<p>I never had work study so I am not so sure how it works. My university gave me about $2700 in WS as part of the financial aid package. If I keep this money for personal expenses, does that mean I still have to pay $2700 to the college? Can I use this money to pay for my EFC?
Basically, does the college expect me to use this money to pay for the COA or do I get to pocket the money?</p>
<p>Thank you!
Im sorry if this has already been discussed.</p>
<p>My understanding is that Work Study is an opportunity for you to get a job that is partially funded by the gov. You have to get the job…you get the money. Don’t get a job, no money. Use it for whatever you need to use it for as it’s paid to you every 2 weeks (if you actually get a job).</p>
<p>At nearly all schools, the money you earn from work study will be deposited into your account for you to use as you wish. You should note that there is no guarantee that you will find a job or earn that much money. Besides, it is very likely that the bill will be due before your first paycheck. </p>
<p>Basically, add up tuition, fees, health insurance (if your college makes you buy it), room, and board. Subtract the amount of the grants and the loans you are getting from the aforementioned total. This remainder will the amount your family must pay the college for the year. (The other expenses (ie textbooks & transportation) still exist, but you don’t pay the school for those).</p>
<p>Right, but the school usually has some way to help you get that job- you are not left in the cold, desperately searching for something. Some schools prioritize giving w/s kids employment before the others who would just like to earn something. These are not always super fun jobs (some are,) but they are not difficult and there’s usually a way to easily work the job around your academic schedule.</p>
<p>^^ Also, they’re usually on-campus, and you don’t have to polish your resume, pound the pavement looking for work, sweat through high-pressure interviews, or buy a fancy work wardrobe. Most of the jobs are really easy, and since the college is the employer, bosses are understanding about class and test schedules.</p>
<p>OP, I’m a big fan of WS. The govt and the college are teaming up to give you a chance to earn some of the money you’ll need for college – money you don’t have to pay, and money you don’t have to borrow. </p>
<p>As soon as you get to campus, go check in with the Financial Aid Office. They should have a comprehensive list of the jobs available, any requirements (like having a particular major), and how to apply. Don’t wait too long, and pick several you might be interested in; the popular ones get filled fast. From there, it’s just like any other job: You show up and do your work, you get a paycheck.</p>
<p>You won’t be able to use it toward EFC because you won’t have earned it yet. But you can use it for other expenses you’ll be incurring at college – a book that’s not required till after midterms, a refill on your printer ink, shampoo and toothpaste, a college sweatshirt, tickets to the football game, heck, you can use it to buy pizza on Friday night.</p>
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<p>Both my kids have had workstudy the whole way through college (one is at a large state univ. the other at a small private college), both are issued a paycheck monthly. It is not deposited into an account, it’s just a check like you’d get from any employer.</p>
<p>Snowboard, many colleges figure your workstudy income will provide you with money for the “personal expenses” item in your overall cost-of-attendance. You may earn enough for that and also to pay for books, reduce your EFC, or whatever other purpose you want to put it too. It just depends on how much you want to work, how much you’re entitled to earn ($2700 in your case), and how much you need for walking-around-money.</p>
<p>Daughter also had WS all through her years. Most semesters she didn’t earn the total amount she was granted, because of her available hours. As others have said, she got a paycheck from the uni every two weeks and deposited it. It was easy for her to get these jobs, and another good thing about this program, maybe just social security was taken out? Not exactly sure about that, but I believe taxes weren’t taken.</p>
<p>D had work study during her 4 years at some great jobs. I think that it is important especially because it will help you build your resume for those all important internships. At her school, they preferred that you set up direct deposit, which how she was paid.</p>
<p>THe school will usually have jobs that are specifically earmarked for federal work study student (so students on work study /employment would not be able to apply for those positions).</p>
<p>But, we forgot to say, you can call the school’s FA office and ask any questions. Good luck.</p>
<p>
Work study income is taxable for federal and state income taxes (depending on the state) and has to be declared on a tax return (if the student has high enough income to have to file). But does not incur social security/medicare deductions like other earned income.</p>
<p>One additional benefit is that WS income does not impact the student’s EFC.</p>
<p>^^swimcatsmom, you’re correct that the income is taxable, but it’s often so low that the student will get a refund of taxes withheld. Of course, the student must file a return to get that refund.</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies, everyone! Is the hourly pay usually $8?
And I’ll call the FA office, too.</p>
<p>^ Depends on the job. I think $8 is the lowest rate. This is why w/s is great- relatively easy work, limited responsibilities, somewhat flexible hours, better pay than a min wage job. And, in some positions, you can still interact with friends, study, etc. Depends on what you take on.</p>
<p>My son found out during the summer that the jobs were posted online. Jobs were added frequently so it helps to check often. He managed to secure his lifeguard job before he even got to school. </p>
<p>You might want to check your school’s website.</p>
<p>Oh and by deposited into one’s account… I meant direct deposit to my bank account in my case. Sorry for the confusion!</p>
<p>I know it’s TERRIBLE form to quote yourself, but nonetheless I thought this old thread was pretty on-point. It will give you some idea of the types of jobs that WS students do:</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-life/810348-whats-your-work-study-job.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-life/810348-whats-your-work-study-job.html</a></p>