Can I Do Work-Study Over the Summer?
Short answer
Yes, you can do work-study over the summer if your college offers summer work-study jobs and you have an eligible work-study award. Summer work-study allows you to earn money through part-time jobs during the summer months, helping cover college expenses while gaining relevant experience outside the regular academic year.
What is work-study in simple terms?
Work-study is a federal financial aid program that helps students earn money through part-time jobs, often on campus or within community organizations. It targets students with financial need who complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The key idea is that instead of receiving all aid as a grant or loan, students have the opportunity to work and earn money to help pay education expenses. This is different from scholarships or grants, which don’t require work, and from regular jobs, which are not part of a financial aid package.
Work-study wages are paid directly to you, typically through a paycheck or direct deposit, and you can use the money for tuition, books, housing, or living costs. Common work-study jobs include library assistant, lab technician, tutor, or office aide. The program encourages work that relates to your field of study or benefits the community, allowing you to gain experience while helping pay for college.
Can you do work-study during the summer?
Yes, many colleges and universities allow students to use their work-study awards during the summer, but it depends on the institution’s policies and available funding. Summer work-study jobs are often fewer than during the academic year, but they provide a valuable chance to earn money when classes are not in session.
Summer work-study can be especially helpful for students who take summer classes or who want to save money before the fall semester. If you plan to use your work-study award during the summer, you should contact your school’s financial aid office early to confirm eligibility and job availability. Some schools require you to be enrolled at least half-time during summer or have a summer financial aid package that includes work-study.
If your school does not offer summer work-study, you might still work a regular summer job, but these earnings won’t count as work-study aid or be linked to your financial aid package.
How does summer work-study work? (with a hypothetical example)
Imagine you received a total work-study award of $3,600 for the academic year and summer combined. Your school allows you to split this between the school year and summer. You decide to work 12 hours per week over 10 summer weeks at a rate of $12 per hour. That would earn you $1,440 during the summer.
Here’s how it might look:
- Weekly hours: 12 hours
- Hourly wage: $12
- Weeks worked: 10
- Total summer earnings: 12 x 12 x 10 = $1,440
You will need to keep track of your hours so you don’t go over your total award of $3,600. If you earn more during the summer, you have less available for the fall and spring semesters. Your employer (often a campus department) will submit your work hours to the financial aid office to ensure compliance.
This pay is separate from your tuition bill. You receive money directly, which you can use toward any college-related expenses. Also, remember work-study jobs often have flexible schedules, so you can coordinate hours around summer classes or internships.
Why does summer work-study matter for students?
Summer work-study matters because it offers a way to earn money when you may have more free time and fewer academic commitments. For many students, summer income helps reduce reliance on student loans, lessening future debt. It also supports budgeting for upcoming semesters, including tuition, books, and housing deposits.
Beyond financial benefits, summer work-study provides opportunities to gain relevant experience and develop professional skills, which can improve your resume and job prospects after graduation. For example, a science major might work in a university research lab, or an education student could assist in summer tutoring programs.
Some students use summer work-study to build connections with faculty or staff, which can lead to letters of recommendation or job opportunities. The program also encourages responsibility and time management, balancing work with academics or other summer activities.
What terms are often mixed up with work-study?
Understanding the difference between work-study and similar terms can be confusing. Here are common terms people mix up:
| Term | Definition | How it differs from Work-Study |
|---|---|---|
| Work-study | Part-time job funded through financial aid for eligible students | Requires FAFSA eligibility and is part of aid package |
| Regular job | Any paid employment without financial aid restrictions | No connection to financial aid awards |
| Internship | Temporary work experience, paid or unpaid, often career-related | Not tied to financial aid; may or may not be paid |
| Scholarship | Money awarded for education that doesn’t require work | Does not require working hours |
| Grant | Financial aid that doesn’t have to be repaid or earned | Free money, no work involved |
| Assistantship | Graduate-level funded position often involving teaching or research | Usually for graduate students, often more specialized |
Many students confuse regular jobs with work-study and assume all campus jobs are work-study. While many work-study positions are on campus, some off-campus jobs qualify if they meet program criteria. It’s important to confirm with your financial aid office whether a job counts toward your work-study award.
What steps should you take to do work-study over the summer?
If you want to participate in summer work-study, here is a step-by-step guide with clear actions and exact wording you can use when contacting your school:
- Check your financial aid package: Review your FAFSA results and award letter to see if work-study is included. If you don’t have work-study listed, you may not be eligible.
- Contact the financial aid office: Call or email your school’s financial aid office. You can say, “Hello, I’d like to know if I am eligible for summer work-study and what summer work-study jobs might be available.”
- Confirm summer enrollment requirements: Ask if you need to be enrolled in summer classes to qualify. For example, “Do I need to be enrolled at least half-time during summer to participate in work-study?”
- Search for summer work-study job listings: Check your school’s job portal, career center, or financial aid office postings. Apply early because summer positions often fill quickly.
- Apply for positions: Submit applications or resumes for jobs that interest you. You could say in your cover letter, “I am interested in a summer work-study position and have an active work-study award.”
- Track your hours and wages: Keep a personal log of hours worked and pay received to stay within your award limits.
- Understand your pay schedule: Ask, “How and when will I be paid for summer work-study hours?” so you know when to expect your earnings.
If you run into problems or need guidance, don’t hesitate to follow up with your financial aid counselor. They can help clarify policies and direct you to resources.
How to maximize the benefits of summer work-study?
To get the most out of summer work-study, consider these practical tips:
- Choose jobs related to your career goals: For example, if you want to work in healthcare, look for work-study positions in campus health centers or research labs.
- Set a budget for your earnings: Plan how you will use your summer work-study income to cover tuition, rent, books, or savings for upcoming semesters.
- Build professional skills: Treat work-study jobs like internships—develop communication, teamwork, and time management skills that employers value.
- Network with supervisors and coworkers: These connections can lead to references, future job leads, or mentorship.
- Balance work hours wisely: Don’t overcommit—maintain rest and personal time, especially if you’re taking summer classes or internships.
- Communicate clearly: Let your supervisor know your availability and any schedule changes in advance.
By being proactive and intentional, summer work-study can be more than just a paycheck—it can be a valuable part of your educational and career journey.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose any job if I have a work-study award?
No. Work-study jobs must be approved by your school and usually relate to your academic program or community service. You cannot count just any job toward your work-study award.
What if I don’t want to work during the summer?
You are not required to work during the summer. You can save your work-study award for the academic year, but unused funds typically don’t carry over to the next year.
Can I work more hours than my work-study award allows?
You can work more hours, but only the hours within your work-study award are paid through the program. Additional hours must be covered by other means or a regular job.
Are work-study earnings taxed?
Yes, work-study wages are subject to federal and state income taxes, but usually not Social Security and Medicare taxes if the employer qualifies under certain rules.
Do I have to be enrolled full-time to qualify for summer work-study?
Enrollment requirements vary by school. Some require half-time enrollment during summer, others don’t. Check with your financial aid office.
Can international students do summer work-study?
Generally, international students are not eligible for federal work-study but may qualify for institutional programs or other summer employment options. Contact your international student office for details.