I always advise that families check “yes” to the FAFSA question about whether or not you want
to be considered for loans or work study. You won’t decrease your
chances of getting free grants or scholarships. You can always
decline the loans or work study if you don’t want them. And in addition to these three benefits of accepting a work study award as part of your financial aid package, kids who contribute to their tuition actually get more out of college, according to this study by sociologist Laura Hamilton.