In the financial side of the college race, FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), grants and scholarships live in the minds of students. Bills are piling up for parents to pay, but there is something that may be able to help alleviate some of that financial burden. 

Work studies at Waynesburg University are student employment opportunities to help students cut down their bills as well as gaining valuable experiences.Sarah Bell, the director of the Pathways Center at Waynesburg University, helps students apply for work study and leads the way for employment opportunities at Waynesburg University. 

“Work study is a process through financial aid,” Bell said. “Federal work study is basically a financial aid allocation that we receive through the government.”

That financial allocation changes year by year, but students make a base $7.25 according to the minimum wage in the state of  Pennsylvania.

“The students typically make minimum wage for the university jobs on campus, so right now in Pennsylvania that is $7.25,” Bell explained.

A common misconception among students is that the work study money goes towards tuition. Bell assured that students are “paid through payroll” like the other employees.

Logan Eberhardt is a student who qualified for work study at Waynesburg and suggests that other students give it a shot.

“I enjoy my work study,” Eberhardt said. “I would definitely recommend it to other students.”

Eberhardt is a part of the “Physical Plant Student Labor” work study in which he works alongside the staff of the University to help keep it clean and working.

There are less physical work studies on campus, too. Jobs range from working at the library checking out books, all the way to supervising the computer labs on campus. There are many jobs that are available to students.

“Students use Handshake to apply for most work study positions on campus,” Bell said. Handshake is an online internship and job search platform which is available through MyConnect on Waynesburg University’s website.

As well as being able to apply for work study, some positions such as tutoring are recommended only and major specific jobs. Bell identified that students who qualify for these programs will be selected over the students who are just financially qualified.

It is also important to note that even if students do qualify for a work study, it does not mean they have to do work study. It is purely optional, and just another way for students to get experience while also getting some extra cash.

The financial balancing of a college student is a familiar tune for many. As the next semester rolls through, new work opportunities come with it. The University encourages all students that are eligible to partake in work study and the benefits that come with it.