Federal Work Study allows you to earn money to help cover non-billable educational expenses by working within your college or campus, University office, or at an off-campus, nonprofit organization.
Positions are available at every Penn State campus.
(https://studentaid.psu.edu/types-of-aid/employment)
How to apply
To be considered for work-study, you must submit the FAFSA. If you are awarded work-study, it will appear on your Award Summary in LionPATH.
- To view steps on how to complete the FAFSA, click here!
Eligibility
To be eligible for work-study, you must:
- Be an undergraduate or graduate student
- Meet and maintain Federal and Penn State Financial Aid Eligibility Requirements
- Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- To view steps on how to complete the FAFSA, click here!
- Demonstrate financial need
- Complete the verification process
Due to limited funding, not all students who are eligible will receive this award. If you are not awarded Work-Study, other employment opportunities are also available.
How to find a job
Work-study positions for all campuses are available on the Penn State job search website.
How you will be paid
Work study students earn $12 an hour. Wages are direct-deposited into your checking or savings account every two weeks.
Plan your work schedule
Work study participants may never work more than eight hours a day (20 hours/week during fall, spring, and summer semesters). To ensure optimal use of your award through the semester, plan your work schedule before you begin earning funds.
Track your hours worked
You will receive a warning email regarding the balance of your award when you have earned 50% or more of your award total.
If you have more than one work-study job, you must keep each employer informed of your total hours worked so you do not exceed your award amount. Submitting falsified time cards is considered fraud against the University and the federal government and legal action may be taken against the employee or employer.
You will receive a warning email when you are close to exhausting your award.
