What is work-study? Everything you need to know.

Tuition isn't the only expense students face during their busy college years. Part-time work can provide extra cash for daily necessities like food, transportation or school supplies. If you're eligible for a work-study job, you'll want to understand how to best utilize this opportunity to help you manage the costs of higher education.

What is work-study?

The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program enables undergraduate and graduate students to earn money and build their resume while enrolled at a college or university. Work-study jobs offer part-time hours designed to accommodate a student's class schedule.

The FWS program is also unique in that, unlike other forms of income, work-study payments are excluded from annual earnings when determining a student's future financial aid award. Additionally, work-study jobs can be a great way to explore potential careers before graduation. Many colleges and universities offer work-study jobs right on campus, but some positions could require commuting to an off-campus location.

How do you qualify for Federal Work-Study?

Work-study eligibility is one of several types of financial aid granted through federal government programs. To qualify, look for a question about your interest in work-study on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Even if you're unsure, you can still check "yes." Expressing an interest does not obligate you to work.

When you receive your financial aid offer, you'll find out if you're eligible. If you choose to accept a work-study position, you must meet academic eligibility criteria to remain qualified for the program.

How do you find a work-study job?

Once you're approved for work-study, the next step is finding a part-time job. Some colleges may match you with a particular on-campus position, but there's a good chance you may need to find your own job. While this takes some effort, it's great experience for future career searches. Try to cast a wide net and check out multiple sources.

• Attend on-campus job fairs at the beginning of the semester.
• Search online university job boards or student-focused job sites. Remember to tailor your search toward work-study-eligible positions.
• Stop by the career center or financial aid office and ask for a list of open work-study positions.
• To gain work experience in your major, check in with your professors or department head and ask about opportunities.

Types of work-study jobs

While work-study jobs may fall within your chosen field of study, they don't need to be related to your major. If you're simply looking to make money while in college, you may be happy to take whatever job fits best in your busy schedule.

On-campus work-study jobs may include tutoring other students, assisting a professor with research, working at the performing arts center or shelving books in the university library. If you can travel off-campus, consider jobs offered by a local government agency or a nonprofit. Off-campus work-study jobs may entail performing administrative work for a local government agency or assisting with fundraising at a nonprofit.

How much will you get paid?

While gaining real job experience helps build your resume, don't forget to consider the financial aspects of work-study programs. What is work-study going to pay? At a minimum, you'll receive the current federal minimum wage, or the minimum wage for the state or area you are working in if it's higher. There’s potential to earn more based on the position and work-study award. However, you are not allowed to earn more money than you have been awarded.

Undergraduate work-study jobs pay hourly. Typically, you'll work a set number of hours per week to ensure that you have enough time to study and attend class. Graduate work-study jobs may pay hourly or a salary, depending on the type of work.

How often will you get paid?

Work-study earnings must be paid at least once per month, and can be paid via direct deposit to your bank account or a physical paper check.

Because work-study pay counts as taxable income, you'll report the amount you earn on your tax return and your FAFSA form. However, unlike other part-time jobs, work-study earnings will not factor into your financial aid calculation for the next academic year.

Do you have to use your work-study earnings to pay for tuition?

In short, no. While you can use work-study funds to close any gap between your financial aid and tuition, you're not required to do so. Rather, you can spend your work study paycheck to cover the smaller expenses in your college budget. These smaller expenses may include items such as purchasing a laptop for school, grocery shopping or putting gas in your car to go to class.

Work-study is just one way to manage the cost of a college degree

Work-study jobs add resume-worthy experience and provide a means of financial support during your college years. If you're eligible for work-study, consider this source of funding as one of several ways to pay for college.

Like many students, you may need to balance multiple financial aid sources to manage the cost of obtaining a college degree. If you still have a funding gap after maximizing other financial aid resources, private student loans could help. With rate discounts and flexible repayment options, find the Citizens Student Loan™ that fits your life and budget.^†