<p>Does anybody have more information about how this system works at Colgate? I received my acceptance letter today, along with the financial aid which was very generous. However, the award is composed out of a Colgate grant and Colgate Work-Study. It then further explains:</p>
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Your work-study award will increase each year. Earning the amount cannot be guaranteed.
...
As remuneration for jobs is earned on an hourly basis and paid bi-weekly, the sum indicated in your award letter cannot be deducted from your university term bill. Students who have a work-study award greater than the amount of their allowance for books, travel, and personal expenses may need to contribute the difference toward their billed expenses.
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<p>Could someone give me more details about this? As I understand it, they are offering me first preference for jobs, but if I earn more than I need to cover my college related expenses, I'm not allowed to keep the extra-money? Also, will I have to earn more money each year? I'm an international student and I'm a bit concerned about the money issues, especially that even with the more than generous award, the family contribution will still be a struggle.</p>
<p>I think you can keep the extra you have. Btw, which country are you from??</p>
<p>I’m from Romania.</p>
<p>[edit]:Do you happen to know what billed expenses means?</p>
<p>If you have access to the Portal, there is a place at the bottom of the Student Resources tab to apply for jobs. I suggest that as SOON as they put up jobs, apply for them, because although you have first pick with a work study, there are plenty of other kids with work study as well.
To be honest, Colgate is pretty bad about giving you enough hours, though they are generally more generous to internationals. And you don’t HAVE to earn more money each year by working more hours, the pay scale increases each year (aka, 7.50/hour for 1st year, 8.00/hour for the 2nd year, etc.).
You can also keep as much as you earn, they won’t make you stop working once you’ve reached the estimated amount of work study aid.
These aren’t exact numbers, as it depends by the job. I personally struggled to get my meager 5 hours a week, though I have friends with close to 10, but that’s the max I’ve heard.</p>
<p>Adriana0410: I am international student living in us. Colgate gave me really great FA, but I still want a job.Lol, I wish to meet you soon:)</p>
<p>Thanks for your answers. I want to e-mail them and talk a bit about my financial concerns. Especially that my family contribution, low as it is compared to the total estimated costs, is still a bit hard to handle.</p>
<p>If you apply early and to a lot of jobs, you can fairly easily earn money. I had two jobs last semester, and I used to work 18 hours a week, though people usually work a max of 10 hours. It is true that some of my friends got jobs quite late, since they did not apply early. And another thing, when you reach Colgate, do drop in to the places you have applied to online to discuss employment, that will help a lot.</p>
<p>Billed expenses means amount of money you will have to pay to Colgate and will include Tuition, and room and meals (the first two items on your FA award). First semester, if you do not have health insurance, and you purchase it through Colgate, you will have to shell out around 700$. Unbilled expenses are your living expenses, and Colgate does not care whether you have it with you or not.(though the US embassy will)</p>
<p>Colgate will ask you to pay the total billed expenses, regardless of your work study award. Work study will not be used to deduct your bill, since work study is paid directly to you, and not credited to your Colgate account.</p>
<p>And yes, there is no limit to the amount of money you can earn, though as an international, you cannot work for more than 20 hours a week.</p>
<p>Congratulations on being admitted to Colgate from Romania! </p>
<p>You’re always best if you call or e-mail the university to ask them directly. I’d imagine you want to talk to the Financial Aid Office. Email them a list of your questions unless you prefer to talk by phone which is sometimes a little more effective. </p>
<p>Once you are on campus, you can also visit that office and ask more questions.</p>
<p>I did e-mail them 3 days ago but they haven’t responded yet. If I don’t receive any answer soon I will call them.</p>