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Work study is a federal financial aid program designed to help students with financial need earn money while attending school.
Your eligibility for this program is determined based on the information you provide in your FAFSA application.
While you can use your work study earnings for any expenses, the main purpose is to help cover tuition and other college-related costs.
Each school runs its own work study program, so the details can vary like for law schools not the same for them and engineering schools.
Often, work study jobs are available on campus, but some schools also partner with off-campus organizations or nonprofits to provide opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- Work study is a federal financial aid program for students with financial need, determined through the FAFSA.
- Positions are often on campus, align with your field of study, and accommodate your class schedule.
- Pay is at least federal minimum wage, with potential for higher wages based on the job’s complexity and skills required.
- Work study earnings do not affect your financial aid eligibility for the following year when reported correctly on the FAFSA.
- Apply early by completing the FAFSA, review your financial aid award letter, and secure a job that matches your interests and schedule.
- Benefits include relevant experience and proximity to campus, but limitations include low pay and no guaranteed job availability.
How Work Study Programs Operate
Work study is a financial aid program that provides part-time jobs to students with financial need, helping them earn money while in school.
Types of Work Study Jobs
Common roles include:
- Tour guide
- Campus bookstore employee
- Library assistant
- IT support staff
- Tutor
- Residence hall front desk assistant
Some positions might also be off-campus at nonprofits or community organizations that partner with the university.
Work Study Pros and Cons
- Relevant Experience: Aligns with your field of study, boosting your resume and future job prospects. Aligns with your field of study, boosting your resume and future job prospects.
- Flexible Scheduling: Jobs work around your class schedule.
- Less Competition: Limited to eligible students, reducing job market competition.
- Proximity to Campus: On-campus jobs save on commuting time and transportation costs.
- No Guarantee of a Job: Jobs are limited, and not all eligible students may secure one.
- Low Wages: Often pay minimum wage, which may not cover significant expenses.
- Added Stress: Managing school, work, and social life can be challenging.
How to Qualify for Work Study
| Requirement/Detail | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Eligibility Criteria | Demonstrated financial need through FAFSA. |
| Application Process | Complete FAFSA and indicate interest in work study by checking the designated box. |
| Student Status | Must be enrolled part-time or full-time (minimum of 2–3 classes per semester). |
| Award Letter | Lists the maximum work study amount you qualify for each semester. |
| Earning Potential | Actual earnings depend on hours worked; may be less than the maximum stated in the award. |
Work study is available only to students who demonstrate financial need.
To determine your eligibility, you’ll need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and check the box indicating your interest in work study.
The FAFSA will ask for your parents’ financial details, such as income and assets. If your university reviews the application and finds that your family cannot cover the full cost of attendance, you’ll be deemed eligible for work study.
In addition to financial need, you must maintain either part-time or full-time student status, typically by enrolling in at least two or three classes per semester.
Once your FAFSA is processed, your university will send you a financial aid award letter.
This letter includes the maximum amount of work study funding you qualify for each semester. However, the actual amount you earn may be less than the maximum stated.
Does Work Study Affect Your Financial Aid?
One key benefit of participating in a work study program is that the income you earn does not reduce your eligibility for financial aid in the following year.
When you complete your FAFSA for the next academic year, you’ll report your work study earnings on specific lines of the form.
For example, work study income (or your spouse’s, if applicable) should be included on lines 35 and 36.
However, you’ll also report this income under the “taxable earnings from need-based employment programs” section on line 40c.
This designation ensures that work study earnings are excluded from your total income when calculating financial aid eligibility, preserving your ability to qualify for aid.
How Much Does Work Study Pay?
Work study jobs pay at least the federal minimum wage, though many positions offer higher wages depending on the job and required skills.
Factors influencing your pay include your degree level, job type, responsibilities, and school-specific policies.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Wage | You’ll earn at least the federal minimum wage, with potential for higher pay based on the role. |
| Job Requirements | Jobs requiring specialized skills, such as research or lab assistant positions, often pay more. |
| Degree Level | – Undergraduate: Paid hourly. – Graduate: Paid hourly or salaried, depending on the role. |
| Job Type | Pay varies based on the complexity, required qualifications, and responsibilities of the job. |
| School Policies | Pay may depend on state minimum wage laws and funding levels of your college’s work study program. |
| Earnings Distribution | Schools typically issue paychecks monthly or more often. Students can request earnings to be applied to tuition, room, and board. |
| Work Hours | Your total allocated work study amount limits how many hours you can work during the term. |
| Weekly Schedule | Work study jobs are generally part-time, 10–20 hours a week, to accommodate your academic obligations. |
How to Apply for Work Study
If you’re interested in participating in a work study program, follow these steps:
Complete the FAFSA
To qualify for work study, you must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Since work study positions are in high demand, it’s best to submit your FAFSA as early as possible.
Typically, the FAFSA opens on October 1 each year for the upcoming school year, but for the 2025–26 academic year, it opened on November 21, 2024.
Review Your Award Letter
Once you’re accepted into a college, you’ll receive a financial aid award letter, usually in the spring.
This letter will indicate if you’re eligible for work study and specify the maximum amount of work study earnings available to you.
Search for a Job
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Some universities will assign you a work study job, while others require you to find one yourself, but that’s not a bad thing you can then find a side job to get even more earnings.
Explore available positions, apply for jobs that fit your skills and schedule, and choose a role that aligns with your interests.
Depending on your school’s policy, you may need to reapply for work study each semester or year.
