Work-Study FAQ's
What is work-study?
Work-study employment is a form of financial aid that a student earns in the form of a paycheck. The program is either federally funded or state funded. The funds are intended to help offset educational and living expenses. Wages are earned by working on campus or at an approved off-campus site.
Who can be a work-study employee?
Students are considered for work-study employment based on financial need. Eligibility is determined by a financial aid officer in the Financial Aid Office in Room B107. You must be enrolled Half Time and earn at least a 2.0 GPA each term.
How do I receive the money?
Unlike many forms of financial aid, the money goes directly to the student instead of to the institution. Funds are received in the form of a semi-monthly paycheck. All paychecks are based on a standard hourly wage and the number of hours worked for each pay period.
How much will I get paid?
All federal work-study employees receive a standard hourly rate. Currently the rate is $8.00 an hour. Approximate taxes will be deducted from your paycheck.
When can I begin working?
DO NOT begin working until a financial aid representative has instructed you to do so. Before you begin working you will need to hand in your completed Work-Study Eligibility Card with the necessary signatures and you will need to attend an orientation session for all new work-study employees.
How many hours can I work?
Work-Study employees are hired to work a maximum of 15 hours per week throughout the academic year. However, we recognize that there are some programs that require the student to work additional hours for eligibility purposes. Requests for additional hours must be submitted in writing to the Vice President of Enrollment Management/Student Services. This letter shall thoroughly explain the reasons for the request and also provide the proper documentation of the programs? requirements. The Vice President will review requests and determine additional hours on an individual case-by-case basis. All Work-Study students may also be permitted to work a maximum of 37.5 hours per week beginning one week after the last day of the spring term until the week prior to the start of the fall term. For students to be eligible, they must have the mutual consent of the Financial Aid Office and the site supervisor in order to pursue this option. Students must also be aware that working this number of hours in the summer will significantly reduce or eliminate the number of hours per week that may be worked during the fall, winter and spring terms.
Are current work-study employees guaranteed a position next year?
Each academic year begins a new process. Initial approval is for the remainder of that school year provided you continue to meet academic and enrollment guidelines each term (Half Time and a GPA of 2.0 or above each term.) It is recommended that you inquire about your position for the next year during the spring term.
For more information contact the Financial Aid Office at 610-607-6225.
Financial Aid Office hours:
Monday - Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.