By Kelly Lucas
Summer Reporter

When filling out the federal students aid forms, skipping the federal work study box on the form may cost students some valuable benefits.

The federal work study program provides jobs for college students with financial need, allowing them to earn money for college expenses. Students must qualify for federal work study and the award is based on financial need, the time the student applies and the funding level of the college the student will be attending.

"Work study is awarded to those with the highest financial need," said Joyce Hall, director of the Division of Financial Aid. However, she said work study awards are sometimes offered to students who are just interested in working.

Hall said all students need to do is check the work study box on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to apply.

According to Hall, once students have qualified, they may obtain a job either on-campus or off-campus, as long as it is a not-for-profit agency. Hall said some students work in the residence halls, elementary schools, the Lafayette Adult Reading Academy and much more.

Hall said numerous work study jobs are listed on SSINFO — a Web site where students can find academic information — and students need to obtain a job by mid-semester or the award may be taken away.

If students forget to apply for work study on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form, Hall said they can visit the Division of Financial Aid and a financial aid adviser can help them try to obtain a work study award.

Hall said work study awards become available around September when students who were granted awards do not find jobs.

All work study students are paid the federal minimum wage, but they may be paid more. The employer benefits because when they hire a work study student, the employer pays 30 percent of the student's wage and the government pays the remaining 70 percent.

Hall said the work study program benefits students as well as employers.

She said students will be given the opportunity to gain valuable work experience as well as earn money to help pay for college expenses.

Students must reapply for federal work study awards each year. "Once a student has received it one year, we try to make sure they get it the next year as well," said Hall.

For more information on the work study program, visit the Division of Financial Aid office on the third floor of Schleman Hall or call 765-494-5050.