WORKING YOUR WAY THROUGH

Many students attend college and work too. If you're a first-year student, be sure you can handle a job and school at the same time. College classes are typically more demanding than high school. If you're an upper-class student and you're taking difficult courses, you may need to spend more time studying. Be careful not to take on too much until you get a feel for your academics.

That said, a job not only can help you pay for college—also it can teach you a lot about the real world. Many universities offer students the opportunity to work on campus. Plus, your financial aid package might contain a Federal Work-Study Award, which allows you to work for some of your aid. These programs allow flexibility in the hours and/or days you work, so you can attend classes. (Work-Study can also give you great on-the-job training to put on a résumé.)

Internships, cooperative education programs, and research programs can be other ways to earn extra funds. Internships offer college credit for professional work experience and sometimes pay; cooperative education jobs sometimes offer academic credit and most may pay; research programs may also offer stipends. Check with your career center at college for internship/co-op postings. Or visit with the internship coordinator for your major. Your professors or academic advisor also may be good resources for finding these and research opportunities. Experiences such as these offer ways to make money and test drive a career at the same time.

Here are Other Areas to Link to:

FINANCIAL AID 101: FOR HIGH SCHOOLERS
FINANCIAL AID 201: FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
WORKING YOUR WAY THROUGH
COLLEGE FINANCING ALTERNATIVES