Self-help aid is money that is earned or that must be repaid. This means that you are “helping yourself” either by working while in college or borrowing money that you need to pay back when you are finished with college. Self-help aid includes work study as well as student and parent loans.
Work-study is funded by the federal or state governments as well as the school you are attending. This funding allows students to work on-campus and, sometimes, at designated off-campus sites. Work-study jobs are more desirable to students than most off-campus jobs, because work-study jobs are generally more flexible with your class schedule and offer more opportunities within your area of study. Research shows that students with work-study jobs are more likely to complete college and be satisfied with their experience than students who don’t have work-study jobs.
You must complete the FAFSA to be eligible for work-study funds. Eligibility is often based on financial need.
Don’t turn down work-study! If you decide later that you want to work on campus you may not be able to get it back. Work-study, grants or scholarships that are turned down are given to other students.