While not "free money," Work-Study Programs are sources of funds you will not have to pay back.

These programs provide jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. The largest program is funded under the Federal College Work-Study Program, but some schools have their own work-study programs funded by other sources.

If you are interested, you should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You should also contact your financial aid office as soon as possible because:

	Schools administer the programs and determine eligibility.		Fill out the FAFSA online.
	Schools establish application deadlines.
	A student is not guaranteed aid through this program, even if he or she is eligible. Aid for the program is awarded based on:
		the student's demonstrated need,
		additional financial aid the student receives,
		federal funds available to the school for these programs.

How does it work?

	Information is generally posted by the financial aid office on campus via bulletin Boards or the Web.
	The postings will have information about the types of jobs available and the hours and skills required for these jobs.
	The school might be your employer on campus
	In some cases your employer may be a non-profit organization or a public agency, performing public service type work.
	Some schools may have agreements with private for-profit employers for Federal Work-Study jobs, judged to be relevant to the student's course of study.
	For students who attend a proprietary school, there may be further restrictions on the jobs that can be assigned.
	You will earn at least the current federal minimum wage and may be higher, depending on the type of work and the skills required.
	The total amount the student earns cannot exceed the total Federal Work-Study award.
	Your class schedule and academic progress will be considered when assigning work hours.
	Because you earn the money, it does not have to be repaid.

For additional questions about the application process contact:

	your school's financial aid office,
	the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAID) at (800) 4-FED-AID (800-433-3243) Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time),
	Brazos at (800) 453-0841; 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday, or
	E-mail us now.