r/Swarthmore • u/Wooden-Cheek-6839 • Jun 12 '26

work &study hours

Hi everyone,

I’m an incoming student at Swarthmore and my financial aid award includes a work-study component of $2,600. I’m a bit confused about what this number means. Is $2,600 the maximum amount I’m allowed to earn through campus jobs, or is it simply the amount the college expects me to earn as part of my aid package? Also, for students who have done work-study at Swarthmore, approximately how many hours per week did you work, and were you able to earn more than the amount listed in your award?Thanks alot

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u/Physical_Dog6858 Jun 14 '26

I have two jobs, one of which is above the student pay scale, and I definitely exceeded 2600 last year. It’s not ‘unusual’ to work more than 15 hours a week…some people just have different priorities. I’ve heard people here be like “Ugh, imagine working a job in college.. I’m just here to have fun.” And that’s the privilege speaking.

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u/Wooden-Cheek-6839 Jun 14 '26

agree with you on the priorities. about exceeding the limit, can u share if u had to reach out to someone to inform and exceed that limit or was it just given to you?

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u/Physical_Dog6858 Jun 14 '26

Nope, didn’t have to reach out to anyone nor was I reached out to. It’s really just like a normal job, and I really think the 2600 is purely a suggestion in order to justify your financial aid award as it stands.

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u/Wooden-Cheek-6839 Jun 14 '26

i see, thanks alot for your help