Introduction to Flexible Work-Study Programs
If you want to earn while you learn, you must consider flexible work-study programs. Start by looking at online colleges with work-study programs. You will find that, indeed, getting affordable yet quality education is possible.
What are flexible work-study programs in the first place? These are financial aid opportunities for students that involve part-time employment.
Every work-study program has its specific eligibility rules and application process, among others. But we can summarize their common characteristics as follows.
Featured Programs
Source of funding
In 1964, the federal government started the first work-study program. Today, about 3,400 colleges and universities take part. In federally-funded work-study programs, the federal government funds about $1 billion per year. More than 600,000 students per year enjoy their benefits, too.
The federal government covers up to 75% of the working students’ wages. The participating colleges and universities fund at least 25% of their wages.
Many states offer work-study programs for their residents, too. California, Texas, and Minnesota are good examples. If you’re a resident of these states, ask about specifics.
Many colleges and universities also have their institutional work-study programs. Their funding sources are the general operating budget, endowments, and revenues from auxiliary services. Students who don’t qualify for the federal program are their target beneficiaries.
Eligibility requirements
Work-study programs are need-based programs. Applicants must prove financial need to qualify. Students from low-income backgrounds or in extreme financial hardship are well-advised to apply.
You must file and submit your complete and accurate FAFSA form. Think of it as the mother document for your need-based financial aid applications.
Types of jobs
The law mandates that at least 7% of work-study jobs are community service jobs. Tutoring K-12 students in reading and math is popular. Jobs in family literacy and emergency preparedness and response are also common.
There’s a wide variety of work-study jobs suitable for online students, too. Virtual tutoring, data management, customer service, and content creation are popular.
Besides campus offices, work-study jobs are also available on off-campus sites. Non-profit and community service organizations, government agencies, and private companies take part, too.
Number of work hours
If you’re in a work-study program, you’re only allowed between 10 and 20 hours per week. This is because work-study programs provide part-time, not full-time, employment for students. You can also choose part-time jobs based on your course schedule.
Wages
You should be paid at least the federal minimum wage ($7.25 per hour) in your work-study jobs. But your actual hourly wage will depend on the type of job, employer, and location. You may even receive $10-$15 per hour and make $2,000-$5,000 per year.
Most work-study programs make direct wage deposits to personal bank accounts. You can then spend your wages on whatever you consider necessary. However, there are also work-study programs that apply student wages against tuition and fees.
Indeed, flexible work-study programs are going strong for good reasons. These programs provide online students with many benefits that promote their success.
Benefits of Part-Time Work-Study Options
If you’re an online student considering part-time work-study options, you won’t regret it. You will enjoy many benefits that promote your personal and professional growth. Indeed, if you can earn while you learn, you’re hitting two birds with one stone.
Extra financial support
Remember that work-study wages aren’t intended for major college expenses. Instead, other forms of financial aid for online students are best for this purpose. Scholarships and grants can cover part or all your direct college costs (tuition and fees). Ask for tuition discounts and fee waivers, too.
Furthermore, adopt effective tuition-paying tips, too. Making automatic payments and setting aside money is a must.
You can use your part-time wages on your indirect costs. Utility bills, supplies, and living expenses are examples.
Flexible schedule
Of course, you can choose part-time jobs that aren’t part of work-study programs. However these don’t offer the level of flexibility that work-study programs provide.
You can request work hours based on your course schedule in a work-study program. Since you’re a part-time or full-time online student, your manager will likely understand. But you must remember that your part-time employment comes with responsibilities.
Practical work experience
Often, the work-study jobs align with the student’s field of study. You must advocate for yourself by applying for the right jobs. This way, you can gain practical work experience relevant to your planned career.
You can develop the hard and soft skills that employers look for. In a skills-based economy, it’s a competitive edge. You will also build a professional network for future job recommendations and references. Being able to contribute to community development is a bonus.
Top 10 Online Colleges Offering Part-time Work-study Programs
These online colleges offer flexible work-study programs that work in favor of traditional and non-traditional students.
University of Central Florida
When it comes to online education affordability, UCF ranks on top ($179.19/credit in-state tuition). The public university uses Workday to help students find suitable jobs.
Western Governors University
WGU’s competency-based learning model enables students time and tuition savings. The private, online, and non-profit university also offers financial aid options, including work-study jobs. There are limited slots.
Pennsylvania State University
Penn State offers interested students work-study options through the Nittany Lions Read/Nittany Lions Count and Community Service Work Study programs. Both are under the federal work-study program.
Southern New Hampshire University
SNHU’s extensive range of work-study options includes jobs as research and laboratory assistants.
