<p>Hi--
We are not likely to qualify for financial aid due to our family income but we would like for our child to have an opportunity to get a work-study job on campus (both to get work experience and for spending money). Do we have to apply for financial aid for her to get such a job? Would applying for financial aid hurt the chances of admission at competitive schools?</p>
<p>You should take this question to the experts in the Financial Aid Forum. Here is a link for you: [Financial</a> Aid & Scholarships - College Confidential](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/financial-aid-scholarships/]Financial”>Financial Aid and Scholarships - College Confidential Forums)</p>
<p>If a college determines that your family doesn’t qualify for aid, then it won’t be a factor in the admissions decisions even at those colleges that are “need aware”. Depending on the college, there may be plenty of jobs available on campus that are not restricted to students who qualify for work-study. When you visit the colleges, you should ask what the situation is at that campus.</p>