State-Sponsored Work-Study Programs
In addition to the
federal work-study program,
six states offer work-study programs to help their residents
pay for college:
Colorado, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, and Washington.
You can participate in either the state or federal work-study, but not both at the
same time. Like other forms of government aid, these programs are need-based and
require you to prepare a
federal student aid application (FAFSA).
Colorado Work-Study Program
The Colorado State Work-Study Program provides funds to eligible students through
part-time work. Priority is given to students who earned work-study the previous
academic year. The hourly wage varies, depending on the work-study job. The maximum
amount allocated to each student is typically $5,000 per academic year and is awarded
on a first-come, first-served basis.
To be eligible, you must be enrolled at least half-time and pursuing your first
bachelor's degree, associate's degree, or diploma/certificate.
Idaho Work-Study Program
Idaho's Atwell Parry Work-Study Program is available to state residents who attend
an eligible Idaho college, are enrolled at least half-time, and demonstrate "satisfactory"
academic progress. You may need to complete an additional form to qualify for this
program. See the college's financial aid administrator for application procedures
and deadlines.
Minnesota Work-Study Program
The Minnesota Work-Study Program offers part-time jobs to help students pay for
their education. Jobs may be located on or off campus. The college's financial aid
administrators will decide how many hours you are eligible to work based on your
financial need and class load. Students average about 15 hours a week and may earn
$2,000 or more per year.
Montana Work-Study Program
The Montana Work-Study Program is available to Montana residents enrolled full-time
at one of the Montana University System colleges or one of the three community colleges:
Dawson, Miles, or Flathead Valley. Students attending tribal or private colleges
are not awarded state work-study. Work-study hours are limited to an average of
20 hours a week while college is in session. Hours increase to an average of 40
hours per week when college is not in session.
You may need to complete an additional form to qualify for this program. See the
college's financial aid administrator for application procedures and deadlines.
New Mexico Work-Study Program
The New Mexico Work-Study Program provides students with financial assistance through
jobs at public colleges, nonprofit educational institutions, state political organizations,
state agencies, and approved nonprofits.
To be eligible, you must demonstrate financial need and be enrolled at least half-time
during the regular session or for at least three credit hours during the summer
session.
Washington Work-Study Program
The Washington State Work-Study Program is a need-based program that offers students
an opportunity to earn between $2,000 and $5,000 during an academic year. To be
eligible, you must be enrolled at least half-time in a public college or a four-year
private college.