Trying to figure out how you will pay for college? There are all sorts of programs available from the U.S. Department of Education to help you do that. But you also want to make sure that you don't borrow so much that you are left with crushing debt upon graduation. Luckily, there are some options.
Federal Work-Study Program
Did you know that they can also help you get a job to earn extra money? It’s true!
It’s called the Federal Work-Study program, and it provides part time jobs for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students with financial need, whether they are attending school full- or part-time. Not all schools participate in the program, so you should check with their financial aid office.
How Much Will I Make?
How much you make at these jobs is based on, at least, the current federal minimum wage, but also depends on
- When you apply;
- Your level of financial need; and
- How much money the school was awarded for the program by the Department of Education
Your wages will be paid directly to you (unless you instruct them otherwise), at least once a month, and by the hour (undergraduate) or either by the hour or salaried, depending on the work you do (graduate or professional school).
Bear in mind that the job is part-time, so the hours are limited. In this case it is limited by your Federal Work-Study award, while work hours are assigned in light of your class schedule and academic progress.
Where Would I Work?
The jobs themselves involve employment in civic education and work related to your course of study, whenever possible. The employers will either be
- On campus, in which you will usually work for the school;
- Off campus, where the employer is usually a private, non-profit organization or public agency; or
- Off campus, where the employer is a private, for profit companies, but the jobs will be relevant to your course of study.
Just like Perkins loans and FSEOG Grants, funds available are limited to what s awarded to the school by the Department of Education, so it is best that you apply as early as possible.
More Information
If you are looking for more information about federal financial aid for college, then download my free book, Applying for Federal Financial Aid: The Definitive Guide for Students and Parents.
For more information about what happens after you graduate, get my free book, I Graduated; Now What? A Guide to Dealing with Your Student Loans.
You can also access the latest news on student loans, get answers to Frequently Asked Questions, and read articles in my Library. Continue to educate yourself as you go through the process of making smart decisions about college financing!
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