A number of grants, loans and other programs exist to help you find the financing required for today's colleges and universities. However, one of the best programs is the Work Study program. There are both federal and non-federal works study programs; each offers similar benefits and operates on a similar basis. This program is designed to provide financial aid to students in financial need and can be combined with other options to create a comprehensive financial aid package. In fact, a Work Study program can be used successfully with both loans and grants.
What is a work study program?
The Federal Work Study program (FWS) provides students with jobs in which their wages pay for education. These jobs may be in your course of study (directed towards your interests) or they may be in the service industry. In addition, the jobs may be on campus or off campus, depending on the number of available jobs, as well as the number of eligible applicants.
On Campus Positions – On campus jobs can be in almost any field, from office work to grounds keeping and maintenance. All efforts will be made to play applicants in an area similar to their course of study; however, due to large numbers of eligible students, this will not always be possible. Eligible students will be given a list of available jobs and told to indicate which would best match their interests. Once you have made your choices (choose multiple categories), you will be notified when a job becomes available. The more selections you make, the greater the likelihood that you will receive a job offer quickly.
After the offer is made, you will have to meet with your supervisor, department head, employer, etc. This interview will give you an in depth look at the position in which you are interested, as well as allowing both you and the employer to get a better feel for the fit you will make.
How are Funds Allocated?
You will be paid at least minimum wage for every hour worked. These wages will be used to supplement your other funding, including grants and school loans. The amount of your hourly wages will depend on the type of job performed; higher risk and higher pressure jobs will pay commensurate with skill required. However, you will be paid at least the federal minimum wage. In addition, raises are available for many positions, though this is dependent on other factors, such as length of employment, performance and other factors.
What Type of Off-Campus Jobs Can I Find?
You'll find several different options if you must take a job off-campus. All jobs must be in the service sector or through nonprofit organizations. The exact list of organizations and companies will be available from your school and will vary depending on your geographic area, as well as your skill set/course of study.
How Many Hours Can I Work? Can I Make Extra Money?
Most Work Study programs only authorize 10-15 hours of work each week; though this will vary with position, course of study and other conditions. Work Study hours are designed to provide students with the flexibility they need to focus on their studies. Your earnings cannot exceed the amount awarded through the Federal Work Study Program; your school will track the amount you have earned, though it is your responsibility to inform your employer when you can no longer work.
Nonfederal Work Study
If you do not qualify for the Federal Work Study Program, your school may offer other options. These will be provided through the school most of the time, though community organizations can also offer help. Taking an on-campus position offers you more flexibility than other options.
It is important to note that any earnings under non-FWS are considered taxable income and, as such, must be counted in your FAFSA, and will play a role in dictating grants and loans. Your exact pay will be determined by the position you choose at your school or offered by an off-campus organization. Remember that your employer will set your hours as they see fit, though they will take your studies into consideration when scheduling your hours.
Nonfederal work study is not funded by the federal government as FWS is. Individual participating schools set aside a certain amount of funds for students who wish to work to help pay for tuition and do not qualify for FWS; however, funding is limited and these jobs will go on a first come, first served basis. It is vital to alert your school as soon as possible that you are interested in working to supplement any grants to pay for your education.
How Do I Apply for the FWS Program?
Applying for the Federal Work Study Program is very simple. You simply have to note it on your FAFSA form. You will be notified of the amount awarded to you in your awards letter from your school. It is important to understand how much has been awarded to you per enrollment year, as well as how much is available to you on per quarter, semester, trimester, etc. This amount will dictate how much you are able to work, as well as how much additional funding is required to pay for your education.
You can obtain a copy of the FAFSA through your high school guidance counselor or through the Internet. Electronic submission of the FAFSA results in faster response times, through email notification. However, for those without Internet access, traditional mail options are available; an awards letter will be mailed by the school after evaluation.
Notes on FWS
The Federal Work Study program is awarded on an "as needed" basis. This means that those in the most financial need will receive awards first, followed by those in lesser need. It is important to provide all financial related material during your FAFSA submission to ensure you are awarded the correct amount of funding through FSEOG, FWS, Pell Grant, ACG and other grant programs.
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