Federal Work Study vs. Regular Work?

Question

I'm going to be a freshmen in college starting this fall and I received my financial aid letter and i'm getting a total of $1200 from a pell grant and then it says for federal work study about $4400 for my first year

I am wondering if i would be better off just working somewhere else such as waitering or something and try to bring in more money than $4400 in a year...

what is your opinion on workstudy and if it is a reasonable choice or if my thoughts are correct..

Answer 1

As a college freshman last year I did work study.  Yes, you will make more money at a job off campus.  I suggest that you do federal work study because it is your first year and this will set your GPA off.  Supervisors in a work study program will ensure that school work comes first and will work around your schedule.  

Answer 2

I would do the work study. Usually, they're pretty understanding that you're student and will make accomodations if necessary. I think most WS jobs are on campus too, so easier access than other jobs.

Answer 3

The money you earn from your work study job wont count against you when you apply for financial aid for next year... so I think you should plan on doing it.  If that money isn't enough, you can always get an additional job waitering on the weekends...  Some kids make this mistake, working hard to pay rent and a car payment... and invariably make themselves ineligible to get a Pell grant (or reduce their amount) for the next  year.

Also, at some schools, competition for work study jobs is VERY competitive and freshman have zero chance of getting them.  (You are the one responsible for finding a work study job and convincing them to hire you).  At other schools work study jobs are a dime a dozen and often go unfilled.  It just depends on your school.... so as soon as you get on campus start hunting.  Library's and financial aid offices have lots of openings with the perks of getting the "inside" info in staying in school and being successful.