<p>Is it REQUIRED to do work-study? What if i've already got a job outside of campus, how does this work? Would i lose some financial aid award if i don't do work-study?</p>
<p>you dont have to do it. if you dont do your workstudy you just pay 2500$ more in tuition/fees.</p>
<p>Work study jobs are optional. You don't get that money unless you get a work study job and you earn it. Any old job does not qualify - it has to be designated "work study" by USC. If you qualify for a work study job (it will say on your financial aid statement) there are certain advantages. Work-study wages are not counted towards next year's student contribution for financial aid, which is better for you when you fill out the FAFSA, etc. You can earn up to the amount they specify - anything over that counts as regular wages as far as the financial aid forms go. As for the jobs themselves, there are lots of them, and many different types. There is always a job fair on campus at the beginning of school - everyone I know was able to get some kind of job if they wanted one. I know people who waited to get a job later in the semester, or waited until 2nd semester, and they still found jobs no problem. Sometimes you can get a work study job in your field of study - like I work part-time in an engineering lab - so you can get some good experience and make money at the same time. Since work study is government subsidized, preference for many jobs on campus is given to work study eligible students - cheaper for USC. You can spend your work study money however you want - but the assumption is that you will spend it on school related costs. You don't have to account to anyone for how you spend the money you earn in a work study job. You get a paycheck just like any other job.</p>
<p>And Campus cruiser will advertise that they have the highest starting pay for work study, but don't believe it.</p>