What is Work Study?
Work Study is a financial aid program that allows an undergraduate or graduate student to work on-campus or with approved off-campus employers to earn money to pay for college expenses. Work Study is not a grant (you must work to earn it), and it is not a loan (you don’t have to repay it). It is a federal or state funded program with matching funds from Western Washington University. Being awarded work study with financial aid can help a student be eligible for part-time jobs, both on- and off-campus, that they may not have otherwise been eligible for. Employers love hiring work study students! The Work Study program encourages employment in community service and in fields related to your major of study. Rather than automatically being applied towards housing or tuition expenses, Work Study earnings may be used for whatever expenses you have. Your earnings will depend on where you work and the type of work that you perform. Work study earnings are considered taxable income, but unlike
Work-study is a form of financial aid. This program provides jobs for students who need to supplement their earnings. Students are paid for work they perform at on-campus or off-campus jobs. Students who are eligible for the program must be enrolled at least half-time. More information about the work-study program and job openings is available in our Financial Aid Office. Return to top.
Work-Study is a federally-subsidized hourly wage job program. For example, if a department pays you $10/hr., it costs their budget a net of $5/hr. There are three advantages for the Work-Study student: 1. The subsidy makes you are a highly sought-after employee. 2. Work-Study earnings do not count against your aid eligibility when you fill out next year’s FAFSA. 3. Work-Study gives you the opportunity to earn part of your college costs rather than increase your loans. The less debt you graduate with, the more choices you’ll have in life.
