<p>In the Federal Work Study Program, does the money a student earns go directly towards covering tuition? Or is it paid out directly to the student, allowing her to spend it (technically) however she wishes?</p>
<p>It gets applied to the student’s account (i.e., the current bill). If there is any left over, it gets paid to the student.</p>
<p>Student receives a paycheck, pays taxes, uses it for discretionary funds, does not get applied to university bill.</p>
<p>Actually, annasdad, work-study earnings are paid directly to the student as they work for and earn their monies. Just like a regular paycheck.</p>
<p>Student loans and merit awards are applied directly to the student’s account with any excess being refunded to the student once all bills are covered.</p>
<p>OP, work-study monies are not guaranteed. The student must find their own campus w/s job and be hired. Then they are paid bi-weekly according to the number of hours they’ve worked.</p>
<p>It gets paid as a paycheck …usually every two weeks. The student can either use it for day to day costs, or some kids are on a tuition payment plan so they have to use the money to make monthly tuition payments. </p>
<p>Work study earnings aren’t usually a lot (maybe $2000 per year…about $200 a month), so a student wouldn’t have a lot to put towards tuition, but some families need the student to pay as much as they can towards school costs. I know that one family on CC has their child deposit half of W/S earnings into the school acct every pay period.</p>
<p>I stand corrected.</p>
<p>Work study is indeed considered " work" and you get paid a paycheck just as you would if your job was not through work study. However, work study is also considered self help, and while you will file taxes on your earning just as with another job, the income will not be considered as available income when considering your financial aid need for the next year.</p>
<p>It actually depends. S was accepted to one college where his work study check could be applied directly to his account if he chose, and that amount could be deducted from the bill we’d have to pay when he started in fall. The one he is attending will pay him directly only.</p>
<p>Actually some colleges will allow students to have their WS checks sent direct deposit to their bursar’s account. The student needs to make this request. Not every school does this. </p>
<p>As noted, WS money is usually paid directly to the student.</p>
<p>Not to deviate, but I wonder how that would work if you didn’t work for the school. My work-study job is off campus and I get paid by the non-profit where I work, not the school. The U reimburses the non-profit with WS funds. Interesting.</p>
<p>Romani… Your paycheck would be sent to you. Or if your employer does it, could be direct deposit to your bank account.</p>
<p>If a school allows WS money to be sent to the bursar account, the student must elect to have that done…and the employer would need to have the set up to do this.</p>