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.
