(Joe’s on vacation this week, so welcome guest blogger Lee!)

These days, most college students need some moolah, whether it’s to pay for an additional book, on-campus parking or the late night pizza.  One of the more common ways for a student to earn some money is through a part-time job on (or near) campus in a Federal Work Study or a Institutional Work Study position.  (Really, the only difference between the two programs is where the money comes from.  With Federal Work Study, your school receives federal money to subsidize the program, where as the Institutional program is funded by your school alone.)  Federal Work study is offered at most colleges and universities.  Students qualify for the program based on your financial situation, which is determined when your family files the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). So when you have been offered work study, where do you go to find a job?

The best ways to find work study at your school are by speaking with the Financial Aid Office, checking out the student employment section of your school’s website, bulletin boards & resource fairs.  Often times, the work study coordinator will try and match up your major with a suitable open position or possibly look to non-profits in the community for an opening.  A work study position provides great experience and is a resume builder, but how much can you make?

 Once your school calculates your financial aid award letter, they will have an idea of how many hours you can work. Usually students work anywhere from 5-20 hours per week and make at least minimum wage and are paid out bi-weekly.  The great thing about the federal work study option is that the money earned is not considered filing the FAFSA in the following year, so this employment opportunity won’t reduce your eligibility for financial aid the next year, but gives you spending money this year!. 

A work study job is a great way to not only make money, but to gain valuable work experience in your field.   When I was in college, I was able to work in the Financial Aid Office in my school and garner some valuable experience that helps me today in my work as a college counselor with the Center for College Planning.  Take a peek at the work study jobs currently available at Keene State College here.

The important thing to remember is that school work is always the first priority so stay organized and have fun!

Work hard,

Lee