KPLU Local News
(2010-04-20)
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Financial aid offices in Washington State will likely have fewer work study options for needy students next year.
AP Photo
The decision means that nearly 2600 low and moderate income students could lose their work study jobs. On average, that's a more than $2,000 a year hit for the neediest students.
John Klacik, director of student financial assistance for the Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board, says the cuts are steep and will have an impact.
"Overall, it does mean that there is substantially less money available for needy students," he says. "Period."
The only way to prevent the cuts it is to ask businesses to pay more for student employees. Typically, the state has subsidized between 65 and 80-percent of work study wages.
Now the state wants for-profit businesses to pay half. Colleges and non profits would pay roughly a third.
Klacik says with the recession and cuts to college budgets, it'll be tough to get buy in.
"There's no doubt everything about the work study cut, it will be a strain on employers," he says.
Even if businesses agree pay more, nearly 1,000 students will still lose out. Lawmakers made out-of-state students ineligible for the program next year.
Priority will be given to residents who filled out their financial aid forms early. The last to submit their applications will likely be first in line for bigger student loans.
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