CMU receives increase in work-study funds
The university received about $35,000 more in Federal Work Study funds this academic year compared to 2025-2026, manager of Student Employment Services Amy Thering said in a statement to Central Michigan Life.
Thering said the reason for the increase is based on a formula the federal government calculates. It combines a previously established base amount with a calculation of the school’s current financial need. The amount allocated changes from year to year.
“With the increases to minimum wage over the last few years and the increase to $15 per hour coming Jan. 1, 2027, Work Study funds will be spent much faster,” Thering said.
Each division on campus receives a percentage of the overall funding, that division representatives then distribute among their departments. She said depending on department budgets, how much of that money they are allocated can change from year to year.
The number of hours student employees on campus can work remains the same.
This increase in work-study happens the same year students are seeing the effects of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which impacts federal student loans.
The bill caps how much aid students can receive through the Parent PLUS loan program and based on how many credits they are taking. It also eliminated the Graduate PLUS loan.
Executive Director of the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships Sarah Kasabian-Larson said students looking for guidance can schedule an appointment with One Central to identify their aid options.
“These are a lot of changes so, I understand all of this is confusing for students and frustrating,” she said.
