus for your school or you might work for another employer off campus, usually a nonprofit organization or some other public agency. If you are employed off campus, however, the work must be considered "in the public interest" and should align with your area of study as much as possible. Can I work as much as I want? No. When you receive a work study award, you will also receive parameters on how much you can work. Work schedules vary, and individual schedules maybe adjusted based on other factors such as academic performance. For more information about work schedules, students should consult their school's financial aid administrator or their prospective employer. How do I apply for work study? To apply for work study, students will first need to fill-out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. FAFSAs take about an hour to complete and can be obtained and submitted online.
(Excerpted from "The Student Guide: Financial Aid from the U.S. Department of Education, 2003-2004.")
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