How is work study
funded?
Work Study is a form of
financial assistance funded by the federal government, the State of
Washington and Grays Harbor College. Students must file the Free
Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for any
type of work study position. Work study earnings are taxable, but
for the purpose of calculating need, Federal or State work study
earnings in the previous year are considered aid rather than income.
Thus, Federal or State work study dollars earned during the current year
will not count against you when applying for financial assistance for
the next year. Federal and State work study earnings should not
affect Public Assistance grants or food stamps.
Federal Work Study (FWS):
To be eligible for FWS, you must apply for financial aid,
demonstrate financial need and be enrolled at least half-time.
Most FWS jobs are on campus and many different types of positions are
available, ranging from custodial and general office to the more
technical computer lab aides. There are also some tutoring
positions available off campus at local elementary schools. The
hourly rate for the majority of FWS positions is $8.07 per hour.
State Work Study (SWS):
To be eligible for SWS, you must apply for financial aid, demonstrate
financial need and be enrolled at least half-time. Most jobs are
available on campus, although there are also some off campus positions.
Students in off campus positions are paid by the employer and the
employer is reimbursed by the state for a portion of the student’s
earnings. SWS wage rates vary. Employers, both
on and off campus, are required to pay an hourly wage that is comparable
to what the employer would pay a non-student doing a similar job.
State work study jobs must also be in a field related to the student’s
field or career interest whenever possible.
Campus Work Study (CWS):
Hourly employment is available to all students regardless of work
study eligibility. Work study students who work in eligible
departments will be paid with campus work study funds. The hourly
rate is $8.07 per hour.
