Although the cost of higher education is high, loans aren't the only means to have more money to fund your way through college. There are several more, and one of them is work.
A part-time job might be a very good idea for students who need more funding for college, but there are some considerations one should think about before deciding to look for one. If ever you're thinking of working to help support your college education, here are a few factors to consider, according to U.S. News.
Don't Work More than 20 Hours a Week
U.S. News notes that several studies, including one from the Department of Education, show that students who have work perform better and have higher GPAs compared to students who have not work. However, this only applies to those who work fewer than 15 to 20 hours.
Experts say that when a student works for more than 20 hours a week, his studies suffer. Sean Moore, founder of college financial planning service SMART College Funding, says that when students work more than 20 hours a week, it becomes "harder to juggle everything."
If work affects your studies, Moore advises taking out a loan so that your education isn't compromised. You'll eventually pay off your student debt if you pay it faithfully.
Look for options other than work-study
Students earn the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour under work-study, but may earn more depending on the job. Experts advise looking for a part-time job that pays higher, but when there are no other alternatives, then it's better to go for work-study, especially if the job doesn't require a commute.
Start Your Own Business
Starting your own business in college means leveraging your skills, talents, making use of your connections, all in your own time. Wisconsin Lutheran College senior Derek Sallmann, for example, uses his free time and his musical skills to pay for college.
Sallmann, a biology major, says the payments range from as little as free food to $500, but the fact that he earns these amounts during his free time and in a creative way makes it enjoyable. He told U.S. News that he's already earned enough to offset the need to take out student loans.
He says he's not against loans, but there's a better way around it: find creative ways to make money, whether it's a business during summer, or "teaching something you're good at."
