Introduction to Work-Study Programs for Online Students
If you’re worried about the cost of college, you have a good reason to be. The cost of an online bachelor’s degree is $54,231 per year, on average. Even with financial aid, such as scholarships and grants, it’s a challenge.
But why limit yourself to scholarships and grants? Consider online colleges with work-study programs. Yes, of course, online students are eligible for work-study programs like on-campus students.
Work-study programs are also a form of financial aid. The federal government funds these programs under the Federal Work-Study Program (FWS). Many states also have their work-study programs such as Texas and California.
Featured Programs
Check out colleges and universities that offer work-study programs, too. These institutions fund their work-study funds and set their eligibility rules. Harvard, Yale, and Princeton are a few examples. These are also among the top online schools with work-study programs.
Eligible students engage in part-time work in on-campus and off-campus sites. On-campus sites include libraries, administrative offices, and student support offices. Off-campus sites include nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and community service organizations.
There’s a wide range of jobs available, too, from tutors to clerks. Online students can choose from remote and telecommuting work, too, besides in-person jobs.
Work-study programs then allow students to earn money while studying. But your salary doesn’t come from a private employer, as is the case in part-time jobs. Instead, it comes from the federal or state government or your college.
If you’re in a work-study program, you will usually receive direct salary payments. You can request to have your salary deposited to your student account. But it’s more common to receive your salary as an employee.
As such, you have the freedom to use your work-study salary in whatever manner. You can use it to pay for tuition and fees, books and supplies, or living expenses.
This is the foremost benefit of work-study programs – the extra financial support. There’s no need to repay the salaries you’ve earned, too. Taking out student loans also becomes less necessary.
You also enjoy flexible working hours and gain relevant work experience. Being able to expand your network and make professional connections is also a plus.
Criteria for Choosing an Online College with a Work-Study Program
There are many online colleges with work-study programs that you can choose from. But since you want to choose the right fit, you must consider these factors.
Accreditation and reputation
You must verify if the online college has a valid regional accreditation. Only accredited institutions can participate in federal and state work-study programs.
Check for the online colleges’ reputation in the academe and industry, too. You want a diploma issued by an online college recognized by employers.
Geographic considerations
You may want to work in remote and telecommuting jobs as an online student in a work-study program. But that may not be possible at all times. Check if the online colleges you’re interested in offer in-person jobs in your local area. If you’re into on-campus jobs, check if you’re near the campus.
Program flexibility
You must also check if the work-study positions available offer flexible working hours. Being able to balance your work and studies is a must for success.
Types of jobs available
Scan the available work-study jobs, both in-person and remote. Then, you can decide if these align with your interests and goals. You will want jobs where you can gain relevant work experience.
Compatibility with other types of financial aid
Applying for scholarships and grants must come first because it’s free money. But these may be inadequate to meet your cost of attendance. Check the impact on your scholarships and grants if you’re in a work-study program. Work with a financial aid officer to determine your financial aid package options.
Quality and availability of student support services
Being able to maintain a good work-study balance isn’t an easy thing. But having effective access to quality student support services makes it easier.
Most importantly, ask for feedback and reviews from students and alumni. You will get valuable insights from their work-study experiences.
Top 10 Online Colleges with Exceptional Work-Study Programs
These are the best online colleges with work-study programs in our opinion.
University of Florida
With $3,876 in-state annual tuition, UF Online is among the most affordable online colleges with work-study programs. UF Online offers on-campus and remote part-time jobs.
Penn State World Campus
The public university offers among the best work-study programs for online students, too. Students choose from a wide range of jobs related to their studies. These include research assistants, administrative clerks, and tutors.
Southern New Hampshire University
SNHU’s work-study opportunities enable students to afford quality education. The ITS knowledge enablement assistant is a popular remote job. Students can combine their work-study salary with other financial aid options.
Liberty University
Liberty offers many on-campus and off-campus work-study opportunities for online students. Many of these jobs are with community service organizations in the local area. Students can also combine work-study with scholarships, grants, and easy payment plans.
Western Governors University
WGU’s competency-based learning model contributes to cost savings, too. The work-study program and other financial aid further reduce college costs. Note that WGU charges $8,010 in average annual tuition and fees for a bachelor’s degree.
University of Central Florida
UCF’s Online tuition and fees are comparable with its on-campus university. In-state students pay $6,368/year, on average. Online students are eligible for work-study jobs to pay for college costs.
