<p>I am a little confused about USC's federal work-study program. I was awarded $2500.00 for the federal work-study program for the entire year. On the financial aid website it states that, "You will not be able to use your Work-Study award to pay your university bill. The bill is due before the semester begins, but you must earn your Work-Study funds over the course of the semester." Does this mean that I still have to pay the $2500.00 (Or half of that for the first semester) from my own pockets before the start of the school year? </p>
<p>Yes, unfortunately, that’s how it works. Usually - work study helps cover out of pocket expenses for food, books, incidentals, personal expenses. It’s like having a term-time job. In order to get it you have to locate a job on campus that takes it (there will be a fair on campus where people come to interview you or you can put in an application. Or you can search on your student portal when you get it.</p>
<p>Then you are paid an hourly rate like any other job up to the max amount you were awarded. Sometimes you can negotiate for more as in the case of one of my daughters. So if you work 10 hours a week at $10 an hour, you’ll get a check for approx $100 less social security I think. If you work more you’ll get more. If you don’t work, then the money isn’t moved to the next semester, it’s lost.</p>
<p>But yes - if your bill for tuition and fees still has a balance after grants and loans are deducted - you have to pay what is left out of pocket or through a private loan. But I think, really, most times work study is to help you earn spending money while on campus.</p>