Working Scholarships in College: How Do I Apply?

I'm interested in applying for a working scholarship in college but I'm not sure how to start. Does anyone have experience with these? How do they differ from regular scholarships and what's the application process like?

Working scholarships, often known as work-study programs, are employment opportunities for students to earn money to pay for college. The Federal Work-Study Program, for example, provides part-time jobs to undergraduate and graduate students with financial need.

Instead of getting a direct award or loan, you are paid an hourly wage. The funds earned aren't directly applied to your tuition; rather, you're given a paycheck like any other job, which you can use to cover expenses. This is what differentiates it from a typical scholarship, which typically does not require work and directly reduces the cost of your tuition.

Applying for work-study programs largely falls under the umbrella of applying for federal financial aid. You need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible for work-study. In the FAFSA, there will be a question asking if you're interested in being considered for work-study. Make sure to check "yes" to this.

After you're offered work-study aid (it should be listed in your financial aid offer given by the school), you still need to find a work-study job. Availability of jobs varies across different campuses. Some schools may directly assign you to a position, while others may have you apply to different jobs (either on or off campus). The availability and the nature of the job will depend on each institution's policies and the level of funding they receive for work-study.

However, do note that not every school participates in the Federal Work-Study Program. You can look at a particular institution's financial aid webpage or reach out to the financial aid department for specific information. They will provide you with all the necessary details including the application process, and the deadlines, in accordance with their specific work-study program.