Many or all companies we feature compensate us. Compensation and editorial research influence how products appear on a page. Student Loans How Work-Study Programs Help You Pay for College Updated Jul 17, 2025 4-min read Written by Jeff Gitlen, CEPF® Written by Jeff Gitlen, CEPF® Expertise: Student loans, personal loans, home loans, insurance, credit cards Jeff Gitlen, CEPF®, is the director of growth at LendEDU. He graduated from the Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics at the University of Delaware. Learn more about Jeff Gitlen, CEPF® Work-study is a financial aid program that allows eligible college students to earn money through part-time jobs while enrolled. It’s designed to help cover education-related expenses without increasing student loan debt. Funded by the federal government and participating schools, work-study jobs are typically on campus or with approved community employers. This guide explains how work-study works, who qualifies, and how to make the most of it. Table of Contents What is a work-study program? How work-study programs work Types of work-study jobs Pros and cons of work-study How to apply for work-study Tips to maximize work-study benefits Alternatives to work-study What is a work-study program? A work-study program provides part-time employment to students with financial need. Jobs are designed to accommodate class schedules and help students pay for college. The federal government and individual colleges or universities offer these programs. You earn hourly wages for hours worked, not a lump-sum award, so no repayment is involved. How work-study programs work To qualify, submit the FAFSA and indicate interest in work-study. If eligible, you’ll see a work-study offer in your financial aid package. The amount shown is the maximum you’re allowed to earn. You must apply for and secure a job through your school’s student employment portal. Most jobs pay at least minimum wage and offer flexible scheduling to accommodate classes. FeatureDetailsEligibilityBased on FAFSA submission and financial needWorking hoursTypically 10 to 20 per weekEarnings limitBased on awarded amountPay rateAt or above the federal minimum wagePayment methodPaid directly to the studentJob selectionStudents must apply for positions If you don’t earn the full amount awarded, the unused portion does not carry over or get reallocated. Types of work-study jobs Work-study jobs are on campus or with approved off-campus employers. Many roles are entry-level, but some can align with your major or other career goals. Job typeCommon rolesOn-campusLibrary assistant, lab tech, office aideOff-campusTutor, nonprofit assistant, community outreachCareer-alignedResearch assistant, peer mentor, IT supportGeneral supportFood service, gym attendant, bookstore clerk You must apply for open roles and may need a resume or an interview. Job listings are typically found via your school’s career center. Pros and cons of work-study Work-study offers flexibility and helps reduce loan dependence, but it has limitations. Evaluate your financial and academic needs before committing. Pros Doesn’t reduce future aid eligibility Flexible hours around class schedules Career-aligned roles are available Earned wages do not need to be repaid Convenient on-campus options Cons Earnings are capped Competition can be high with limited positions Some jobs are low-skill or low-paying For many students, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, especially if the job supports future career goals. How to apply for work-study You must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for federal work-study. On the application, there’s a question asking if you’re interested in work-study—make sure to answer “yes.” This signals to your school that you want to be evaluated for eligibility. Even if you qualify, work-study is not guaranteed. Some schools have limited funds and award work-study on a first-come, first-served basis. You can contact your school’s financial aid office to ask about availability if it’s not included in your aid offer. Here’s how the process typically works: Submit FAFSA and indicate interest in work-study programs Review your financial aid package to see if you’ve received an offer Accept the offer Apply for jobs through your school’s campus portal Complete any boarding steps required before you can begin working Applying early improves your chances, especially at schools with limited work-study funding. Tips to maximize work-study benefits Choose a job that supports your goals and use the earnings wisely. Managing your time and staying organized will help you succeed academically and financially. Here are a few ways to make your work-study experience more valuable: Apply early to access a wider range of job openings at your school Prioritize jobs tied to your major or field of interest Track your hours and earnings to avoid exceeding your award limit Use your earnings wisely, such as covering textbooks, transportation, or emergency expenses Communicate with your supervisor about scheduling during exams or midterms To explore job ideas, ask your school’s career center for recommendations tied to your major. Alternatives to work-study If you’re not eligible for work-study or your school doesn’t offer a position that fits your needs, there are other ways to earn money during college. Many students work part-time outside the work-study system, often in retail, food service, or campus-town businesses. Here are several alternatives to consider: Part-time jobs off-campus, such as retail, tutoring, or freelancing Paid internships during the academic year or summer Resident assistant (RA) roles, which often include free housing Campus assistantships, especially for graduate students Merit-based scholarships or departmental awards through your college Gig or remote work through platforms like Upwork or Fiverr Explore what’s available through your school’s job board or local listings to find a position that fits your schedule and financial goals.