Working While a Student

1. Do I have to work if I am offered student employment as part of my financial aid package?

If you are offered student employment, you will need to work in order to receive those funds. If you don't want to work, you may have the option to convert your student employment to a loan. Contact your financial aid office to see if you are eligible to do so.

2. My financial aid package includes student employment. Won't working hurt my grades?

A number of recent studies show a correlation between good grades and working a small amount (10 to 15 hours per week). If you choose not to work, you can decline the student employment funds offered and often replace those funds with a student loan if necessary.

3. I was not offered student employment; does this mean that I don't have to work?

Most students work at least part-time while in school, and many do it without having received a student employment financial aid award. Working while in school is a good way to lessen the need to borrow through the student loan programs.