What Makes a Federal Work Study Great for College Students

Today, we want to speak to you about a GREAT opportunity for you that awaits you during your college education. Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a federally funded program that provides undergraduate and graduate students with part-time jobs. For students who are ready to start college in particular, there are a lot of new responsibilities you are about to take on. Looking into federal work-study is more than not; it is a very overlooked great opportunity. You can earn money in these programs while gaining helpful work experience. 

For students attending college here in Buffalo and throughout Western New York, it can also be a great way to become more connected to campus and the local community. That’s what Send Your Kids to College is here to help you with!

In this blog, we will explain why a federal work-study is a great opportunity for college students to take advantage of and how it helps with financial aid.

Explaining How a Federal Work-Study Works

As we said, a federal work-study is a form of financial aid program that provides students with a part-time job (for those with demonstrated financial need). In order to be considered for this program, you have to complete a FAFSA application. This will allow colleges to determine your eligibility. Send Your Kids to College has a great FAFSA page for you to learn more!

It should be noted that federal work-study is not a kind of loan program. Students are going to earn the money they get from their job and nothing more. It is also not credited automatically to a tuition bill. The U.S. Department of Education notes that earnings are intended to help students with day-to-day expenses such as transportation, food, and supplies. To learn more, read on the student aid government website!

Why Students Should Consider Entering This Program

Earning Money While in School

College costs are rising every year for the things you have to pay for. This program is going to allow you to make the money you will need and more to pay for your everyday expenses. At the University at Buffalo, eligible students receive an hourly wage and a paycheck biweekly. UB also pays you out directly instead of applying it to your student account. Read more about their work-study program here!

Building Up Your Real-World Experience

For any student who works a job during their classes, this is a great first step to gaining good experience. Depending on the kind of job it is and your position, you are going to develop a lot of great skills. These positions in a federal work-study also can help connect students to other interests and career goals they might have.

If anyone is reading this who is planning on attending or is currently at Canisius University in Buffalo, you can work in research, lab positions, administrative work, and the university says that they make sure to include students in jobs related to their academic and vocational goals. Read more on their website here! 

Concerns With Class Schedules and Assignments

We know that students and even parents there’s a concern to be had with knowing if this program is worth it in the first place, since it will affect your school schedule and class assignments. A federal work-study is only part-time, and your schedule will be structured in advance to accommodate your academics. At the University of Buffalo, they make sure to give you a reasonable schedule and reward you with funds that will last through the whole year.

Getting You More Connected With Your Campus and Other Students

One of the great things about attending college is that you get to meet so many new people and make great connections. The University of Buffalo talks about how on-campus employment in a position can increase your engagement with the campus and help students greatly. It is also very convenient for students since you don’t need a car to get around; it’s all easily accessible and eliminates additional commute time.

A Smart Part of the College Plan

For families getting their kids ready to transition into college, a federal work-study program is a great idea to consider along with other parts of financial aid you can receive, like grants, loans, and scholarships. There’s a lot of good that can be attained from getting involved in a part-time position, and we can’t recommend it enough.

For those of you who are attending universities here in Buffalo and Western New York, whether they are SUNY or otherwise, the best step you can take in this circumstance is to look at all the policies that come with a federal work-study and the available jobs that are listed. Not every college is going to have what you’re looking for, so read carefully! 

If you have any questions for us about this topic and want to learn more, give us a call or reach out through our contact form, and we will get back to you as soon as we can!

Federal Work-Study FAQ

Can a Federal Work-Study help me get more involved on campus?

Like any form of circumstance that can get you closer and more involved on campus, a federal work-study can also contribute to you meeting other students and faculty, becoming more connected to them and the community, and gaining great life experience outside of class and your academic studies.