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May 07, 2010
Federal Work-Study Program
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Working a summer job is a great way to save money for the coming school year. If you qualify for the Federal Work-Study Program, you may be eligible for a work-study position over the summer months as well as during the school year.
What Is Work-Study?
Work-study is government money used to assist students in financing their higher education. Colleges and universities request work-study funds and administer the funds once they are allocated.
To qualify for work-study, you first need to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The amount of work-study money for which you are eligible will be included in your award letter.
Work-study is a form of employment assistance. Your paycheck will be given directly to you, so that you can use the money for things like tuition and books. You may also be able to have the money sent directly to your school. Check with your school and employer to learn more about your options.
Working on Campus
If you don’t know where to find a work-study job, your school's financial aid office should be able to guide you in the right direction. Many colleges provide information on their websites. You should also check message boards around campus. Friends and professors can be great resources, too.
Once you’ve found a job, the amount you earn cannot exceed the total work-study award you are eligible for. When assigning work hours, your employer will likely take your class schedule and academic progress into consideration.
If you have a work-study job, you will be paid at least minimum wage. Undergraduate students are paid by the hour. Graduate students are paid by the hour or by salary, depending on the job.
Some colleges may have restrictions on the amount of hours per week that you can work. Also, they may require you to maintain a certain grade point average to keep your work-study job. Check with your school for information about their specific work-study requirements.
Planning for the Future
If you are awarded work-study, you may be able to work during the summer months before your period of enrollment. Work-study is an opportunity for you to help meet the cost of your education through employment. If you don’t qualify for work-study, you may still be able to find work off campus and put money aside for the coming school year.
The best way to prepare for the year ahead is to budget. Think about your upcoming expenses (books, food, travel, entertainment) and estimate how much you will need to save over the summer. If you need help budgeting, start with our budget calculator and interactive budget worksheet (pdf, 0.34 MB).
