Is it better to do work-study or get a job?
A work-study job is not inherently better or higher-paying than another kind of job. Some students can make more money waitressing, bartending or freelancing, especially if they can handle working more than 20 hours a week. Students with work-study jobs can work a maximum of 20 hours a week, but most work-study jobs are closer to 10 or 15 hours. With that said, many work-study jobs are low-stress and allow time for students to study. If you’re working at the front desk of a library, you can bring textbooks and complete some homework while getting paid. Plus, supervisors for work-study jobs are required to work around your class schedule, while bosses for other jobs may be less accommodating. While the pay from a work-study job doesn’t count against you on the FAFSA, pay from a regular part-time job will. This shouldn’t have a dramatic impact on your financial need status, but it is a consideration.