In a nutshell, this particular question on the FAFSA is asking if the student wants to be considered for the program, which means IF the student is offered work-study, he/she has the opportunity to accept or decline the offer. Not everyone is offered Work-Study as part of their financial aid award. The college decides who has the need for it and how much work study money they are awarded.
The next question usually, is, “What kind of job will I get?” There are lots of different work study jobs. Many work study jobs will be right on campus, but some could be off campus. For undergraduates, the jobs will likely be for hourly wages, but typically, the jobs are not too difficult. There are a number of different types of work-study jobs available on each college campus. When I was in college, I was a music major, and my work-study job was being a piano accompanist for lessons and recitals. For me, it was the PERFECT job! Many of my friends had jobs in the library or in food service. A friend of mine had a work-study job writing parking tickets for student/staff/visitors who were parked illegally, in lots where they were not supposed to be. Since he was a freshman, and also at a small college, his peers gave him a bad time about writing tickets on them, so he stopped writing tickets to avoid that peer pressure, and soon, he got fired from that job! He then actually ended up with a better job – covering the sign-in desk at the gym, where he often had time to do homework while getting paid on-the-job.
Some other on-campus work-study jobs might include Media Center Assistant, Office Assistant, Tour Guide/Admissions work, Marketing, an assistant in a particular academic department, Technology/IT, Tutor, Front Desk of a dorm or other building, Rec Center/Fitness Center worker, or research assistant. Off-campus work study jobs might include working at a Boys & Girls Club, a Food Bank, or other private non-profit organizations or public agencies.
Regardless of the job, you will be paid by the college, and it is up to you how you use the money. It can be used for incidental expenses, saved toward the next semester’s books or bill, or whatever you need to use it for.
What would I advise, you ask? I’d advise you to say “yes” to being considered for Work Study. If it’s offered to you as part of your Financial Aid package, you can always decline the offer if you don’t want or need it. If you do accept it, it could be a great experience and will definitely help you earn some extra cash. The total amount of money you can earn is limited to whatever you are awarded, but the experience of working and the opportunity to meet new people are both priceless!
Mary Joan - NW Iowa Student Success Centers
