Undergraduates are limited to hourly pay, but graduate students may earn hourly wages or a salary, depending on the specific role and employer. However, students receiving a federal work-study award can only work part-time and, on average, only earn around $1,800 to $1,850 per year.

How much do work studies pay?

With a work-study job, you're guaranteed to earn at least the federal minimum wage, $7.25 an hour. If the state minimum wage is higher, you'll earn at least the state minimum wage.

Does work-study give you money?

Students who are awarded work-study receive the funds in a paycheck as they earn them, based on hours worked, just like a normal job. These earnings are meant to help with the day-to-day expenses that students have and are not meant to cover large costs like tuition and housing.