Federal Work Study Program: Does It Pay For College?

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

What kind of part-time jobs did you have when you were in college? Or if your students are already in college, what do they do to make money? Comment below!

[@iShootWild]

What's the difference between getting a part-time job on-campus/off-campus vs the Fed Work-Study? What are the benefits of Fed Work-Study other than the college employers being "nice" to these young kids? If you accept it, but found a better part-time job elsewhere (even off-campus), what will happen?

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

Federal work-study gives students priority to on-campus jobs. It is not a guarantee of a job, but would give them priority over non-work-study students. Work study employment is also not subject to FICA taxes...so there is some tax savings there too. Work Study is optional, so there is no requirement to take advantage of that opportunity. You can accept a better offer elsewhere.

[@iShootWild]

@@TheScholarshipSystem Thank you so much!

[@alannacamerl7530]

Do you get paid the amount granted to your school account along with getting paid the hourly rate of the position?

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

The work study amount is not guaranteed. It is an estimated amount the student will receive assuming the student can find a work-study job and works the hours necessary to earn the amount. The student receives a check and should be used for college expenses.

[@sarahsiegand]

I typed papers for people since I had a fancy word processor, and people didn't want to spend nights and weekends in the computer lab (before we all had computers!). I was also an RA.

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

Nice!

[@cerisesh]

I worked in the campus bakery. Early hours and laborious 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

Oh, I bet it smelled delicious though!

[@alejandravelasco7408]

If you decide to not take on work study do you have to pay that money since it become part of your tuition? Or does it just show you how much you would make doing work study im still confused :/

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

Yes. If you reject the work-study option or cannot find a work-study job, you will be responsible for that amount.

[@roshenamorgan1827]

I’m international and thinking about considering regular student employment . Can the regular student employment funds go towards tuition and other expenses for the academic year?

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

If you are an international student, you would need a valid work permit to be eligible for employment. Any funds you earn could be used for any general or academic expenses.

[@rebeccadierssen2529]

How do they actually get the money from the school? My son has worked at the university and accepted FWS. What if they don't actually earn the total amount?

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

Federal Work Study earnings are not guaranteed. Priority is given to FWS awardees for on campus jobs, however, they are competitive and not guaranteed. Students are paid directly and they are responsible for that money. Whether that is to pay tuition or other indirect costs of attendance.

[@connorjensen2784]

So why would I do work study and get paid $12/hr when I could just get a part time job that pays +$25/hr? It seems like a weird scam to me

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

Many work-study jobs are on campus and are convenient for students because work study students are given priority for employment and are given flexible work hours to accommodate class schedules and activities.

[@tyler1673]

If you can get any job that pays 25/hr or more you might not need a degree to begin with

[@cynthiaramos3594]

Is this the same as College Work Study credit? Also, do they get paid less per hour?

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

It can be - some school may word it differently - but it is typically called the Federal Work Study since the funding is derived federally. Students usually make around the minimum wage for that state, those schools have the ability to set the payrate as well. Some returning students may receive a higher rate, for example.

[@Medicalstudy711]

Can we get full fasfa? With FWS.

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

FWS depends on income. After applying for FAFSA you will find out if you qualify for FWS.