Work-Study Earnings Calculator

What work-study actually puts in your pocket

Federal work-study earnings are typically paid directly to the student as regular paychecks, not automatically applied to a tuition bill - this figure represents real spending money for expenses like books or personal costs.

Worked example

For 10 hours per week at $12/hour across a 15-week semester:

Semester Earnings = 10 x 12 x 15 = 1,800.0 per semester (3,600.0 per year)

Since work-study money arrives as regular pay rather than a tuition credit, it's up to the student to actually apply those earnings toward college costs, books, or living expenses - budgeting this income intentionally makes the biggest difference in how much it actually helps offset college costs.