Federal Work-Study
Helping Ends Meet and More

Financial aid packages for college are typically a mix of grants and scholarships, which you don't have to pay back; loans, which you do; and Federal Work-Study, money that you earn through campus or community service employment during the academic year to help cover living expenses. As with all need-based financial aid, the first step in determining Work-Study eligibility is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after January 1 for entry that fall. Many colleges have specific deadlines for financial aid applications—often as early as February 15! So check with the financial aid offices at the schools you've selected to make sure you're on track. Remember, you will need to fill out the FAFSA every year!

If you are a full-time student and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who qualifies for federal financial aid based on the FAFSA, you will be notified by the financial aid office at your college that you are eligible for a Work-Study job. The federal government provides funds for Work-Study to each institution, which then has significant flexibility over the jobs and hours available and the pay offered (at least minimum wage but usually more). Many jobs are during the day, but there are evening options as well.

Studying comes first! So Work-Study is part-time employment, ranging from 10 to 20 hours a week and will be scheduled around your classes. The money you earn is paid directly to you, and how you use it is up to you.

Jobs On Campus
You're probably wondering what kind of work you'll be doing. The short answer is, "It depends!" Your Work-Study job options will be wide open, as students eligible for Work-Study usually have first pick of campus student jobs. Some positions require no experience, while others will specify minimum requirements. Common Work-Study jobs on campus include being an assistant in the library, computer lab, and campus offices; tutoring through the Learning Resource Center; serving as a lifeguard at the pool; or manning an information desk. Each college will have a range of opportunities that fit its needs.

Community Service Jobs
Service employment off campus is also a Work-Study option. At least 7% of Federal Work-Study funds at each college must go toward employment that benefits the community. America Reads is, therefore, one of the most popular partners with colleges for off-campus, Work-Study jobs. Many universities will pay students who commit to such service jobs a higher salary than for on-campus positions, since there will be travel time involved.

If you are considering a teaching or service career, an America Reads job at a local school or Head Start program might be a good fit for you. Keep in mind that it will be a real commitment. The school will depend upon you and, even more importantly, the children you work with will become attached to you and rely upon you to be there for them!

Benefits
The financial, work-experience, and résumé-building benefits of Work-Study are clear. When you apply for that first job after college, you will also have contacts for letters of recommendation. In addition, Work-Study can help you define your career interests. Some students have even switched majors based on what they have learned about themselves through a Work-Study job! If your college requires an internship related to your major for graduation, your Work-Study position might serve double duty. Check with your faculty advisor and job supervisor to see if that's possible.

Work-Study can open doors to friendships and connections, as well. You'll meet students outside your major and work as a colleague with faculty and staff. If you choose a community service job, you will also have the satisfaction of helping others.

You may have been thinking of Work-Study as a necessity to make ends meet. But, it can be so much more!

Editorial provided by Debbie Raines, Director of Financial Aid at Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia.