Paying for School Without Work-Study

Eight days into the fall semester, Bluefield University ran out of federal work-study funds – and students are feeling it.

“I can’t really make food, even if I want to, because I can’t afford to go get groceries, which are not cheap,” Moriah Mingo said.

A full-time student, soccer player, and discipleship leader, Mingo said work-study is “kind of the only way I’m able to make money.” Federal work-study is designed to fit around classes and schoolwork, enabling students to earn income in a job that fits their schedule.

“The reason I can’t work a regular job is because I don’t have extra time unless I don’t want to go to bed till 3 a.m., which doesn’t really work when you have an away game that you have to leave for at 6 a.m.,” Mingo said.

Some of her teammates work night shifts because “they have no other choice,” but Mingo cannot do that because she also has student ministries. She said not having that work-study income makes things “more stressful” for her.

Junior Jordan Edwards agreed. He had been counting on work-study to help cover his expenses this semester, so hearing that work-study funds had run out “felt like a setback.”

“Without work-study, I’ve had to look for other jobs, which is difficult with my classes, athletics, and other responsibilities,” Edwards said. “It’s also made budgeting a lot tighter.”

Federal work-study provides part-time employment for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need. Funded by the federal government, it helps eligible students pay for school.

A football player and business major, Edwards wanted work-study “because it’s flexible with class schedules and provides a reliable source of income on campus.” He added that it creates an opportunity to be involved at BU while earning money.

Even though students cannot earn as much with work-study as with a regular job, Mingo said having a consistent amount of money would relieve stress and provide a baseline ability to buy “simple stuff,” including gas.

“We have to drive a lot for soccer, and so I burn through a lot of gas,” Mingo said.

According to Vice President of Finance Daniel Osborne, Bluefield University received $150,000 in work-study funds for 2025-2026, the same amount as last year. Work-study funds are awarded to qualifying students in the amount of $1,500/semester on a first-come, first-served basis until the funds run out.

“This year, more students applied early using up the full amount allocated to the University,” Osborne said. “It is possible that more funds could become available if students that are already awarded federal work study positions end up quitting their jobs before drawing the full amounts.”

Many BU students depend on work-study to pay for school and other expenses. When funds abruptly ran out on August 28, numerous students were left scrambling to find other sources of income.

“I think this situation shows how important work-study is for students who depend on it,” Edwards said. “Clear communication earlier in the semester would help students plan better and avoid added stress.”

When work-study becomes available again, Mingo and Edwards plan to apply because it provides consistent, flexible income. Until then, they – along with many other students – will have to find other ways to support themselves.