Work-Study

Work-Study is a component of most financial aid packages. It is earned as part of an approved job you obtain, either on- or off-campus, and can typically be used to generate income that helps pay for indirect costs of attendance such as personal expenses, course materials, and travel throughout the academic year. U.S. citizens and permanent residents may be eligible for Federal Work-Study funding.

Penn Work-Study funding is available for those students who may not be eligible for federal funds, such as international students.

Your financial aid notice includes a dollar amount which represents the maximum you can earn during the academic year. You are allowed to work no more than 20 hours a week when classes are in session and 40 hours a week when classes are not in session. If you prefer not to work, or need to access the funding you are not able to earn via working, you have the option to convert all or a portion of your Work-Study award into a loan. Your financial aid counselor can help you with this.

If you receive a Work-Study award, you can review job listings posted by the Office of Student Employment.

Students must interview for and be offered a work-study job. Each work-study job has different responsibilities and different levels of pay, and you will be paid weekly for the hours you work based on the timesheet you and your supervisor complete.

For detailed information about Penn's work-study program, visit the Student Employment section. 

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