QUE ES WORK-STUDY?

Content in collaboration with @LatinaTalksCollege

According to the Federal Student Aid website, Federal Work-Study provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. 

The program encourages community service work and is related to the student's course study.

Things to Note

It provides part-time employment while you are enrolled in school. 

It's available to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students with financial need. It's available to full-time or part-time students. 

How do I Know if My School Offers it?

Check with your school's financial aid office to find out if your school participates. 

or

Check your financial aid award letter for a column marked "work-study" with an amount allotted. 

Keep in mind that schools are the ones who determine which students should receive work-study as part of their broader financial aid package (which also includes loans and grants), and how much they can earn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. If I'm awarded work-study, am I guaranteed a job?

A. Nope! You will still need to find an appropriate opportunity, apply for it, and get hired. 

Q. How do I find a work-study job?

A. It depends on your school and the type of job you want. Some schools have an online job posting system. of, you might have to ask within your specific department, if you want to do research, for example. Oftentimes, career services or academic advising centers have more info too! 

Q. How much can students get paid for work-study jobs?

A. According to the Department of Education regulations, students employed in work-study jobs cannot make less than federal minimum wage and employees must adhere to state/local laws too! If a student works in an off-campus position, they are paid by their employer instead. 

Q. Do I have to spend this money on school-related items?

A. Nope! Students are allowed to determine how to spend their earnings: While many use this money for educational expenses, they are not required to do so. In this way, work-study is a lot like getting paid at any job.

Q. Can I get work-study every year as a student?

A. To stay eligible for these benefits, you must complete the FAFSA every year and submit it to your school. You may not be offered the same work-study grant as you were the year before. 

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