The student has no work or repayment obligations. Employment generally begins during the second year and adds one year to a 4-year degree program. Usually covers full or partial tuition costs. The student is usually required to work 15-20 hours per week assisting a professor or researcher in the classroom, laboratory, or working in an administrative office. Students are paid a salary or stipend and may even receives tuition waivers as well.
Foreign language tutoring in a language lab is often times possible.
These programs are administered according to federal, state, or institutional regulations and are available for students who show a demonstrate a need for them. Applicants for these funds generally require the submission of a proposal at least a year in advance. They are awarded by national agencies such as the National Institute of Health and the National Science Foundation to colleges and universities which then decide who receives them. The work is usually required to complete the degree. Approximately 200,000 students participate in co-op programs organized by about 50,000 employers.