Work Study
Work study programs are jobs offered through the college financial aid office to help you earn money to pay for your education. The financial aid office will determine how many hours you are eligible to work according to your financial need and class load.
Common work study jobs include tutoring other students, or working in the college cafeteria, technology center, fitness center, bookstore or library. Some jobs will be based on your skills or academic program. Your wage depends on the job and your qualifications, but most students average about 15 hours a week and may earn $3,000 or more per year.
Work study is not considered income on the FAFSA. If you don't qualify for work study, check with the school's financial aid administrator about other on-campus jobs, or consider off-campus jobs.
The state work study program is open to undergraduates, graduate, and vocational students. It provides part time on-or off-campus jobs to help students pay the cost of their higher education.
Some work study positions can be structured as internships that allow students to learn as they earn by working in jobs directly related to their field of study. Internships may take place in both the public and private sectors.
Eligibility:
To be eligible for work study, the student must be:
- A Minnesota resident (includes eligible Minnesota Dream Act students with work authorization)
- Enrolled for at least six credit hours per term in a program leading to a degree, certificate, or diploma
Priority is given to students enrolled for the equivalent of 12 or more credits.
Award Determination:
The work study award is set by the financial aid office. The actual amount depends on the student's financial need and the amount of money the school has available for the program. On average, students earn about $1,903 per year in State Work-Study jobs
How to Apply:
All Minnesota public post secondary institutions and most private colleges participate. They select graduate and undergraduate students and arrange the employment. Contact the financial aid administrator at the school you attend or plan to attend.
The federal work study program is open to undergraduates, graduate, and vocational students. It provides part time on- or off-campus jobs to help students pay the cost of their higher education.
Eligibility:
To be eligible, the student must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
- Be enrolled in a program leading to a degree, certificate, or diploma; full-time students are given priority.
- Be either be registered with the Selective Service (for all males born on or after January 1, 1960, who are at least 18 and not currently on active duty in the Armed Forces), or sign a statement of registration status indicating that he is not required to register.
- Not have defaulted on a student loan.
- Not be convicted for the sale of illegal drugs while receiving federal financial aid.
Award Determination:
The actual amount depends on the student's financial need and the amount of money the school has available for the program. On average, students earned about $1,750 from Federal Work Study during the 2010-2011 academic year. Eligibility criteria for the federal program are in some cases more restrictive than standards for the state program.
How to Apply:
Contact the financial aid administrator at the school you attend or plan to attend.