Work-Study: Convenient, Flexible Work for Students

By Abigail Julias

Looking for a job that will accommodate your college life? A Work-Study job may be for you.

Federal Work-Study is a student aid program which allows students to apply for part-time jobs provided by SUNY, both on and off campus. A Work-Study job allows you to earn some money without ever leaving the campus, with a flexible schedule that allows you the choice of working before, after, or even between your classes, alongside the additional bonus of earned income not counting as part of your total income for student aid. Any future aid you may receive will never be affected by your Work-Study earnings, which makes a Work-Study job perfect for those who are looking to offset some college expenses.

A variety of jobs are available, from front desk jobs to working with children at the daycare, and students with expertise in a particular subject can apply to work with the Academic Center of Excellence as a student tutor for that subject. The full list of currently available jobs can be found on SUNY’s website.

Eligibility and the number of hours you can work is based on financial need, which is determined based on your Free Application for Student Aid (or FAFSA) form. A FAFSA form must be completed every year to receive student aid and is completely free to fill out, so it’s worth completing, even if not for Work-Study.

I asked the Director of Financial Aid Jim Trimboli his opinion on the program, and this is what he had to say:

The work study program is a tremendous help to both the college and the student. College departments benefit by the service of the students that help by assisting college employes deliver services to the students of SUNY Niagara. The student work studies benefit from gaining valuable work experience in a college setting, an opportunity they would not have without this program. I should note that after graduation some former work studies students have been hired by the college as full-time employees.

The college receives around $130,000 a year in Work-Study funds, but job openings are limited, so if you’re interested in the program, check in with Financial Aid at A-114 to determine your eligibility.