<p>why $2650"</p>
<p>because this is the number the federal government has established as "protected income" for students. It could be used to pay incidental expenses that are not figured into the COA (cost of attendance).</p>
<p>Work study is part of your financial aid package because it's subsidized by the government. Employer pays half your pay, the government pays half. You'll get a paycheck and a W-2. Jobs are often on campus, or nearby, and flexible in terms of hours.</p>
<p>You use the money as you wish-- usually for miscellaneous expenses. Most college's Cost of Attendance estimates include a couple of categories for 'miscellaneous expenses' or 'travel' or 'books and supplies'. Your earnings can be used to defray some of those costs. Often, the work study earnings are the only part of the financial aid package that the student ever really has 'in-pocket'.</p>
<p>Work Study earnings must be reported to the IRS for tax purposes, but will not be counted against your eligibility when reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid .</p>