What is Federal Work-Study? 

Work-Study is a federal program allowing students to earn a paycheck for college expenses and incidentals. Students who are eligible will see Federal Work-Study on their financial aid notice in Wolverine Access.

Unlike other types of financial aid, it is not applied against a student’s account, but is earned by working. U-M uses all of its available Federal Work-Study funds each year to help students.

The university strongly urges that Federal Work-Study students use direct deposit, which will automatically route both paychecks and financial aid refunds into your bank account. This ensures that you will not have to wait or miss out on a paycheck that is mailed to you.

For more information, visit the Direct Deposit Authorization Form page. You may need to complete an I-9 after you are hired, which will require you to have original forms of identifying documents. A list of documents can be found on the I-9 processing page.

Four Common Reasons FAFSA Is Rejected

• Parent/student signatures are missing
• Social Security Number is incorrect
• Date of birth is incorrect
• Student’s name is misspelled 

Explore U-M Scholarship Opportunities for 2024-2025

Students are automatically considered for most U-M scholarships. To ensure that you are considered for any available scholarships, visit our Undergraduate Scholarships page for more information.

A Few Helpful Reminders

• Students who receive failing grades in a course may continue to repeat it until receiving a passing grade. (So, no limit on the number of times a course is repeated when receiving E, F, or W grades.) If you receive a grade of D- or higher, you may take the class one more time and remain eligible for aid. But if you enroll a third time, there is no aid.
• 1098-T forms are available through U-M Student Financial Services for students whose tuition and expenses exceed scholarships and grants for the previous year. Find it through Wolverine Access. Direct questions to Student Financial Services at 734-764-7447 or [email protected].
• Special note for U-M seniors: If you are currently classified as a senior at U-M and will return for the coming academic year, be sure to check your anticipated graduation date with your academic advisor. If your grad date is set to the current term and you continue into another academic year, your financial aid will be affected and will not be paid. Contact your academic advisor to change your graduation date or email us at [email protected] with any specific financial aid questions.