Why Work-Study Works

by Francine L. Huff

Students are expected to help pay for the cost of earning a college degree. Many financial aid packages include work-study, which offers students the opportunity to work (primarily on campus) to pay some of their educational expenses. Undergraduate and graduate students can qualify for work-study based on their financial need.

Where Are the Jobs?
Part-time work-study jobs are available on and off campus. Usually off-campus jobs are with nonprofits or public agencies. However, some for-profit companies may also be part of work-study programs if they relate to a student's course of study. Jobs also may include some type of community service, such as tutoring children or working in family literacy programs. However, work-study jobs are available in a variety of places on campus, including cafeterias, libraries, student centers, and concert halls. Some schools allow students to create work-study jobs based on their majors.

Getting Paid
Undergraduates are paid by the hour and can't earn more than the amount of their work-study award for the entire year. Hourly pay rates must be at least minimum wage, but can go higher depending on the qualifications of the position. The federal government pays part of the salary, and the employer pays the rest. Generally, work-study awards are part of a total financial aid package that can include grants and student loans.

Advantages to Work-Study
One of the benefits to having a work-study job is that the money is paid directly to you, which provides spending money if all of your other financial aid goes to paying tuition costs, room and board, and other expenses. Many students never actually see funds from student loans, grants, or scholarships because they are often paid directly into the student's school account. Another benefit to having a work-study job is that you can gain real work experience in your field and have something to put on your resume.

Downside to Work-Study
However, having a work-study job can be a disadvantage to students who have a rigorous course of study. But if you learn to manage your schedule, your job doesn't have to get in the way of valuable study time. The ideal work-study job allows you to study during down time. Also, depending on the schedule for your classes, you may find that the only time you can put in hours on a work-study job is at night or on weekends. You can work with your work-study employer to arrange your work schedule around your classes.

The Hiring Process
There is no guarantee that a student will get hired for a particular work-study position. Many employers require a resume and a good interview. Your school's career center or student employment office should be able to help you locate available work-study jobs. Depending upon how much you earn, you may have to pay taxes.

A comprehensive financial aid package can include work-study and other funding sources. Student loans must be repaid, but, money received through work-study, grants, and scholarships does not have to be repaid as long as awarding criteria are fulfilled.

Sources
Federal Student Aid

About the Author
Francine L. Huff is a freelance journalist and the author of The 25-Day Money Makeover for Women. She has appeared on a variety of TV and radio shows.