Work-Study

Work-Study is a type of financial aid that is earned through part-time employment. It is not a grant (you must work to earn it) and it is not a loan (you do not need to repay it).

How do I apply for Work-Study?

The first step is to apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form or if you do not qualify to complete a FAFSA and are a Washington resident for at least one year  – complete the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA). The next step is to respond promptly to any request for information from the Financial Aid office. If completing a WASFA, you must have work authorization to work in the U.S. to be able to qualify for State Work-Study.

Who gets Work-Study funds?

A student may be eligible for Work-Study if their financial aid application determines that they have financial need.

What are my responsibilities as a Work-Study employee?

1. Search and apply for Work-Study jobs using Handshake, our online job board.
2. After finding a job, your supervisor will complete the new hire paperwork and seek approval from the Financial Aid Office to determine if you qualify for Work-Study.
3. Inform your supervisor of any changes in your award that may occur due to the following: dropping below 6 credit hours, withdrawing, aid suspension, etc.

How does Work-Study fit into my financial aid package?

Since work-study is financial aid, it must fit in your aid package and fills financial aid need. An important difference from other kinds of aid is that work-study is earned slowly throughout the academic year as you work, you will receive a paycheck for the time worked, while loan and grant funds disburse to your student account at the beginning of each quarter. Accepting work-study will give you the opportunity to seek subsidized employment to meet some of your expenses without increasing your student loan debt. All students with work-study can still look for a regular student employment job and earn wages from a non-work-study job in addition to all other aid you are receiving.

Tips for finding a student job

Check Handshake for available job openings, or contact employers directly to request an interview. Registered students may apply for both non Work-Study and Work-Study jobs. You are encouraged to seek a job relating to your major course of study, and/or high skill level jobs. It is a good opportunity to try out areas of employment that you find interesting. You will be earning money and building skills and experience for your resume, ideally in the field you are preparing to enter. You can make valuable contacts through working, which can provide references and an opportunity to network professionally.

Join Handshake

If this is your first time accessing Handshake, you may need to create an account. When searching for jobs, be sure to filter by "Work-Study."

Work-Study Basics

• To qualify, students must submit an approved FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid) with U.S. work authorization.
• Eligibility for Work-Study does not guarantee a job.
• Eligibility or an award may be cancelled or reduced according to funds available or changes in a student’s status or financial aid.
• Students can work up to 19 hours per week. However, most average 10-12 hours per week.
• Work-Study students are not eligible to work while on Financial Aid suspension or when not enrolled at least half-time (6 credits or more).
• Work-Study students are not authorized to work during class times.
• Work-Study students are generally not eligible to work during quarter breaks. However, with prior approval from Financial Aid and the supervisor, a student may be eligible to work up to 40 hours during breaks, excluding the break between spring and summer quarters.