Federal Work Study

Work Study

This federally funded financial aid program enables students to earn money toward college expenses by working on campus, in the government, or in selected nonprofit agencies serving the community. Students may work up to twenty hours a week while classes are in session and receive a monthly paycheck (based on an hourly wage) that they can use for educational expenses.

Applicants must complete a FAFSA and have an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) no greater than $12,000 to qualify. Federal Work Study funding is very limited, and is typically exhausted very quickly. At this time there is no waiting list for students who were eligible but not awarded Work Study funds.

Undergraduates must enroll in 6 credit hours or more for Work Study employment. Graduate students must enroll in 5 credit hours or more for Work Study employment. Students awarded Work Study must present a Certificate of Eligibility (available in the Office of Student Financial Aid) to their employer. Work Study jobs are listed in the Career Connect section of the Career Center web site.

Off-campus Work-study positions are available with government and community service agencies who have signed a contract with PSU to provide Work Study employment for PSU students. These positions are also listed through the Career Center.

Students may also be eligible to earn Work Study funds during Summer term if they are awarded Work Study for the upcoming award year, the funds of which can be applied to summer. If you have been awarded 2013/2014 Federal Work Study, have accepted it and are enrolled at least half time for Fall 2013, complete a request to begin using your work study in Summer 2013: Summer Work Study Request Form