Office of Student Aid : Parents of Students : Parent Newsletter

Penn State Office of Student Aid Parent Newsletter
Volume 5, Issue 2--June 2007

Federal Work-Study Q & A

The Federal Work-Study program is a federally funded, need-based employment program awarded to qualifying undergraduate and graduate students. Jobs are available at all Penn State campuses and provide students with employment opportunities that may match their educational interests. Though average weekly schedules are ten to fifteen hours, students may work up to twenty hours a week. Students who indicate their interest in Work-Study on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are considered for the program when student financial aid awards are made.

What Is Federal Work-Study?

The Federal Work-Study program provides jobs for qualifying students with financial need, earning them money for educational expenses. While the program encourages work that is related to each student’s course of study, students can work in any area. Work-Study is earned as the student works, so it cannot be deducted from the tuition bill.

How much do students make?

Federal regulations mandate that students earn at least the current federal minimum wage. At Penn State, the hourly wage is $8.50 for all undergraduate Federal Work-Study students and $10.00 for all America Reads and graduate Federal Work-Study students for the 2007-08 academic year. Students can earn up to the amount listed on their Student Aid Summary (available to students on eLion).

How are students paid?

Work-Study students are paid by the hour with wages deposited into their checking/savings accounts every two weeks. Submitting falsified time cards is considered fraud against the University and the federal government; legal action may be taken against the employee or employer.

How do students find out what jobs are available?

Job listings are available on eLion, with positions and contacts listed by campus and department. Students must contact the employer, complete an application, and interview with the department for which they want to work. Students who are planning to use their Work-Study but have not secured employment by the second week of the semester must utilize the "Work-Study Extension" option from the "Students" menu on eLion to avoid cancellation of the award.

Will my student be able to study while he or she is working?

Typically, students do not have the opportunity to study during work hours.

Are there non-Work-Study jobs on campus?

If your student was not awarded Federal Work-Study, he or she may still be able to work on campus. Wage payroll positions (similar to Federal Work-Study), are available at most Penn State campuses.