Should financial aid be reason why not to work in college?

Question

Should I try to get a job when the government will know how much I make, when at the same time I want as much financial aid as possible? Should that be a reason why not to get a job?

Answer 1

No it shouldn't, get the financial aid and start working right after. Trust me I go to school full time n finacial aid cover all my tuition, books etc. and i work full time where I make areoun 35K a year. It's all possible

Answer 2

It depends on if you are classified by FAFSA as a dependent or independent student.  If you are independent, you are able to work a little more, however if you are a dependent student a higher percentage of your income will go towards your EFC (estimated family contribution), which could cause you to become eligible for less financial aid.  

If you want to work, I would recommend checking with your Financial Aid Office to see if they can offer you Federal Work Study.  Money you earn from Federal Work Study is NOT counted towards your EFC.  Eventhough it is reported in your adjusted gross income, on worksheet C of your FAFSA takes it back out, so it doesn't really count.  This way you can work, get good job experience (maybe even something in your anticipated field) and also usually supervisors of work-study students are a little more understanding of your STUDENT situtation, because after all, you are a student first.  

Good luck.