Are you looking for a program that will help you pay for your college expenses? Whether you are eligible for scholarships and grants or not, you might want to take a closer look at work-study programs. With the help of work-study programs, you can get help with paying your college expenses. But, what exactly are work-study programs and how can you become involved with one of these programs?

What are Work-Study Programs?

There are two general types of work-study programs you might become involved with: Federal Work Study (FWS) and non-Federal Work-Study (non-FWS) programs. In both programs, you are given an employment opportunity that compensates you by helping with your college expenses. Whenever possible, the job you are given will be within the field you are studying. In this way, you receive college assistance as well as valuable work experience that will help you after you graduate. In some cases, however, the job may not be related to your major, but may involve completing community service programs or other jobs that can still be of value.

How Do I Become Eligible for a Work-Study Program?

In order to be eligible for a Federal Work-Study program, you have to meet certain eligibility requirements. Therefore, you must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and possibly other documents related to financial aid programs before you can become eligible for a Federal Work-Study program. When completing the FAFSA, you need to mark “yes” to the question that asks if you are interested in student employment. This way, you will be contacted with information about available Federal Work-Study programs if you meet the necessary financial requirements.

To remain eligible for a Federal Work-Study program, you need to complete the FAFSA every year and demonstrate eligibility. In addition, the total amount of assistance you receive will depend upon your level of need, your application date and your school’s funding level. If funds are not available through the Federal Work-Study program, you might be put on a waiting list and will receive assistance when and if funding becomes available.

You do not need to demonstrate financial need in order to be eligible for a non-Federal Work-Study program. Therefore, if you do not quality for a Federal Work-Study program, it is in your best interest to ask your school about non-Federal Work-Study opportunities that it has available. In this case, you will generally work at an on-campus job that will help you offset your college expenses.

What Kind of Jobs are Available Through Work-Study Programs?

Whenever possible, Federal Work-Study programs will pair you with a job that is in line with your major. Still, the jobs available will depend upon the organizations and businesses within the school’s community. In most cases, jobs are with non-profit organizations or other public agencies that are responsible for serving the public interest. If you are eligible for the program, you will receive a letter giving you more information about Federal Work-Study jobs near your school of choice as well as the steps you need to take to get the job. In most cases, you will need to interview for the position, so be prepared to make a good impression on the employer at the job of your choice.

Non-Federal Work-Study programs will also pair you with employment that is related to your major whenever possible. But, since these jobs are generally offered on-campus, the selection is a little more restricted. Some typical jobs found in a Non-Federal Work-Study program include working within major departments, at the campus library and in dining services. You should check with either your major department or your school’s Career Services department in order to get a complete list of available positions.

How Much Can I Earn Through a Work-Study Program?

When working at a Federal Work Study program, you will earn at least minimum wage for every hour you work. The number of hours you can work, however, will be limited according to the amount of the award you received. In other words, the employer can only schedule you to work the number of hours it takes to meet the full amount of your work-study award. Fortunately, the money you earn through a Federal Work Study program is not included in your earnings when determining your financial aid eligibility each year. It is, however, considered to be taxable income.

When participating in a Non-Federal Work-Study program, your hours and earnings are limited according to the funding the school has available for the program. Like Federal Work-Study income, the money you earn through the Non-Federal Work-Study program is taxable income. In addition, the money you earn through the program is used when determining your eligibility for financial aid each year, so be sure to take this into consideration when deciding if a Non-Federal Work-Study program is right for you.