Cappex College Blog

Q: I’m looking at the long list of ways that you can get financial help for college, and one of the options is a work-study program. I know that the money earned goes towards paying your tuition, but do these programs pay any sort of stipend so that you won’t have to get another job for living expenses? Allyson B.

A. Money earned under the work-study programs is typically given directly to the student for living expenses. Programs can vary from college to college, but the cash is usually not applied to tuition, room or meals. Most colleges tailor the work-study program to be used by the student for spending money. Students can usually do what they want with cash earned through work-study.

Will your school’s program be enough that you won’t need another job? Well, that all depends on your personal spending habits. But for many students this is their only job during the school-year.

Work-study programs also have a great deal of variety in terms of work offered. Jobs may include work in a cafeteria, library or even an admissions office. Many students use the campus contacts formed during work-study programs to get full-time work after graduation.

Students are encouraged to ask each school about their work study policy after acceptance and financial aid award letters are received. Each college’s program will be different so be sure to get all the details before signing up.

Got a question for the experts? Email us at experts@cappex.com.