Missouri State University

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Student Employment 

Frequently Asked Questions

FEDERAL WORK STUDY

MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

What is work study?
     Work study is a form of financial aid, just like a Pell Grant.  It is designed to help the student work and earn money while attending college.  A work study award does not automatically go toward tuition, it is paid directly to the student in the form of a paycheck, just like any other job.  The student determines how to use the money.  A work study student can work on or off campus.  Several on-campus jobs allow the student too work before, between, and after class to achieve the desired weekly hours.
 

Is there a limit to how many hours you can work as a work study student?
     The student's hours are limited by the amount of the work study award and cannot exceed 1,000 hours a year.   Missouri State would like to remind students that academics should be the priority and any hours worked should not interfere with the student's studies.

How do I know if I am eligible for work study?  My award letter did not say anything about it.     Even if the award letter from Financial Aid does not specifically mention work study, a student can still be eligible.  The following determine eligibility:
 
  • A FAFSA must have been filed, so we can look at the student's financial need.  There must be remaining need.
  • The student must be enrolled for at least six (6) credit hours per semester.
  • The student must maintain a 2.0 GPA.
  • Work study funds are available.
  • International students are not usually eligible for work study.
 

If I accept work study, won't it affect the amount of financial aid I am eligible for next year?
    No.  The student must claim the income received from the work study position just like any other job when filing income taxes.  However, on the FAFSA application, the work study income is deducted from other income because it is a need-based work program.

 

If I decide I want a work study job, where do I start?
     Student Employment Services has converted its Work Study job placement process to an online system. With this new system, students receive increased viewing privileges of Work Study positions and they are able to view and print job contact information.

To set up your home page, follow these steps:

1. Go to www.missouristate.edu/studentemp/.

2. Click “Find a Job (For Students).”

3. Log in with your university User ID and Password.

4. Check the appropriate job skills you have and the job categories you are interested in.

5. Click “Create Profile.”

6. All on–campus and off– campus jobs matching your skills and interests will appear on your home page.

 

For Work Study positions only click “Find Job” and checkmark “Search only Work Study opportunities.”

 

7. Click any interesting position to view and print job contact information.

8. When a position is accepted, you must go to the Student Employment Office to obtain a Work Study referral form to complete the hiring process.

 

If I was awarded work study but do not wish to use it at the beginning of the year does that mean I will lose it?
     No.  All you need to do is notify the financial aid tech for Work Study that you wish to use your award at a later time.  Work study jobs can be started at any time during the school year, as there are always departments on campus who need student workers. 

 

If you would like additional information about the work study program, please contact me.

Tom Eckhardt, Financial Aid Tech
Student Employment Services, Blair-Shannon 113
836-4718
Email:  WorkStudy@missouristate.edu