Spring Break
Work-study: the basics
Stephanie Takach
Issue date: 9/28/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
With the cost of a college education rising five to eight percent each year, many students opt to offset the cost of a Drexel education by seeking jobs on-campus or pursuing a work-study job.
For freshmen beginning to feel the financial burden, work-study may prove mysterious.
Work-study is a federal program that students use to assist themselves financially during their college education.
Unlike other grants and most scholarships, all money earned during a work-study job is paid directly to the students on a biweekly basis. This allows students to use the funds for textbooks, housing needs and travel expenses, according to Melissa Englund, assistant vice president for Enrollment Planning & Retention Services.
Work-study positions are not available to all students, said Englund. Drexel is given $2 million in funds to support over 18,000 students. To ensure that those students who need the most financial assistance receive work-study positions, the University uses formulas for all students to determine need.
Simply qualifying for work-study does not guarantee students a job. Certain positions require students to submit a résumé while others require a short interview. Positions range from working in an office to working at the dormitories.
"For all freshman students who may not be familiar with the work-study program, it is not too late to apply for a position," said Englund. "Students inquired about work-study jobs during orientation, but at that time it was too early because the departments themselves were just setting up."
Englund explained that the benefits of work-study are not only financial because students work closely with university staff.
Work-study jobs are very different from co-ops. During co-op, a student is working continuously for six months (or three, depending on your major) full-time. A work-study position can last up to a few years, depending on how many hours a student is available per week and their relationship with their employer.
Students also cited the work-study programs' convenience as a benefit.
"Work-study is a great opportunity for students to earn extra money while they are in college, especially because employers will work with students schedules more so than a job outside of campus," Shawn Busolits, a freshman majoring in computer science, said.
Englund said that more than 1,500 students participated in the work-study program during the 2006-07 academic year. "I expect a similar number of students to apply for jobs this year," Englund said.
Students who are eligible for work-study can access open positions through the University financial aid web site.
For freshmen beginning to feel the financial burden, work-study may prove mysterious.
Work-study is a federal program that students use to assist themselves financially during their college education.
Unlike other grants and most scholarships, all money earned during a work-study job is paid directly to the students on a biweekly basis. This allows students to use the funds for textbooks, housing needs and travel expenses, according to Melissa Englund, assistant vice president for Enrollment Planning & Retention Services.
Work-study positions are not available to all students, said Englund. Drexel is given $2 million in funds to support over 18,000 students. To ensure that those students who need the most financial assistance receive work-study positions, the University uses formulas for all students to determine need.
Simply qualifying for work-study does not guarantee students a job. Certain positions require students to submit a résumé while others require a short interview. Positions range from working in an office to working at the dormitories.
"For all freshman students who may not be familiar with the work-study program, it is not too late to apply for a position," said Englund. "Students inquired about work-study jobs during orientation, but at that time it was too early because the departments themselves were just setting up."
Englund explained that the benefits of work-study are not only financial because students work closely with university staff.
Work-study jobs are very different from co-ops. During co-op, a student is working continuously for six months (or three, depending on your major) full-time. A work-study position can last up to a few years, depending on how many hours a student is available per week and their relationship with their employer.
Students also cited the work-study programs' convenience as a benefit.
"Work-study is a great opportunity for students to earn extra money while they are in college, especially because employers will work with students schedules more so than a job outside of campus," Shawn Busolits, a freshman majoring in computer science, said.
Englund said that more than 1,500 students participated in the work-study program during the 2006-07 academic year. "I expect a similar number of students to apply for jobs this year," Englund said.
Students who are eligible for work-study can access open positions through the University financial aid web site.
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