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

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 biweekly 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.

Federal Work-Study offers are generally awarded up to $4,000 for the academic year (split between the fall and spring semesters). The amount of Federal Work-Study offered is the maximum amount a student can earn within that academic year. Students are not guaranteed to earn the full amount of their award, and unused portions cannot be rolled over to be used in the summer or for the next academic year. Any hours worked during the summer semester must be covered separately, by the department.

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.

Eligibility

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.

Selecting a Federal Work-Study Position

The MU Career Center administers the Federal Work-Study employment site. Only students who have completed the following steps are eligible to search and select a Federal Work-Study position:

• Accept your Federal Work-Study offer in myZou
• Submit all required documents listed in your myZou To Do list
• Complete verification, if selected

After applying for a Federal Work-Study position, you may be required to interview with the corresponding department. Applying for a position does not guarantee you will be hired for that position.

Starting Your Federal Work-Study Position

Students cannot work prior to the first day of the Fall semester and must successfully complete New Employee Registration prior to submitting any hours worked. You may work through breaks (excluding Summer), provided your earnings do not exceed your Federal Work-Study amount.

Alternative Employment Opportunities

If you have not received a Federal Work-Study offer, you can still find part-time employment.

Students are encouraged to connect with the MU Career Center for assistance with their job search by scheduling an appointment or utilizing drop-in services. Additional information about part-time employment is available on the MU Career Center Part-Time Jobs webpage.