Work-Study

What is Work-Study?

Work-Study is a need-based financial aid program that encourages students to work on campus or with approved off-campus employers to earn money for their educational expenses.

It is not a guarantee of work or wages; students must apply and be hired for a job. You can learn more about job opportunities, how to get a job, and more on the Student Employment website.

Eligibility

Work-Study eligibility is determined each year by the information provided on the student’sFree Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA). All undergraduate students who apply for need-based financial aid are automatically considered for work-study.

Award Types

Eligible students will see work-study included on their Financial Aid Offer Letter on mySeattleU as either ‘Federal Work-Study' or ‘Federal/State Work-Study'.

• Federal Work-Study is a federal financial aid program and is awarded to students who file a FAFSA and have financial need. Students can be employed in on-campus positions and select off-campus community service positions through the Center for Community Engagement.
• State Work-Study is a Washington state financial aid program and is awarded to WA state residents who file a FAFSA or WAFSA and have financial need. Students can be employed in approved on-campus or off-campus positions.

***WA state residents can participate in either program.

Accepting/Declining Award

Work-study is automatically accepted on the Financial Aid Offer; no action is required by students to accept the award.

To participate in the program, students need to apply and be hired for a position. Visit Student Employment to learn more about finding and applying to on-campus jobs!

Students who want to decline their award may use the Financial Aid revision Request Form. To reduce their work-study to make room in their budget for other types of aid (such as a private loan or Parent PLUS Loan) should reach out to their assigned financial aid counselor.

Award Amount

Students can find their award amounts in their financial aid offer letter.

Most students do not need to monitor their earnings from work-study. If a student exceeds their work-study award and is not eligible for an increase, they will be paid from institutional funding.

However, students who work for the Center for Community Engagement or approved off-campus employers must monitor their earnings, as work-study is the only source of funding available.

Earnings

Work-study is earned through wages that are paid directly to the student for hours worked via a paycheck every two weeks. The money is not applied to the student account; a student may choose to make a payment with their earnings.