As a College Coach, one of the key aspects of my work is defining and explaining concepts to students and families that they are unlikely to hear anywhere other than within the college planning context. One of the most common concepts I help families understand is the Federal Work-Study job program. Most students and their parents aren’t quite sure what a work-study program is or if they are able to use it.

Many people confuse work-study programs with on-campus part-time jobs. While work-study may involve working in a campus role, there’s much more to it than that. An on-campus job, such as working in food services or the campus bookstore, is simply a part-time job in which you get paid for the time you work. Let’s explore how work-study is different.

Work-Study is Financial Aid

The work-study program is part of your financial aid package, so it is only available to students who demonstrate financial need. The work is paid by a combination of institution and federal funds.  Because the work is tied to funding, there are parameters that must be met:

• The student can only earn up to the amount awarded

• The work and funding available is limited to the school’s available financial aid dollars

• The college or university must be a Federal Work-Study Program participant

Students will be paid at least the federal minimum wage for their hours, and they’ll be paid directly in the form of a paycheck or direct deposit. Work-study is available for both undergraduate and graduate students, and part-time students can qualify for it as well as full-time students.

Work-Study MAY PROVIDE EXPERIENCE IN A Student’s Major

Students participating in work-study for financial aid will get the added benefit of gaining experience in their field of interest. While they can work on campus, the college’s local community may also have non-profit organizations or public agencies participating in the work-study program. Since the federal government is offsetting the wages, these organizations can take on needed employees without paying as much in labor costs.

Students participating in work-study will have an excellent opportunity to add skills to their résumé, grow their network, and get to know faculty better. Keep in mind that work-study is different from an internship. Internships may be paid or unpaid, and they are often part of the academic program and are designed to help a student gain experience while earning credit hours. Paid internships are funded entirely by the sponsoring organization or company. Students might be able to leverage the skills or networking connections they make in work-study to score a higher quality internship, so it’s important to optimize relationships within that environment.

Work-Study is Designed for Students

Students who work off-campus jobs may find themselves struggling to balance their work, study, and down time. Students may be able to earn more money working for a private employer, but that employer has needs that may not account for the student’s academic priorities. Of course, many companies in college towns are very accommodating to student workers, but the work-study program is specifically designed to prioritize the student’s academics.

Work-study programs account for the student’s class schedule, athletic or club schedule, and study time. Students are typically able to adjust their work around midterms and finals, and their hours overall are not so arduous that they would be intrusive to a well-rounded student life. If a student is participating in work-study with an off-campus employer, and there does seem to be some disconnect around scheduling, the financial aid office can get involved to make sure the employer understands the intentions of the program.

Does Your Student Qualify for Work-Study?

To find out if work-study is a possibility for your financial aid package, visit the college or university’s website, and speak with a financial aid advisor. Make sure to mark your interest on your financial aid application. Ask about work-study opportunities during your campus tour and interviews, and find out the procedures for applying for those positions so that you can get started with your work early in the semester.

If you’re struggling to navigate the financial aid process and determine what options are best for you, you don’t have to do it alone! Contact me to schedule your free strategy session, and we can talk about the avenues you should explore based on your unique circumstances.