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Work study programs allow undergrad and grad students to earn some money towards their college expenses. Students get the benefits of work experience and also can pay for college in a way they can manage.
Work study eligibility means meeting the following three requirements:
- You must be enrolled in a full-time or part-time program in a college or an accredited vocational school that is a participant in the Federal Work-Study Program.
- Additionally, you must demonstrate financial need. This is calculated based on family’s household size, parents’ income and assets for dependent students, student’s assets for independent students, and number of dependent family members enrolled in post-secondary programs.
- Only students who complete and submit the FAFSA or Free Application for Federal Student Aid are eligible to apply.
Important Things to Know About Work Study Programs
If you are interested in earning money through a work study program, you must find out if the college you are applying to participates in the program. Additionally, each Work-Study program has specific guidelines and requirements.
- There is a limit to the number of hours you can work every week. You cannot earn an income that is more than the total Federal Work-Study awarded to you.
- Your class schedule and your academic progress are two factors that your school’s financial aid office or employer will use to determine how many hours of work to assign to you.
- To continue working through this program, students must maintain satisfactory academic progress. This shows that you are capable of juggling work and school work successfully.
- A work study program allows students to gain experience on two levels. The experience can be vital to students with financial situations that require them to work to pay tuition. If your university offers a school-to-work program and you are in need of a financial solution, consider looking into the program.
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