When applying to college, you have some big decisions to make. First and foremost you’ll have to decide where you want to attend, but you’ll also have to figure out how you will pay for it! If you plan to look into getting some financial assistance, you’re not alone, as many students choose to see what aid they qualify for. This is done by completing and submitting a FAFSA form, which helps them determine what grants, scholarships, loans, and work study opportunities they qualify for.
In this article, we’re going to delve a little deeper into one of these forms of financial aid--the federal work study program. If you’d like to know a little bit more about this program, and how it can benefit your situation, keep reading because we’re going to discuss:
- What the federal work study program is and how you can apply to it
- How to qualify for work study
- What types of jobs are available with work study
- The pros and cons of federal work study
What is Federal Work Study?
More information about what the federal work study program is
If you’re reading this blog post, chances are you’re looking for a little more information about financial aid for college, and specifically about the federal work study program. Originally a part of the 1964 Economic Opportunity Act, the federal work study program was designed to help lower-income students pay their way through school. It is one of the earliest forms of financial assistance, and through the decades has been amended and made available to all students that complete the FAFSA form. The amount of financial aid that you can qualify for is based on the total cost of attendance of your school (including tuition, room and board, books, etc.) minus your expected family contribution (EFC). Along with grants, scholarships, and loans, work study is available to students as long as they qualify, and their school supports the program.
The work study program gives students the opportunity to work part-time while they attend classes, allowing them to help finance their education while gaining work skills in the process. Sometimes the work is related to your course of study, allowing you to make valuable contacts with professors and other leaders in your field, which can be very beneficial in the future.
How Can You Apply to Federal Work Study?
What’s the best way to apply to the federal work study program?
In order to be considered for the federal work study program, you will have to complete a FAFSA form. Once this is submitted to your school(s) that you’ve applied to, they will take the information you’ve provided on the form and determine the amount of financial aid that you qualify for, which includes any work study opportunities. We’re always a big proponent of filing your FAFSA as soon as you’re able to, and if you’re especially interested in work study opportunities, you’ll definitely want to do this. Many work study jobs come on a first come first served basis, which is why if this is something you’re interested in pursuing, you should make sure to get your FAFSA in early.
In order to be considered for a work study opportunity, the school where you are sending your information to with your FAFSA will also have to support that program. Schools have different funding levels to support federal work study, and typically these arrangements go out to those students that apply for them early. This is especially true of work study positions that are geared towards specific fields of study, or that closely work with a professor. So if you’re interested in work study, make sure to complete your FAFSA early, and note on your form that you’d like to be considered for work study opportunities. Stating that you’re open to work study as a form of financial aid, however, does not guarantee that you will be offered a part-time job with this program.
How Do You Know if You Qualify for Federal Work Study?
Ways you can qualify for federal work study assistance
In order to qualify for a work study position, the first thing you’ll need to do is complete your FAFSA form. Once the financial aid office of the school(s) you’re sending them to receive this information, they’ll determine the amount of financial assistance you qualify for. In order to be considered for a federal work study assignment you’ll need to be:
- A part-time or full-time student
- Undergraduate, graduate, or professional student
- Interested in part-time employment to help with the cost of your education
- Attending a school that participates in the program
After determining the total cost of attendance as well as what your family’s expected contribution is, the financial aid office will decide whether or not a work study arrangement is a part of your financial aid award. If it is, you’ll be paired with a work opportunity where you’ll be paid minimum wage to work either on campus for the school, or off campus at an approved institution. If you find that either your school does not participate in the program, or that you have not been awarded a work study opportunity, not to worry, you can still apply for part-time student jobs! There are other jobs on campus or off campus that are available to students that are not a part of the work study program where you can still earn some money towards your education.
What Kind of Jobs Are Available?
Where could you be working with a federal work study job?
If your financial aid award includes a work study opportunity, great! You’ll be able to earn money towards your education (or other expenses) while you attend classes. The types of jobs available to students vary between schools. But many colleges and universities seek to put students in positions where they can not only earn money, but gain valuable skills and insights as well. This can range from assisting a professor in a lab, being a teacher’s assistant, working in the cafeteria, or in the alumni office. Schools can also have work study agreements with institutions off campus that offer community work that’s in the public interest.
What job you’ll be assigned depends, although as we mentioned, the earlier you complete your FAFSA, the better chance you’ll have at perhaps being offered an opportunity in your field of study.
Work study jobs are all paid at least the federal minimum wage, which is typically done weekly, biweekly, or once per month. The school will pay you directly, and then you can determine where you’d like to allocate your funds--to everyday expenses, savings, or towards your tuition. Many students appreciate having spending cash from their work study positions, but if you’d like your money to be sent directly towards your educational expenses, you can contact your school and set up a direct deposit of funds to be applied towards your tuition.
It’s important to keep in mind that work study positions are all part-time, and there are a set number of hours you can work, based on your specific financial aid award. Work hours also depend on your course load for a specific semester, and if those hours will balance out with the time you need for your studies. If you should find that you need (or want) additional funds, you can also apply to other jobs either on campus or off campus.
Pros and Cons of Federal Work Study
What are the overall benefits and drawbacks to taking on a federal work study job?
One of the best parts about having a federal work study job is that it earns you money that you can put towards your education. Whether you choose to put it towards your tuition, or use it to buy books each semester, that money you’ve earned can be used to fund your educational expenses. You may also have the opportunity of working in your field, and gaining experience that can help you in the future. When you work at a federal work study job, you also have a boss that understands that your studies come first, and can adjust your work hours accordingly. Who knows, your supervisor might even end up being a great job or internship reference!
The only drawback to having a federal work study position is that it can start to take away the time you need to devote to your studies. If you find you’re having a hard time balancing both a job and busy class schedule, you may be at risk of falling behind on classes. Making sure you’re able to handle both your course load and a part-time job may take some adjustments on yours and your employer’s parts, but many students have made it work, and enjoyed the benefits.
If you’re interested in qualifying for a federal work study position, make sure to get your FAFSA submitted early! If it’s a part of your financial aid package, you’ll be able to take classes and put money towards your education, and we consider that a win-win!
Hero image courtesy of Inside Higher Ed.
