What is work-study? 

According to Student Financial Aid, the Federal Work-Study program is an opportunity for students to gain valuable work experience and earn money, to help pay for educational expenses through part-time, on-campus jobs. 

Unlike other types of financial aid, earnings from a work-study job are not applied directly to your MU bill. Instead, earnings will be paid via direct deposit into the student’s bank account, based on hours worked, just like a normal job. These earnings are meant to help with the student’s day-to-day expenses and not meant to cover large costs like tuition or housing. 

Eligibility 

Most Federal Work-Study jobs are five to ten hours per week and may not exceed, on average, twenty-eight hours per week. Students should work with their Federal Work-Study supervisor to determine their work schedule. Students are not allowed to work in their Federal Work-Study position during a scheduled class time, including online courses. 

To be eligible for Federal Work-Study, you must:

• File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the Mizzou priority deadline each year 
• Demonstrate high financial need, as determined by information submitted on the FAFSA 
• Be enrolled at least half-time at Mizzou 
• Make Satisfactory Academic Progress 
• Be an undergraduate student 

For continuing students, Federal Work-Study offers are prioritized to those that made Federal Work-Study earnings in the previous year. 

How do I know if I am eligible ?

Please login to myZou to view your financial aid offers. Students must accept the Federal Work-Study offer to gain access to the work-Study employment system. If you have questions about your eligibility, please contact Student Financial Aid at Mizzou. If you are not eligible for Work-Study, there are still many part-time campus positions at Mizzou. Login to Handshake to view on-campus employment opportunities.