Federal Work-Study Program
What is Federal Work-Study?
Federal work-study provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need. Your financial aid award letter should tell you if you were awarded federal work-study money.
Federal Work-Study Program Details
Work-study programs are generally administered through your school’s financial aid office. If you are granted work-study, you will need to accept or decline the award on your financial aid award letter.
Remember that you will need to see your school’s work-study department well in advance of starting your job. There are generally tax forms and identification procedures that must take place before you can begin work and get paid.
Benefits of Work-Study Jobs
Many students find that work-study jobs are very flexible and can accommodate their class schedules. Your school’s work-study administrator generally has a list of available work-study jobs both on and off campus. Students are often able to select a job that will benefit their school or community, while at the same time developing skill sets for future employment.
Undergraduate students are paid hourly and pay must be at least minimum wage. Some jobs pay more per hour than minimum wage, depending on the skills involved. Graduate students can be paid either hourly or salary, depending on the position. Although your work-study earnings are limited to the amount granted to you on your award letter, the convenience and quality of work-study jobs is usually rated highly by students.
Examples of Common On Campus Work-Study Jobs:
- Library assistant
- Teacher’s assistant
- Intramural sports organization/referee
- Athletic assistant
- School tours and new student orientation aid
- Lab monitor
- Department aid
- Tutor
- Mentor
- Student activities coordinator
Examples of Common Off Campus Work-Study Jobs:
- Tutor
- After school program assistant
- Senior living assistant
- Non-profit organization worker
- Various other community service positions