Arizona State University
The prestigious public university offers three work-study programs. These are the federal work-study program, ASU Hourly Employment Program, and off-campus employment program.
University of Massachusetts
UMass offers on-campus and off-campus federal work-study jobs for eligible students. The Financial Aid Office has established partnerships with many community service organizations across the state, too.
Liberty University
The private Christian university offers a wide range of work-study options that online students are qualified for. Balancing work and study isn’t an issue, thanks to flexible schedules. Students choose from many community service organizations serving Lynchburg and surrounding areas.
Purdue University
There are many work-study opportunities available at Purdue University, including its online college. Students must prepare for an intensive hiring process.
Northeastern University
The private research university offers work-study opportunities for all students who demonstrate financial need. On-campus and off-campus jobs with approved partners are available. Applicants must use Workday for their job search and applications.
Capella University
Student services and assistant jobs are common work-study jobs at Capella. Many jobs can be done remotely, too.
How to Find Online Colleges Offering Part Time Work-Study Programs
Finding the best flexible work-study programs takes time, energy, and action. Here’s what you can do to get started.
- Use Google or any search engine you prefer to find online colleges.
- Narrow your search to relevant keywords, such as “online colleges with work-study programs.”
- Make a list of the online colleges you’re interested in based on the search results.
- Check the official websites of the online colleges you’re interested in. The financial aid section is the best source of information about work-study programs.
- Read the available information about work-study programs. If you have questions, contact the authorized financial aid officials. Emails and chats are the usual mode of communication.
Keep in mind these tips in choosing the best online college for your work-study needs.
- Always check for a valid regional accreditation. Federal work-study programs and other financial aid options only exist in accredited universities.
- Ask about the range and availability of work-study jobs for online students. Remote and telecommuting jobs are the best options. But you should also consider jobs in your local area to save on transportation costs.
- Consider the student support services offered by online colleges for working students. Financial aid counseling, academic advising and support, and tech support are essential.
- Check the level of scheduling flexibility offered to online students. The more flexible it is, the better for your work-study balance.
Of course, you must look beyond an online college’s work-study program. Check its overall reputation for academic excellence and graduate outcomes, too.
Balancing Work and Study in an Online Program
Being a working student isn’t easy. You’re being pulled in opposite directions – between work and study commitments. With the right strategies, however, balancing work and study is possible.
- Create a flexible schedule that accommodates your work and study commitments. Identify your priorities first. Then, set blocks of time for studying and working, as well as personal activities. Be consistent in adopting your daily and weekly schedules. But be flexible, too, for changes in your priorities.
- Break down complicated or large tasks into smaller parts. This way, you can manage the smaller tasks and work toward the main goal. You can apply this technique in your work and studies, too.
- Adopt active learning techniques, such as minute papers, concept mapping, and group discussions. Consider the Pomodoro technique, too. You can maximize your study time using these strategies. Study guides and flashcards are also great ideas.
- Take advantage of time management, productivity, and file management apps. Todoist, Trello, and Google Calendar are excellent choices.
- Communicate with your professors and supervisors about your concerns. Request for flexible working hours. Ask for support and training to boost your productivity. Negotiate with your professors for extensions and other academic accommodations.
Financial Aid and Scholarships: Maximizing Your Support
If you want maximum financial support for online students, you must combine scholarships and work-study income. The more money you have to cover your college costs, the better your financial health. Here are useful tips for maximizing your financial aid opportunities.
- Understand the types of financial aid opportunities available. Scholarships and grants are considered “free money.” Tuition discounts and fee waivers are self-explanatory. Work-study programs are employment-type financial aid options.
- Strategically combine financial aid opportunities. Apply for as many scholarships and grants as possible. When small awards accumulate, you have less need for student loans and work-study income. Negotiate your tuition and fees, if possible, too.
- Use your work-study income for college-related costs. Pay your living expenses first.
- Update your FAFSA when your financial situation changes, especially with reduced income or extreme financial hardship. Work with a financial aid officer for this purpose.
Conclusion: Taking the Next Step Toward Financial Freedom
Earning a college degree is never easy especially with the rising cost of education. Today, you can spend $54,231 per year, on average, pursuing an online degree. Fortunately, you will find excellent financial aid opportunities offered by online colleges.
Scholarships, tuition discounts, and fee waivers are excellent options. Be sure to look into flexible work-study programs, too. Your college costs won’t be as heavy anymore with the extra income.
With good financial planning, you can even avoid the student loan debt trap. Now, that’s a great way to achieve financial freedom as a college student and beyond.