Campus Jobs, Off-Campus Jobs, and Federal Work-Study
Most college students work during their college careers. This work may include summer
jobs between terms or work during the school year. Work during the school year falls
into the following three categories:
- Campus work-study programs help students learn about their areas of interest and may help meet the
requirements for a major.
- Internships allow students to work off campus as part of pursuing a major. The internship may
provide the student with a small income but is really meant to help the student meet
a specific requirement, earn credit hours toward a major or gain relevant career experience.
- Off-campus work has nothing to do with pursuing a major, but helps students earn money to pay for
college.
Working on Campus Can Fit Your Schedule
If you work for a college department and need to fit your work schedule into your
college class load, your on-campus supervisor is probably more likely to work with
your schedule than an off-campus business.
Federal Work-Study
The Federal Work-Study Program is need based and is an excellent way to obtain on-campus
work, but you have to complete the FAFSA to see if you qualify. The program is designed
to help pay your education expenses. You are awarded a pre-determined amount based
on your level of need and the funding level of your school. Your school pays you directly,
but your earnings cannot exceed your total award.
