Work-Study Defined

Work-study is a need-based federal student aid program that allows you to earn money through part-time employment.

Work-Study is Not Mandatory

Your offer of work-study is an option to work, not a requirement.

If you choose not to work or work a non-work-study job, no additional action is needed. If you are eligible for work-study but do not want to use work-study funds in your position, please communicate this request with your employer to ensure they do not set you up with a work-study appointment. 

Keep in mind though there are several advantages to holding a work-study job. For example, many employers give preference when hiring to students who have work-study, and your work-study earnings are not counted as income on your FAFSA. If you work at a non-work-study job, you will need to report your earnings as income on your FAFSA.

Please note: This does NOT mean you are exempt from filing a federal or state tax return because you have earned work-study – it is still earned income and is treated as such.

Where to Find If You've Been Offered Work-Study

You can see if you have been offered work-study via MyUI and when looking at your Financial Aid Offer. If listed, it will show under the Other Resources for College Expenses section and will list the amount you are eligible to earn for the academic year.

If Offered Work-Study, You Still Need to Find a Job

To receive your offered Federal Work-Study funds, you need to earn them, which means you are responsible for finding a work-study job. The best place to find a job is on Handshake.

Work-Study Does Not Get Applied To Your U-Bill

Unlike other types of financial aid, work-study earnings are not applied directly to your University Bill (U-Bill). Students who are offered work-study receive the funds in a paycheck as they earn them, based on hours worked, just like a regular job. These earnings are meant to help with the day-to-day expenses that students have and are not meant to cover large costs like tuition and housing.