Thousands of students depend on work study programs to help fund their education, in conjunction with grants, loans and scholarship funds.

Federal and state work study programs allow students who demonstrate financial need to earn money through part-time work, often in their field of study. The size of each student's work study award depends on several factors: application time, level of need and each school's individual funding. Jobs openings range from working with professors within the campus community, to working off campus with a nonprofit agency or public bureau.

Of course, you can always apply for a job at the student center or the cafeteria, but why not gain relevant work experience while getting your degree? Federal and state work study is a win-win situation.

The common factor in work study jobs is that students must be working for the public interest in some capacity. Work study students are guaranteed to earn at least the federal minimum wage, and they often earn more, depending on their type of work, the required skills and each student's past experience in the field.

Applying for Work Study

Applying for the federal work study program is a cinch. As you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for federal financial aid, simply indicate in the appropriate area that you would like to be considered for work study assistance.