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As a parent, you may want your student to gain work experience and a paycheck during college, but there’s always the concern of lost study time. Federal Work-Study is a need-based financial aid program that allows your student to work part-time to help pay for college, but also provides flexible hours and, in most cases, an opportunity to study on the job. Plus, when your student applies for financial aid the following year, the money earned through this program isn't used to determine financial need.

To be considered for Federal Work-Study, be sure your student indicates interest in this program on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Funds for this program are limited, so it is important to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible. If your student is eligible, the college will list the amount available to be earned on the financial aid award letter. If your student has been awarded Federal Work-Study, they will probably receive a packet of information with an award letter, explaining how the program works. Make sure to read all the information received. Each college may have different rules. Here are some important questions your student should ask:

Will I be assigned a Federal Work-Study job, or do I have to find a job on my own?
Where can I find a list of Federal Work-Study jobs?
When should I start looking for a job?
How do I apply for a Federal Work-Study job?
How often will I receive a paycheck?
If I can't find a job, what should I do?
How many hours do I need to work to earn the amount I have been awarded?

Once a job has been found, your student will receive a paycheck for the hours worked. If your student does not work enough hours, all of the funds originally awarded may not be earned. The money earned through the Federal Work-Study program is paid directly to the student.

In addition to the financial benefits, there are other reasons to consider a Federal Work-Study job. Working on campus allows your child to meet other students, network with teachers and administrators, and may even provide the opportunity to gain career experience. Money earned from a Federal Work-Study job will not be counted as income when the student completes the next year’s FAFSA.

If your student decides not to work while in college, let the financial aid office know. Keep in mind, even if your student doesn’t accept the Federal Work-Study award, most colleges will not increase the other financial aid awards.

Since eligibility for the Federal Work-Study program is limited, and is based on need, your student may not qualify to participate in this program. If your student is still interested in working on campus, the college may be able to offer other employment opportunities. Have your student check with the financial aid office to see if other student employment is available. Since this type of employment would not be financial aid, your student may be directed to a different office on campus, such as Student Employment or Human Resources. Money earned from these jobs will be counted as income on the next year’s FAFSA.

Additional information regarding Federal Work-Study is available online via the Funding Education Beyond High School publication, provided by the U.S. Department of Education.