Work-Study is a need-based financial aid award. It is not a grant (you must work to earn it), and it is not a loan (you don't have to repay it). Students must qualify for need-based financial aid to receive Work-Study. Funds are limited, so not all qualifying students will receive an award.

The Work-Study program subsidizes a student's hourly wage, which creates jobs that would not otherwise exist. It is basically a "pot" of money set aside to pay a portion of your hourly wage. Jobs must be approved by Student Employment and Career Service Coordinator. For the student, it is much like working at any other job: you work a number of hours in a pay period, at some wage rate, and receive a paycheck for your earnings. For the employer, however, the Work-Study program reimburses a large percentage of your wage, which makes it very attractive to hire Work-Study students. Work-Study students are in demand by employers, so eligible students can often pick the job of their choice.

Work-Study is not for everyone, it is a need-based financial aid award, and it has to fit within your financial aid package. Each person has a unique financial aid file. That means some students may have to reduce some loan funds to accommodate a Work-Study award. That's great if you can afford to do so. Some students are able to accept a Work-Study award without giving up any loans.

The Work-Study department is located in the Student Services building.

Click here to apply for Work Study

(509) 865-8567 sanchez_i@heritage.edu

How Do I Apply For Work-Study?

The first step is to apply for financial aid through the standard FAFSA form. The next step is to visit the Student Life Center, Student Employment and Career Service Coordinator and pick up a work study application. The Student Employment Coordinator will answer any questions you may have, determine your eligibility, and if you are eligible, send you for an interview. It is possible for graduate students to receive a Work-Study award but priority is given to undergraduate students.

How Much Work-Study Can I Get?

Work-Study awards are tailored to the student's job. The amount of award will depend on how many hours the student will work (maximum of 19 hours per week), their hourly wage, and their eligibility for financial aid. Work-Study awards usually range from $2,000 - $5,000 for an academic year, depending on the hourly wage and the number of hours per week the student intends to work.

Who Gets Priority for Work-Study Funds?

Priority is given to students who are offered jobs relating to their major course of study, and/or high skill level jobs. Funding is also available for lower skill level jobs, to help students with no prior work experience. These jobs are normally in service areas throughout the campus and allow Heritage University to provide faster, more efficient service to the student body as a whole.

Can I Use Work-Study Off-Campus?

Yes. Work-Study jobs can be on or off-campus. Off-campus employers must sign an Agreement with Heritage University, some restrictions will apply. If you know an off-campus employer you want to work for, but they can't afford to hire you, contact Student Employment to inquire about the off-campus Work-Study program. We especially encourage employment with non-profit organizations which provide a community service, though for-profit employers can also participate.

Student Employment has standard Agreements with many local off-campus employers, which are usually set up or renewed over the summer and are ready for fall employment.

Community Service Jobs

Heritage University encourages all students to perform jobs which provide a community service. Students who are eligible for Work-Study may also seek jobs that perform a community service. These positions are paid just as any other Work-Study job would be, but in addition, provide a community service. If you know of a non-profit off-campus employer who would like to hire you for a community service job, please contact Student Employment. It is possible to set up off-campus Agreements during mid-year, though it usually does take several weeks to complete the process, particularly during peak times, so plan ahead. We may not be able to accommodate your off-campus request at the last minute.

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