One reason why students should complete the FAFSA even if they don’t think they’ll qualify for financial aid is that of the possibility of college work-study jobs. Work-study jobs require completion of the FAFSA and even if your EFC keeps you from receiving any federal grants, you could land a nice work-study job depending on which college you go to.
The amount of federal money provided to colleges to subsidize work-study is based on the cost of attendance vs. the number of needy students on campus.
The formula used to provide federal subsidies for work-study includes a minimum funding provision which means schools never receive less funding than the year before.
Students at some of the most expensive and oldest campuses are more likely to qualify and find work-study jobs than those at newer, public institutions.
Almost 14% of students at private colleges received work-study while only 3.6% at public schools did.
While a work-study job isn’t going to pay for college it can help secure funding for expenses and allow for a student to start participating in their college costs. The list below provides information on a few schools in the Mid-Atlantic region but you can Click Here to view a more comprehensive list from DYI College Rankings.
Need-based financial offers will include grants (free money) and self-help (loans and work-study). Be certain to understand the difference when evaluating the immediate and eventual cost of attendance.
Maryland Schools Johns Hopkins – $1,750
Loyola University MD – $1,927
Pennsylvania Schools Dickinson College – $1,129
Franklin and Marshall – $1,091
Lehigh – $1,238
Susquehanna – $1,124
Villanova – $1,276
Virginia Schools Roanoke – $1,226
Washington and Lee – $1,401
Randolph Macon– $1,010