W Terms

Work Study:
Work Study is a financial aid program that allows an undergraduate or graduate student to work on-campus or with approved off-campus employers to earn money to pay for college expenses. Work Study is not a grant (you must work to earn it), and it is not a loan (you don't have to repay it). It is a federal or state funded program with matching funds from Western Washington University. Being awarded work study with financial aid can help a student be eligible for part-time jobs, both on- and off-campus, that they may not have otherwise been eligible for. Employers love hiring work study students!
The Work Study program encourages employment in community service and in fields related to your major of study. Rather than automatically being applied towards housing or tuition expenses, Work Study earnings may be used for whatever expenses you have. Your earnings will depend on where you work and the type of work that you perform. Work study earnings are considered taxable income, but unlike the money you earn from non-work study employment positions your earnings will not be used to determine your financial need when filing the FAFSA.

Important Note: It is critical to get your financial aid application in as soon as possible. Work Study funds are limited and go to the students with the most need who have met the priority deadline for applying for financial aid, which is February 15th