Working in school
Another common piece of the financial aid puzzle is the work-study program, which assigns you to a particular job, providing you with money for school. Typically, you’ll work anywhere from 10 to 15 hours per week at a work-study job, which is usually on campus and often related to your future career. For instance, a communications major might get a job in the college library.
If your school offers you a work-study program as part of your financial aid package, it will help you find a job or place you in a position. If you’re offered work-study, it often makes sense to take it — these jobs can be excellent preparation for employment after college.
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Working in grad school
Many people who choose to go to graduate school help pay their way by working in programs linked to their education. These programs include assistantships, in which you might instruct undergraduate students as a TA, or teaching assistant. Some TAs earn thousands of dollars a year toward their tuition and other expenses while gaining valuable work experience. And because they’re earning the money, not borrowing it, there’s no repayment later on.
