By Katelyn Needham/ editor-in-chief
Working and going to college is always a source of stress for many students, but TCC students might have it just a little better than everyone else.
In a study for the Student Loan Report, TCC was ranked No. 8 in Texas among all four-year and two-year institutions offering part-time job compensation for students and third for average earnings per worker, at an average of $4,160 per student. The data was licensed from Peterson’s Financial Aid for the 2015-2016 academic year.
“I believe this is a notable achievement because the volume of positions demonstrates the importance TCC places on offering part-time employment for students,” associate vice chancellor David Ximenez said. “The earnings per worker demonstrate that TCC values part-time student workers enough to pay them a competitive wage.”
TCC offers 87 different job opportunities to students with a total of $361,920 in total part-time compensation.
“I encourage all students to consider working on campus,” Ximenez said. “It offers great work experience, and it enriches their engagement on campus. I actually worked on campus when I was an undergraduate student, and I had a wonderful experience that has contributed greatly to my career.”
During the academic year, TCC also provided a total of $1.25 million in federal and state work-study funds for part-time jobs.
“Any student looking for a part-time job should consider on-campus employment,” district financial aid director Samantha Stalnaker said. “It is not for everyone, especially if the student already has a job. For students who are looking for a convenient, supportive environment to gain experience and earn some extra money, it is a good choice.”
Students must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to be eligible for a work-study position on campus, but if they do not meet the criteria, then they can work on campus as a student assistant.
“Students who work on campus tend to have higher GPAs and graduation rates,” Stalnaker said. “Student workers learn more about the college and the way it works.”
South student Estefany Mendoza loves what work-study offers her.
“I love the flexibility it allows me to have and the experience I am gaining,” she said. “I feel that if I was working somewhere else, my grades would suffer. As a work-student, I can work on homework, and if it’s not too busy even go see my professors and ask them for help. I love my job.”
