work-study

American  

[wurk-stuhd-ee] / ˈwɜrkˈstʌd i /

noun

1. a type of financial aid in which students are hired for part-time jobs, usually by their college, and often for work on campus.

   I was lucky enough to be a research assistant for work-study, unlike my roommate who had to work in the cafeteria.

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adjective

1. of or relating to such a job associated with a college or university.

work-study British  

noun

1. an examination of ways of finding the most efficient method of doing a job, esp in terms of time and effort

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Etymology

Origin of work-study

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

At Dartmouth, we have replaced loans with a combination of scholarships, grants and work-study options in our financial-aid packages and now offer free tuition for families earning $175,000 or less.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 25, 2026

Parents and students often think that money from the work-study program comes on the first day of the semester.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 31, 2025

Educators are nervous about cuts to the federal work-study program, which is a key piece of financial aid packages, and a supplemental grant program for students with exceptional need.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 8, 2024

But many applicants may have to wait longer than anticipated for confirmation of this and other federal financial awards — like other grants, work-study funds and loans.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 19, 2024

I also had a part-time work-study job at the Duke Annual Fund where I would call alumni to ask them for donations.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad