Understanding Federal Work-Study

Applying

At Penn State, there is not a separate application for Federal Work-Study.  All students who have submitted their FAFSA by the University’s recommended deadline and have indicated an interest in work-study on the FAFSA will be considered during initial awarding. Due to limited funding, not all students who are eligible will receive Work-Study.

Work-Study Offer

• Students offered Federal Work-Study will see the source in LionPATH in their Student Aid Summary.  Student Aid staff can view the offer on the student’s LionPATH account.
• Typical Federal Work-Study amounts are $3500/year for undergraduate students and $4000/year for graduate students. Students who receive Federal Work-Study for only fall or spring will typically receive $2000.
• Students need to make sure there are no 'Holds' or pending 'To-Do List' items in their LionPATH accounts, as these may restrict the availability of the funding. 
• Federal Work-Study, although part of a student’s aid package, are not disbursed into the student’s bursar account. Once a student obtains a work-study position, they will earn their funds in the form of a paycheck.  Work-study positions are paid according to a biweekly pay schedule.  The student’s earnings are directly deposited into their bank account. Students will only receive the portion of the Work-Study that they have earned.

Wages

Wages earned through work-study are reported as "Earned Income" on the FAFSA for the subsequent year and may be deducted as "Title IV exclusions."