What Is Work-Study? Definition, Benefits, and How To Qualify in 2025

Work-study is a form of financial aid that helps college students earn money with part-time jobs. If you qualify for the work-study program, you could put your wages toward books, housing, or other living expenses.

According to Sallie Mae's 2024 How America Pays for College report, 24% of students participated in work-study and earned an average of $1,615 each. While work-study earnings may not cover your full tuition bills, they can help lighten the financial burden of college and give you valuable work experience.

Here's what you need to know about work-study, from its definition to eligibility requirements and more.

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What is work-study?

The U.S. Department of Education offers several types of financial aid to help students pay for college, including grants, student loans, and the work-study program. Federal work-study provides part-time jobs to students with financial need so they can earn money for school.

“The federal government pays for a portion of the program, with the other funding coming from the college or employer,” explains Cathy Mueller, executive director of Mapping Your Future, a nonprofit that provides financial aid, college, and career services.

Work-study jobs may be on or off campus, and they're often related to your course of study or civic education. Some examples include research assistant, library assistant, and tutor. You can earn up to the amount specified in your financial aid award.

Qualifying for work-study doesn't always mean you get matched with a position, though. You'll often have to apply and interview for work-study jobs. Mueller also points out that work-study isn't an option at all schools.

“Not all colleges participate in the federal work-study program,” she says. Even if students are eligible, “they may not be offered a work-study job if their college doesn't participate [or] only has a limited amount of work-study funding available.”

How does work-study help students?

Work-study helps students pay for everyday college expenses, including books, meals, and transportation. By earning money while you study, you may not have to borrow as much in student loans.

Work-study jobs also tend to be flexible, letting you schedule your hours around your course schedule. Plus, many are located on campus, so you don't have to travel far to get to work.

These jobs are often related to community service or your course of study. A relevant job can enrich your learning with practical experience and help you gain professional skills.

“Work-study jobs can reinforce the student's educational program and career or vocational goals,” says Sarah Austin, a policy analyst at the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA).

You may also build meaningful relationships with faculty and peers through your work, who could provide reference letters when you apply for jobs after graduation.

How to qualify for work-study

Work-study is available to undergraduate and graduate students with financial need. Your eligibility is based on a few factors:

• Your financial need or family income
• If you received work-study funds the year before
• The amount of work-study funding your school has available

To put yourself in the running for work-study, you'll need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. The FAFSA typically opens on October 1 each year, and you must submit it for each year you want to receive aid.

The form asks for your personal and financial information, as well as your parents' information if you're a dependent student. You can access it by creating and logging in to your Federal Student Aid account at StudentAid.gov.

Schools rely on your FAFSA to put together your financial aid package. If you qualify for work-study, your financial aid award letter will specify the maximum amount you can earn.

Work-study vs. regular part-time jobs

If you're looking to earn money while you pursue your degree, both a work-study position and a regular part-time job could help. However, there are some key differences between the two.

First, your school must offer you work-study before you can participate, a decision it makes based on available funding and your FAFSA. There's a cap on how much money you can make with work-study.

A regular part-time job doesn't have these constraints. You might find a job at a restaurant, store, or other company near campus that lets you take on more hours or earn higher wages.

“A regular part-time job is not limited in that way, but a student may want to limit the hours they work so it doesn't impact their academic performance,” says Mueller. A regular job also may not offer the same flexibility around your academic schedule or be related to your course of study. Plus, you'll have to report wages you earn from a regular job in next year's FAFSA, which could reduce your financial need.

Your work-study income won't count toward your total income in the FAFSA, so it won't impact your financial aid eligibility the following year. Weighing the pros and cons of work-study jobs and regular jobs can help you choose between the two.

Tips for making the most of the work-study program

The work-study program can empower you to earn money and gain professional skills. To make the most of it, start by applying early. Funds are limited, so the sooner you submit the FAFSA, the better.

If you receive a work-study award, look for jobs related to your major or long-term career goals. By working in a relevant field, you'll gain valuable experience and build out your resume while you're still in school.

“Students should consider the different jobs available and try to find one that aligns with their program of study,” says Mueller. “For example, a student pursuing a biology degree might want to seek a job in a campus medical lab.”

Finally, use your earnings wisely to cover essential expenses, such as textbooks, meals, and housing. Budget your work-study income carefully so you can pay for everyday expenses and reduce the amount you need to borrow in student loans.