The work-study job is a part-time position offered by the federal work-study program. This government program in the United States funds part-time jobs for college students who need financial assistance while enrolled in college.
How do work-study jobs work?
The federal work-study program is part of the federal financial aid provided by the U.S. Department of Education. Work-study jobs are funded for undergraduate students, graduate students, and professional students who need financial support, allowing them to earn money to help cover their education expenses.
Students typically work in work-study jobs with flexible hours that do not interfere with their class schedules. There are limits on the number of hours students can work each week to ensure they have time to study and participate in school activities.
Types of institutions that participate in the federal financial aid program include four-year colleges and universities, two-year colleges (community colleges and junior colleges), and vocational schools (technical and trade schools). However, not all schools participate in federal financial aid programs.
Check with the financial aid office to see if your college or vocational school participates in the program. If it does participate and you qualify, the federal government will pay some or all of the wages you earn in a work-study job.
Example of a work-study job
A student may be awarded work-study funds as part of their financial aid package. Eligible students can apply for work-study jobs on campus (and possibly off-campus).
The student reviews job openings and applies for work-study positions through the college’s student employment portal, the financial aid office, or directly with campus administration. Jobs are frequently available in food services, campus offices, administration, and academic departments.
A student who wants to work flexible hours and does not have much experience, for example, might start with a job in food services. After the student completes the job application, an interview will be held with food services, and if hired, a work schedule will be set for them in food services or the dining hall that does not conflict with their class schedule.
How to apply for the federal work-study program
Applying for student financial aid
Unlike other campus jobs that are not work-study positions, you will apply for the program through the federal government rather than the college or vocational school you are attending. Since work-study is part of the student financial aid program, you cannot apply for it separately. It is part of the federal financial aid application process, and it is based on need. Both undergraduate and graduate students can apply for the program, whether they are full-time or part-time students.
You will need to submit an official application for federal financial aid to determine your eligibility for a work-study job. You can use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to apply for federal financial aid for your college, vocational school, or graduate school.
Note: Understanding how student financial aid is calculated can help you get an idea of the aid you will be eligible to receive and whether work-study jobs will be part of it. A federal financial aid estimator can help you calculate an estimate.
Eligibility Notification
You will be informed of your financial aid when you receive your award package from the school you are attending. Once it is confirmed that a work-study job is part of your financial aid package, you can apply for jobs through your school – typically through the student employment office.
Remember
This program does not guarantee you a job. Instead, it helps provide funding for your employment if you are hired.
Types of Work-Study Jobs
There are many work-study jobs available on campus, and there may also be off-campus jobs you can apply for. If it is an off-campus job, the work must be in the public interest (usually in a nonprofit organization or government agency) to be eligible to participate in the work-study program. Volunteer work and jobs related to your field of study are encouraged.
The types of work-study jobs available will depend on the university you attend, but they often include administrative, research, and office positions.
How to Apply for a Work-Study Job
In most participating institutions, you will need to apply, interview, and receive an offer just as you would with any other job. To have a greater array of job options available, it is important to apply early in the semester before the jobs are taken by others.
How to find and apply for jobs depends on the university you attend:
- Jobs may be listed on the general job site, with work-study jobs identified as such.
- Opportunities may be listed on the student employment site or the career services website.
- Departments and university offices may post vacancies on their website, and you can always stop by and inquire about available jobs.
Note: If you are unsure of the best way to apply, check with the financial aid office for information on where to find job listings and how to apply.
Pay for Work-Study Jobs
The determination of financial aid for students will provide information on the amount of your work-study award, which is the amount you will be able to earn each academic year through the program.
The federal minimum wage is the lowest rate that can be paid for a work-study job. If your state has a higher minimum wage, you will be paid at least that rate. You may be able to earn more based on your skills and qualifications for the job.
Undergraduate students are typically paid hourly, while professional and graduate students may be paid hourly or receive a salary, depending on the job. The number of hours you can work is determined by a set amount for each academic year, and your earnings cannot exceed the amount listed in your federal work-study award.
The total amount you will be able to earn depends on when you apply for the program, your level of need, and the level of funding at your school.
Alternatives to Work-Study Jobs
If you are not eligible for or cannot obtain a work-study job, there are other options available. Not all jobs on campus are work-study positions. You may be able to obtain a part-time job on campus through your school’s student employment office or be hired directly by a specific department. Check with your college’s student employment office or directly with the departments you wish to work in for details on what is available.
You may also consider a part-time job off-campus or an online job. Many companies are flexible and willing to work around a student’s schedule, especially in busy college towns, making job opportunities plentiful.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does it guarantee students a work-study job?
It does not guarantee work-study jobs. Obtaining a work-study job depends on financial need, whether you have used work-study funds in the previous year, and how much funding is available at your school for work-study jobs. It is important to apply as early as possible for available positions since funding is limited.
How much
Do work-study jobs pay?
Work-study jobs pay at least the current federal minimum wage. If your state has a higher minimum wage, it will be paid at a rate of at least that rate. Some jobs may pay more than the minimum wage, depending on the position.
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Sources:
- Federal Student Aid. “Federal Work-Study Jobs Help Students Earn Money to Pay for College or Career School.”
- Federal Student Aid. “Choosing a School.”
- Benefits.gov. “What is Federal Work-Study?”
- Federal Student Aid. “8 Things You Should Know About Federal Work-Study.”
- Federal Student Aid. “The Federal Work-Study Program.”
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/what-is-work-study-4174701
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