We’re all aware of the ever-increasing rise in tuition. On top of a lousy economic backdrop and the government cutting education funding like crazy, many of us scramble to figure out how to pay for school. If you have a deficit in your financial aid package but turning tricks or selling dope isn’t exactly your thing, you might benefit from taking advantage of the Federal Work-Study Program.
We’re all aware of the ever-increasing rise in tuition. On top of a lousy economic backdrop and the government cutting education funding like crazy, many of us scramble to figure out how to pay for school. If you have a deficit in your financial aid package but turning tricks or selling dope isn’t exactly your thing, you might benefit from taking advantage of the Federal Work-Study Program.
The program places students in on-campus positions, providing students with an income as well as assisting underfunded departments. To qualify, a student must have an estimated family contribution of less than $10,000 per year, a GPA of 2.5 or higher and be available at least 10 hours per week.
“I love my work-study job,” said sophomore Keakalina Lindsay, who works as an accounting clerk in the specialized accounting services department. “I’m learning a lot and it’s in the field I am majoring in.”
Students benefit immensely by gaining valuable relevant work experience sought by real-world employers. They also have a chance to earn the money they need to pay tuition costs without having to take out additional student loans. There’s also the potential, in certain departments, to network and establish connections with real-world employers.
The program faces problems, though, and it’s consistent with the complaints we hear about everything else: lack of funds. At a school of nearly 30,000 students—half of whom receive financial aid—positions are limited. Other students must either take out more loans or find jobs in the private sector to supplement their incomes.
Recipients have a set amount of funds they can earn each year, and the hours they work each week are based on that sum. Typically, the yearly award is around $3,000. For example, if you were awarded $1,000, over the 30 weeks in a school year you could only expect to earn $33 a week. Fund availability—as well as the student’s needs—determine the award.
Students can make up for budget deficits, but the program also gives them an avenue to earn it. While there’s nothing wrong with grants and scholarships, work-study allows you to earn your money, which future employers will appreciate. Working while going to school shows the ability to prioritize and multitask.
Work-study isn’t all about the students; the program also helps those who employ students. University departments pay a 50 percent maximum of the student employee’s wages, while the fed pays the rest. Employers pay about $5 an hour for the same work a non-student would do at $30 an hour, which in turn allows these underfunded employers and nonprofits to hire more staff.
Placement isn’t limited to on-campus jobs. Students can be placed in local government departments, nonprofit organizations or private for-profit organizations. Essentially, they’re cheap, educated labor working in asymbiotic relationship with the Fed and the employer. All parties involved benefit in some way from the program.
I’d still like to see more of the easily abused grant funding going toward providing employment opportunities for students. Give them a chance to earn their money, gain essential work experience and provide services to the school and the community.
If you are one of the lucky few to receive work-study funds, take advantage of it. It might not be much, but you’ll get more out of it than just a paycheck.
