Is work-study financial aid you can count on?
Do you repay it? No
You don't repay it — but you have to earn it, hours by hours.
Federal Work-Study is a program that lets you earn money through a part-time job, usually paid to you as a paycheck. It's not a grant (you must work for it) and not a loan (you don't repay it). It shouldn't be subtracted from your cost as if it were guaranteed aid.
Per year vs. per semester: The work-study figure is the most you can earn over the year — only if you get and keep the job.
What it looks like on your letter
Federal Work-StudyWork StudyFWSNot sure how this affects your price?
Decode your award letter and we'll separate real aid from loans automatically.
Decode my letter