Work-Study. The definition is letting college students work part-time at the attended college while attending classes at the same time. Based on the desired major students want to study as well as the possibility of an available position at the college.
However, as well as the previous articles, students have to consider the various pros and cons. It’s best to consider the pros and cons, to see if it’s the right opportunity for students and if it can make an impact for them in the future.
There are various factors to consider in work studies as well.
Let’s begin with the pros and cons.
Gaining experience in the studied field
∇ Having an opportunity to do a work-study creates a real-world experience in one’s field of study. There are colleges that strive to match students with work-study jobs or work study-related jobs.
Hours work around a student’s class schedule
∇ A work-study is offered to enrolled students. Therefore, it would also mean having hours that are flexible. There would be a degree of flexibility so students can attend classes as well.
Doing a work Study doesn’t count on FAFSA
∇ If a student works at a part-time job that is off-campus, then the earned income would have to be reported to FAFSA. Correspondingly having a possible increase to the Expected Family Contribution. The increase of the Expected Family Contribution can affect how much financial aid is given back to the student. On the plus side of work studies, it is not needed to be included in FAFSA.
Offsets Student Loan Debt
∇ Work-study jobs offer an opportunity to earn extra money in the pocket, which can also mean it can be put aside to pay off tuition.
Here are some cons when looking for a work-study.
Low income
Ξ Doing a work-study also means working at minimum wage. In other words, students who do work-study may not make enough money to support other expenses like personal bills or educational expenses.
Limited hours given
Ξ Colleges that offer work studies have a limited amount of hours to give to students. This may be the reason why work studies are flexible. Low wages with limited hours can result in low-income paychecks that won’t make ends meet.
Studying can be taken away
Ξ Students doing work-study can vary from 4 to 20 hours a week. Which may also take up a student’s time that can be used for studying. In other words, students would have little to no time to be social or do campus activities.
Don’t expect the desired job
Ξ It’s best for students to have low expectations. What work-study places do is place students in a position that is correlated with their studied field. However, when it comes to college campuses, positions are limited.
Work-study positions are a way for students to earn money in their pocket, whether it be their actual job while in college or a second job. Work-study helps students gain the experience needed in their studied field. However, students need to be aware of some of the pros and cons of being involved in a work-study.
Works Cited
Owen, Chandra; Brown, Justin Chase; Weber, Karla. “8 Things You Should Know About Federal Work-Study” 07/17/2017. Accessed 04/12/2021
Pilgrim, Krystin. “The Pros & Cons of Work-Study: Worth it or Not?” Updated 03/20/20. Accessed on 04/12/21
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Pakarwadee Tiebklang
Student Author - Spring 2021
