The federal work-study program is one of the earliest forms of federal financial aid for higher education in the United States and has come under close scrutiny for its debatable impact on low-income students' college success and persistence. However, federal work-study surprisingly remains one of the least-studied financial aid programs. This has…

Financial aid may be particularly critical for promoting full-time enrollment, continuous enrollment, and a manageable balance of school and work responsibilities, which influence the likelihood of timely degree completion (Adelman, 2006; Attewell, Heil, & Reisel, 2012; Hossler et al., 2009). For example, Attewell, Heil, and Reisel (2012)…

Due to rising costs and declining affordability, many students have to work while attending college. The federal government takes a major role in subsidizing the wages of college students and spent over $1 billion on the Work-Study program in 2010-11 (College Board, 2011), yet little is known about how working during the school year impacts…

This exploratory study examines the difference between two college persistence factors--resiliency and institutional engagement--for low-income, working, first-generation college students. Participants in the study consisted of 52 respondents to the Family History Knowledge and College Persistence Survey. Among respondents, 50 students reported…

This study explores working students' college experiences using the grounded theory approach. Focus groups were conducted to allow working students to elaborate on their college experiences, clarifying issues not easily addressed through surveys. Two theoretical propositions are offered to describe how working students are constantly searching for…

A Central Missouri State University study of the effects of part-time employment on first-year grade point averages, credits earned, and second-semester retention found no significant differences between students employed in work-study or regular employment, or not employed. Implications for counseling and evaluating financial aid packages are…

Student employment, it is suggested, may have a surprising effect on student retention. Two studies that confirm the potential impact that employment can have on student persistence are discussed. Financial aid officers may consider altering traditional awarding strategies regarding college work-study eligibility. (MLW)

The impact of working on academic performance and persistence of a sample of full-time undergraduates enrolled in Washington State's public and private institutions during fall 1983 through spring 1985 was studied. Data sources included: student records for the State Work Study, College Work Study, and nonworking financial aid recipients; and…

Student employment while in college during 1980-1984 is presented, based on the High School and Beyond data for 1980 seniors. Who was working, how much was earned, what kind of jobs students held, and how employment was related to college persistence are described. Data are limited to traditional college students during 1980-1984. An introduction…

The effects of different types of student financial aid on student outcomes were investigated for the year 1983: types of support looked at included scholarships, working while attending school, grants, and loans. Attention was directed to four outcome measures that reflect in-school behaviors and attitudes that affect student performance:…