Work Study at UNC: What's the Deal?

Right, so how does the work-study program at UNC work? I'm looking at financing options and this came up, but knowledge is pretty sketchy. Anyone shed some light on this for me?

The Work-Study program at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC Chapel Hill) is a form of federal financial aid. It's designed to help students earn money to pay for their college expenses through part-time employment, while also potentially gaining experience related to their area of study.

To qualify for Work-Study at UNC Chapel Hill, you need to:

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Be sure to include UNC Chapel Hill as one of your school choices on the FAFSA.

2. Indicate on the FAFSA that you are interested in Work-Study.

3. UNC Chapel Hill's Office of Scholarships and Student Aid will then determine your eligibility based on your financial need.

If you are granted Work-Study as part of your financial aid package, it's up to you to find a job that accepts Work-Study students. Jobs might be on-campus (for example, in the library or in a department relating to your major) or off-campus with an eligible nonprofit or public agency.

Once you start working, you'll be paid at least the federal minimum wage, but it could be higher depending on the type of work and your level of expertise. These earnings are generally not deducted from your financial aid package for the next academic year.

Remember, Work-Study is not guaranteed employment and it's possible that you might not find a job that you like, or any job at all. It could be beneficial to look at other part-time jobs on and around campus as well as other types of financial aid.

Hopefully this gives you a clearer picture of the program. Good luck with your financial planning!