Work Study – What is it?

When the award letters begin coming this spring, work study may appear in the amount of $900 to $1500.  Be careful about assuming that you will be given a job and be guaranteed these amounts.  It may appear on paper but often students may need to be aggressive in getting the actual jobs.  And, the work study job may conflict with your class schedule.  In that case, you may have to find a different job if there is one still available.  If there are no jobs open, you may be able to work only half of the assigned hours which translates into half the amount that appears on your work study total in the award letter.

Quite often work study is “first come — first served” and it is not unusual to find that upperclassment have already captured the jobs prior to freshmen even arriving on campus.  So, don’t assume you will be able to make that amount of money.  You may get lucky but you also may be left holding the empty work study bag.

If work study turns out to be disappointing, consider being a server at a local restaurant. The turnover in the food business is massive so keep checking. And, remember. The more expensive the menu items, the bigger the tips. Don’t shy away from high-end eating establishments. Many students have a work study job during the week and another job on weekends or evenings.

Be flexible with your work schedule.  Some colleges offer evening jobs that would not conflict with classes.  Be open to unusual jobs and times and be flexible.