Northeastern University
Tuition and fees at Northeastern University are at the high end ($63,141/year). But its work-study programs enable students to afford world-class education. Students can also apply for other financial aid programs, including the co-op program.
Grand Canyon University
Online students can apply for remote and in-person part-time jobs at GCU. These jobs feature flexible working hours and good pay. GCU also offers scholarships, grants, and financial aid counseling.
University of Maryland Global Campus
UMGC’s CareerQuest provides students with access to information about work-study jobs. Online students can apply for in-person and remote jobs. UMGC also offers scholarships and grants to augment work-study salaries.
Colorado State University Global
CSU offers both need-based and non-need-based work-study programs. Both programs enable students to pay for their college costs.
The financial aid work-study online colleges offer have different rules and regulations. You must check the following aspects:
- Eligibility criteria, such as financial aid, type of enrollment, and grades
- Application requirements, such as FAFSA and personal statement
- Application deadlines
- Number of hours required for employment purposes
- Pay per hour
- Mode and frequency of payment
- Combination with other financial aid
With the information, you can decide whether the work-study program’s rules align with your financial goals.
Benefits of Work-Study Programs in Online Education
While being a working student has its challenges, its rewards make it worthwhile. Online college jobs for students promote personal and professional growth in these ways.
Decrease the need for student loans.
Whatever you do with your work-study salary is your own decision. But it’s best to use it to pay for your college expenses, such as living expenses. There’s less need to take out student loans that can delay your career growth in the future.
Gain relevant work experience.
Work-study programs usually encourage students to choose jobs related to their studies. You can then gain real-world knowledge and skills related to your future career. Furthermore, it isn’t only hard skills but soft skills, too, that you’re learning. Time management, communication, and problem-solving skills are among them.
With your relevant work experience, your resume becomes more attractive, too. Prospective employers consider working students to be more prepared for work.
You can also explore your career interests. As you become more engaged in work, you can determine if it’s the right fit. Being a part of a community or contributing to a community is a bonus.
Build your professional network.
Networking brings many personal and professional benefits. Getting credible references and job referrals are the foremost of these benefits. You can also get mentorship opportunities, industry insights, and career advice.
Being in a work-study program won’t get in the way of your good academic performance, too. The trick is to adopt effective time management habits and flexible scheduling.
How to Apply for Work-Study Programs in Online Colleges
Work-study opportunities in online education aren’t handed on a silver platter. If you want to know how to earn money while studying online, these are the best ways. But you must spend time, effort, and energy in finding them and landing a job.
Accomplish your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application.
The FAFSA form determines your eligibility for need-based financial aid options. These include government-funded scholarships, grants, and work-study programs. Be sure to select the work-study option on the FAFSA form.
Submit your complete and accurate FAFSA form as early as possible. Don’t wait until the deadline. The earlier you submit, the more likely for you to get into the work-study program. Slots are often limited.
Receive and review your financial aid award letter.
Check the maximum amount you’re qualified for under the work-study program. Accept the offer if you’re amenable to it. Follow the instructions on accepting the offer. You may have to confirm your acceptance through your college’s financial aid portal.
Communicate with the financial aid office.
Discuss your part-time job options. Ask about how your work-study offer fits in with your scholarships and grants. There may be limitations or restrictions. Understand the terms and conditions of your work-study offer.
Search for available work-study jobs.
Think of it the same way you would with part-time jobs. You must tailor your application and prepare for the interview.
Once you’re hired, be sure to track your wages. Work-study wages are taxable, not to mention that you must stay within the limit.
Tips for Balancing Work-Study and Online Learning
Work-study programs for online degrees usually have grade requirements. You must then adopt effective habits to balance your part-time work and academic performance. Indeed, online education with work-study benefits doesn’t come without sacrifices.
- Create a schedule that you can adopt. But be flexible, too, since life throws curveballs.
- Plan your academic calendar with your work-study schedule in mind.
- Use traditional and digital calendars to keep track of your work and academic schedule.
- Set aside daily and weekly study times.
- Communicate with your professors, supervisors, and classmates about your schedule.
- Keep your health in check. Regular breaks are a must for your mental and physical well-being.
Conclusion: Maximizing Your Education with Work-Study
Work-study programs are an excellent way to earn money, boost your resume, and cut your college costs. As an online student, you will also appreciate their flexible schedules and networking opportunities. Indeed, we highly encourage online students to maximize their work-study opportunities.
But we must also warn you that these don’t come easy either. Work is at the heart of these programs.