If you were accepted for a federal work-study program as part of your financial aid or are looking to make money between courses, you may be curious about what type of jobs are available to you on campus. Each college is different when it comes to what they offer, but it’s entirely possible to apply for a work-study program position that is helpful to your future career. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of working at your school, plus 16 of the best on-campus jobs out there!
Benefits of Working on Campus
For some students, working on campus means they were approved for a work-study program. However, that isn’t always the case. You can find jobs at your college even if you weren’t granted that financial aid package. And doing so comes with several benefits
- You gain experience for your resume
- It could potentially lead to a career at the college after graduation
- You won’t have to travel far for work
- The college understands you have classes and have to study and complete homework. They will be flexible with your needs and schedule.
- You could gain discounts including money off books, coffee, and other goods depending on your job. Some may even give you free stuff!
- And, of course, you’ll make money while you’re in school!
16 of the Best On Campus Jobs
1. Library Assistant
There are certain tasks you’ll have to complete as a library assistant. That includes putting away books, helping students find texts, assisting with computer work, or checking out books to students, faculty, and staff. These tasks can look excellent when you’re resume-building, as working in a library is no joke! Between curation and customer service, a lot is going on.
2. Office Assistant
There are plenty of places for you to work as an office assistant on campus, from the school’s gym to the math department. You’ll answer phones and potentially emails, file documents, assist professors, and complete other office tasks.
3. Tour Guide
Each college and university offers open houses and tours for high school students. You probably attended some yourself! The school may offer some positions to alumni or people in the admissions department. However, positions are open to work-study program students as well.
4. Marketer
Your college may very well need assistance when it comes to its marketing department. From social media to pamphlets for open houses, there’s a lot of ground to cover. There could be openings for students here but what you’re hired to do depends entirely on your school’s needs. Other on-campus jobs related to college marketing could include printer, interviewer, photographer, and writer.
5. Art Department Assistant
A lot is going on in an art department and a lot of materials need to be prepped. Students and faculty can’t always handle all of it on their own. Your job may be to mix clay or organize supplies. This job can vary as there are so many different areas of art.
6. IT Help Desk or Computer Lab Assistant
Many employees in the computer lab and help desk are work-study students. You may help fellow students with their computer or printer-related issues, supervise computer use, or answer phones at a help desk. This can be a great job as you often have the time to work on your projects between calls.
7. Tutor
If there’s a particular subject you excel in, tutoring may be right up your alley when it comes to the work-study program. This could be helping your peers, but you may also be asked to help in local K-12 schools.
And you don’t have to work for the school for this one! You can go out on your own and advertise your services. There are also plenty of online opportunities for students looking to tutor others.
8. Fitness Center Assistant
Fitness care assistants can have a wide range of required tasks. You could be in charge of cleaning, sanitizing, or organizing equipment, or you may be asked to be a receptionist at the center. Other schools ask their fitness center work-study students to fill in as managers for the sports teams, judges, referees, or fitness programmers. The job you’re given will most likely be assigned by availability, but your experience in sports may also play a role.
9. Research Assistant
Many labs in colleges and universities are short-staffed. Research assistants in the work-study program can provide much-needed support for research, equipment, and labs. You may be asked to clean and maintain equipment, but some students get to take part in exciting work.
Research assistant positions tend to pay more than other work-study positions, but there are also more stringent requirements. A school may only ask for students who are studying a related major or have prior laboratory experience.
10. Day Care Assistant
As employee and student benefits expand, many colleges are starting to offer daycare to parents. Getting this position may be difficult (your school might not even offer it), but work-study students can expect to help plan daily activities for the children, implement them, and complete various reception duties. Schools usually require students interested in this position to be focusing on early childhood development or other education-related majors.
11. Mail Room Assistant
Mailrooms can be busy places, especially at a large university, and they can need all the help they can get. A school will require a mailroom assistant to sort and deliver mail, operate equipment, work reception, deliver equipment and supplies around campus, and more.
12. Local Organization Positions
These won’t necessarily be on campus, but they are still worth mentioning. Sometimes, local nonprofits are looking for employees. Colleges will partner with these organizations for their work-study program. The jobs available can vary wildly from animal shelter assistant to working in a food bank to helping at the Boys and Girls Clubs.
You could also be responsible for raising funds for these organizations right on campus or recruiting others to the cause!
13. Barista
Love coffee? You may just want to spend a little more time in the campus coffee shop! The position tends to offer flexible hours, and you may even walk away with a free or discounted coffee after your shift. You could even add some creativity to the lattes you make if you’re artistically inclined.
14. Bookstore Associate
College bookstores regularly hire students to man the counters, stock the shelves, and help other students find what they’re looking for. If you have an interest in business or are even studying it, this could be right up your alley and gain you some valuable retail experience.
15. Dining Hall Worker
Dining halls often employ both students and locals. You can opt to work breakfast, lunch, or dinner schedules according to your class schedule, too, which makes this an ideal on-campus job for students. If your schedule changes next semester, you can always pick up another shift!
16. Resident Advisor
Dorm rooms tend to have a resident advisor on staff, also known as an RA. These students are usually upperclassmen and are responsible for the floor of the dorm. They help settle disputes, ensure rules are followed and conduct inspections of rooms. RAs could also organize building-wide activities or lead your dorm in competitions against other buildings. One of the perks of being an RA is you sometimes get a free private dorm room (which can get expensive!).
These are just some of the best on campus jobs available at your school. Each campus is different though and job opportunities can change from year to year. When applying for a job on campus, try to find one that matches your interests or can give a boost to your resume after you graduate.
Are you looking for a bit of extra cash? Scholarships can be a great way to bridge the financial gap! Use College Raptor’s Scholarship Search tool to locate awards you qualify for quickly!
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
5.99%-16.61%* Variable
4.24%-15.61%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
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5.37% - 15.70% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
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Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
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5.37% - 17.99% Variable
3.79% - 17.99% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
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5.98% - 13.74% Variable
3.99% - 12.61% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
5.99% - 15.85% Variable
3.79% - 15.41% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
|
|
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
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5.62% - 16.85% Variable
4.17% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
6.00% - 14.22% Variable
4.50% - 14.22% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
