Work-Study Pay Rate
Work-study jobs vary in qualifications and responsibilities, so the pay will depend on the job that you are hired to do.
How You Get Paid
Unlike most other forms of financial aid which are applied to your University Bill (U-Bill), the money you earn through work-study is paid directly to you. You will be paid on a bi-weekly basis and all student employment paychecks (including work-study) come from the University’s Payroll Office. Additional forms will be required of you once hired for a position.
Work-Study Earnings Are Taxable
Generally, work-study earnings are taxable, just like regular work earnings. However, students employed in student positions and enrolled at least half-time as University of Iowa undergraduate students are exempt from Social Security and Medicare tax, or FICA. For further details, please refer to student FICA information.
Use Your Earnings Wisely
Work-Study is money you earn, and you can spend it any way you want to. However, the best use of your money is to put it towards your college costs so that you lower your overall debt burden.
Earning Limitations
Your financial aid offer will have details about your federal work-study eligibility. Your work-study eligibility and hourly rate will determine how many hours you can work in an academic year before your work-study award is exhausted. You are not obligated to earn the full amount you were offered in work-study, but once you’ve earned all of your available funds, your employer will be responsible for 100% of your wages.