For many of us here, it's about time for college to get back into session, I just finished my first full week of classes. Now, being desperately poor, as most college students are, seems like a good reason to get a job down on campus, but before you do, read this:
This semester, I was fortunate (read: desperately poor) enough to qualify for a federal Pell grant, amounting to about $3000 for the school year. This sum is about the same amount I would have made by working throughout the school year. However, any cent I earn is reported to the IRS, and added to our EFC (estimated family contribution). Essentially, if I choose to work, and earn $3000, It is very likely I will loose the Pell grant, costing me roughly $3000.
The point is, working on campus may cost me more than I earn, and the higher education system in this country is fundamentally flawed, so for anyone here who is considering working through college, do the math first, or you may be making a huge mistake.
This semester, I was fortunate (read: desperately poor) enough to qualify for a federal Pell grant, amounting to about $3000 for the school year. This sum is about the same amount I would have made by working throughout the school year. However, any cent I earn is reported to the IRS, and added to our EFC (estimated family contribution). Essentially, if I choose to work, and earn $3000, It is very likely I will loose the Pell grant, costing me roughly $3000.
The point is, working on campus may cost me more than I earn, and the higher education system in this country is fundamentally flawed, so for anyone here who is considering working through college, do the math first, or you may be making a huge mistake.
