Work-Study and College: Striking a Balance Mobile AL

Work-Study and College: Striking a Balance

By Howard and Matthew Greene

It's not uncommon to find a work-study assignment in your financial aid package, but it doesn't necessarily mean you'll be stuck in a position that is mundane or unrelated to your interests and goals. You may be able to score work in areas that interest you, such as in a community service-oriented position, or with a faculty member conducting research. You may even find that work-study assignments, as well as other forms of college work, can have a positive impact on your study habits and overall performance — although working too much can also negatively affect your college experience. How you decide to approach work and how much you want to take on depends on you and an honest assessment of both your needs and limits.

Self-help and other work
Work-study is considered part of the ""self-help"" portion of your financial aid package (the other major component of self-help is loans). The Federal Work-Study program awards funds to colleges for distribution at the discretion of each individual institution. You may be awarded work in a nonprofit or public organization in the college community, or within your college in an area related to your field of study. You will be paid an hourly wage at least as high as the federal minimum wage.

Author: Amy Ambler

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