<p>Hi everybody, I am a bit confused about the typical student contribution that comes in colleges' financial aid packages. Say for example you have a student contribution of 2500. I know that it can be paid with a work-study program, so would you owe the college $2500? However, I understand that this amount includes the costs of books and transportation, so how would that diminish the amount of money you owe to the college? Thanks.</p>
<p>No, your student contribution is usually from summer earnings. Work study is not part of your student contribution. It is part of your actual need based package. You will not get any work study funding until you get a job. You are paid ~ every 2 weeks based on the # of hours that you work.</p>
<p>If you do not have your student contribution, there will be a short fall in your need based package , which the school will not make up. Some of the money from your student contribution you will need for start up cost; getting to school, books, supplies, laundry monies, pocket money.</p>