<p>Anyone granted work study, and if so, how much was indicated you would earn? What is the hourly pay rate? (Work study amounts varied at schools I applied.)</p>
<p>My son was offered a couple thousand of work study, but he did not accept it.</p>
<p>The hourly rate is pretty standard from college to college, I believe- I think it is in the $9 range.</p>
<p>A couple of thousand -does that mean $2000 for the entire year? At nine dollars an hour it would mean working about 7 hours per week? ( I have another child at a LAC that pays $7.50 per hour for work study.)<br>
When he didn’t accept it, was any change made to the financial award?</p>
<p>The following comments are not specific to UVa:</p>
<p>If you turn down work study, a college does not offer you alternative funding. </p>
<p>I believe a student could choose to do less work study than they are offered, or could ask that they not do it the first semester. Many students only want to do work study after they finish their first semester, after they have adjusted to college.</p>
<p>Most colleges offer around $2,000 to $3,000 for the entire year. A large portion of the cost is paid for by the Federal government, so the funding is limited. There often are other college jobs or jobs with vendors available if a student wants to work additional hours.</p>
<p>With work study jobs, some are popular and some are not. I know in other colleges, they said the student has to apply for the job and be selected. Colleges often maintain an online list. The good ones go fast, and may go to older students. One college said the first year’s are assigned to dining services. The library circulation desk jobs are the cushiest, because you can often study while you are being paid.</p>
<p>A lot of students choose to work off-grounds to make money as well. The benefit of work study is that it is tax-free and goes straight to your tuition. The downsides are that the jobs elsewhere could get you more hours or better pay or be more enjoyable.</p>
<p>I don’t know anything about UVa’s process, but at many other colleges, the work study money is paid directly to the student, and not as a credit on any bills. Therefore, I’m guessing under that arrangement it is taxable, but apparently it does not count against next year’s financial aid.</p>
<p>Here’s UVa’s work study policies.</p>
<p>[U.Va</a>. Financial Aid - Work Study](<a href=“http://www.virginia.edu/financialaid/workstudy.php]U.Va”>http://www.virginia.edu/financialaid/workstudy.php)</p>
<p>Hazelorb, you’ve provided much great advice, but I think I need to correct you in this one case. I believe the link says work study is paid directly to the student by UVa, and it is taxable.</p>
<p>Interesting, my roommate did not have taxed work study when she received it in 2009-2010 school year so maybe they have changed their policies.</p>