Work-Study?

Question

When you do work study, does the employer have to pay anything or is your wage covered by the work study program. If they do have to contribute how much exactly. I'm not getting any hours at work..and trying to see if my employer may let me use my unused work-study.

Answer 1

Off-campus empolyers can use work study students.....BUT, they have to be a non-profit company, sign a contract with the college and pay a percentage (I think 25%) of the wage themselves.  That's why most work study positions are on-campus.

Answer 2

Work study is usually work done through specific school work positions.  For example, Computer department or Janitorial  staff.

Answer 3

Work study is a job you get (usually on campus) through the school.  If you are employed somewhere else, you can't earn your work study money through them.  Find a job on your schools employment website.  One that is designated as "Work Study".

Answer 4

Wow... a work-study question!  These are my favorite.  I've run a few of these programs in my day.  :-)

Whether an employer has to pay depends on the employer and how your school runs their programs.  To be certain your best bet is to talk to financial aid or whoever is the work-study coordinator who can answer this question for you.

If you work on campus, the school pays the employer share of the work-study funding.  You usually do not have to worry about this.

If you work off-campus with a group other than your school it will depend.  Non-profit companies usually have to pay between 25-33% of the work-study earnings, unless your school does cover these expenses.  Some schools with bigger budgets will do this because it helps you work in a degree-related (required for off-campus employment) work setting and most non-profits cannot afford to pay even these smaller expenses.

You can work for a private company as well, but they are usually required to pay between 50-58% of the earnings.  They must also employ you in a position related to your degree studies.  Most schools that I am aware of will not offer to cover this employer share.  Still a good gig for a private company.  Cheap labor.