While the federal work-study program issmaller than many other financial aid programs, it can benefit students in anumber of ways. If you have received federal aid information that incorporatesa work-study program into the package, you probably have a lot of questions. Inthis article, we will talk about the program and how it works. This way, youcan be prepared ahead of time for what lies ahead.
What Is the Work-Study Program?
Work-study is a partially federally subsidizedprogram. Unlike grants or student loans, it provides part-time jobs to studentswho have demonstrated financial need on the FAFSA. Available to both part andfull-time students, work-study is available in undergraduate and graduateschools.
Currently, over 3400 colleges participate inthe program. The advantage to the school or employer is that they only need tofund half of a student's wages, and the government foots the bill for the rest.This means that eligible students are sought after more than employees whowould be paid for a similar position.
The jobs are most often offered right on thecampus where a student is enrolled, but occasionally, other local and stateagencies or organizations offer work-study positions. The program is designedto help students earn some money that will not impact the rest of theireligibility for federal aid.
What Kinds of Jobs Can I Get
Through Work-Study?
On the campus, work-study jobs are highlyvaried. There may be positions available in cleaning and maintenance of studenthousing, working in the dining hall, cashiering at the campus bookstore, andmany others. Ideally, you will be able to find a job somehow related to yourmajor, but this isn't always the case. For work-study jobs on campus, one mainadvantage is that you are already there, so there is no commute time, making itconvenient and relatively easy to get to your job.
Most off-campus jobs focus more on civicengagement, such as tutoring at a literacy program or conducting research for anon-profit. For employers off-campus, the position itself must be in the publicinterest, so you will be performing a task that is somehow beneficial to thecommunity or country. Most often, this will mean working in a government officeor institution, ideally within your field of study.
Will I Be Guaranteed a Job?
No. Just because you are eligible for theprogram does not guarantee you a position. If you do receive a work-studyaward, you will generally need to proceed as you would any other job. That is,you will need to apply and be ready to go for an interview.
It's important to note that jobs are usuallyquite limited, and they fill up fast. As soon as you get a work-study award,you should seek a position as quickly as possible.
What Can I Earn Through
Work-Study?
Pay for work-study jobs will always be atleast the federal minimum wage. However, depending upon the position, you mayearn more. Jobs requiring more specialized skills typically offer a higher wagethan general labor.
You should also be aware that when youparticipate in a work-study program, your work hours are capped at the amountof money that has been allotted by the award. There are no opportunities topick up extra hours or work overtime.
How Will I Get Paid?
Most undergraduate students will be paid bythe hour. Some graduate students will receive a salary. Federal regulationsrequire that your pay be dispersed at least once per month, although manystudents get paid weekly or every two weeks. You will receive a paycheck ordirect deposit into your bank account. You can typically request that yourearnings be deducted from your tuition or room and board, but you are notrequired to do so.
How Can I Use the Money?
Work-study earnings are not automatically appliedto your college expenses. You are free to use them however you wish.
Why Should I Take a Work-Study
Position Instead of a Regular Job?
There are some pros and cons to the work-studyprogram to be aware of, and each student will find their needs are different.For those who need a little extra cash, the program may be ideal. In additionto the convenience of being able to earn some pocket change right on campus,the funds will not count against you when it comes to your eligibility forfinancial aid in the future.
For students with more ambitious budgetingplans, a work-study program may not afford enough income to meet their goals.If you are trying to graduate debt-free, for example, you might be betterserved with a part-time job that pays more and provides more hours. However, itis essential to note that if you make too much money, it can impact youreligibility in the following years to receive financial aid.
It all comes down to each student's financialneeds and goals. Careful planning and decision making is in order so as not tocreate a financial hardship down the road.
Can I Lose My Eligibility?
All federal student aid programs require thatstudents continue to meet individual eligibility requirements. The work-studyprogram is no different. Each student must maintain Satisfactory AcademicProgress (SAP) if they want to continue receiving aid. The SAP guidelines varyfrom school to school, and the academic requirements are different at eachinstitution. You should always check to make sure you are maintaining your GPAif you want to stay eligible for any FAFSA program.
Final Thoughts
Participating in a work-study program canallow students to help offset some of the expenses they incur during the schoolyear. Typically, employers are more lenient and will understand that studentsmay have different scheduling needs during finals week or other projects.
If you are lucky enough to find a position that relates to your field of study, the program can be incredibly beneficial in helping you gain real-world experience and make meaningful connections.
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