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Federal Work Study Information

The Work Study Program is a federally funded financial aid program whose purpose is to stimulate and promote part-time employment for students in need of earnings to finance their educational expenses. Work-study jobs are not intended to replace existing staff positions.

Eligibility Requirements
The student must demonstrate financial need through a federally approved method of needs analysis by completing and mailing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form and the student must be enrolled at least half time:

Half time - Six credits - Undergraduate Program
Five credits - Masters' Program
Three credits - Doctoral Program
Processing For Employment

For On-Campus Employers
Once a student is hired, the student must be processed through the Enterprise Business System (EBS). Work-study reimbursement will begin automatically with the students' first payroll processing after having received the award. Reimbursement is NOT retroactive.

Community Work Study Instructions
Community service jobs include positions that "are designed to improve the quality of life for community residents or to solve particular problems related to their needs".

For Off-Campus Employers
An Employment Notification and Acknowledgement form (available in the Financial Aid Office, 250 Student Services Bldg.) must be completed and returned as soon as possible. The effective beginning date for reimbursement is the date the form is secured from the Financial Aid Office (date of issue), but not prior to the beginning of the financial aid award period. The effective beginning date for a reimbursement is noted on each time sheet mailed to you.

Percentage Paid by Work Study
Fifty percent (50%) of the student's gross wages are paid with work-study funds. On-campus student wages are calculated through the payroll system. Off-campus student wages are paid in full by the employer, and reimbursement of seventy percent is made to the employer afterwards. The student's gross wages are deducted from the work study award.

Weekly Limits
According to University guidelines, a work-study student can work no more than 29 hours per week during the academic year. Students may work up to 40 hours per week during finals week, summer semesters, and between semester breaks but departments will only be reimbursed for 29 hours.

Processing Student Aid
There are two periods each year for processing student aid - Fall/Spring academic year and Summer semester. For these periods, the student must be given a NEW AWARD by the Office of Financial Aid through the same needs analysis test (FAFSA form) as described above.

Cancelled or Declined Work Study
Many factors may affect a student's work-study allotment, including revisions which could reduce or increase the award due to other changes in the aid package or requests made by the student.

Pay Rates
Pay rates for work-study students are determined by the University and by the job classification. All on campus rates must correspond with the standard job classification system. Any questions should be directed to MSU Student Employment (355-9520). Please note that all off-campus pay rates must comply with state and Federal Minimum Wage laws.

Award Amounts
Work study students can continue employment after exhausting the work study award amount for the aid period, provided the employer is willing to pay 100% of the student's earnings. These additional earnings will not jeopardize the student's current financial aid package

Work Study Questions Regarding Student Eligibility
Employers may call Cheryl Whitman at 353-5991 or email to whitman@msu.edu. Students may call the Office of Financial Aid at 353-5940.

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