If you accept work study and don’t end up working, do you still have to pay all that money back? Or do you not get the money?
You don’t get any money until you do the work and earn it.
Just curious, why are you thinking of not working? Are you worried you won’t have time?
Yes, work study is not like a grant that you get up front. If you qualify for it you find a work study specific job on campus and earn a paycheck for the hours you work. You can earn up to the full work study award amount for the year, but you can work less.
Work study earnings don’t have FICA taxes taken out and won’t count against your EFC on FAFSA.
The college is usually accommodating regarding student schedules and finals.