Graduate school can be a rewarding but financially demanding journey. With rising tuition costs and changes to federal loan programs like the elimination of Grad PLUS (learn more), many students are rethinking how to pay for their degrees. The good news? There are several part time work options for graduate students that provide income, professional development, and flexibility.
In this guide, we’ll review the best on campus jobs for graduate students, weigh the pros and cons of different work opportunities, and share strategies to manage income while staying on track academically.
Part-Time Work Options for Graduate Students
Teaching Assistantships (TA)
A teaching assistantship usually includes leading discussion groups, grading, or office hours. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, TAs earn stipends and sometimes tuition remission.
- Pros: Reduced tuition, hands-on teaching experience, faculty mentorship.
- Cons: Time-intensive; deadlines may conflict with coursework.
Research Assistantships (RA)
A research assistantship involves working on faculty-led projects—data analysis, literature reviews, experiments.
- Pros: Builds your research portfolio, can lead to co-authored publications.
- Cons: Hours may vary depending on research stage.
Graduate Assistantship
While a TA focuses on teaching, a graduate assistantship may include administrative or student services work. Each has unique benefits depending on your goals.
- Pros: Provides tuition remission or a stipend, builds academic experience, and strengthens faculty connections.
Cons: Time-intensive, highly competitive, and stipends may not fully cover living expenses.
Federal Work-Study & Campus Jobs
Many schools offer work-study jobs funded by federal aid. Roles may include library staffing, lab support, or office help. See Federal Student Aid: Work-Study.
- Pros: Offers flexible scheduling, convenient on-campus locations, and a steady (though modest) income.
Cons: Pay rates are lower, hours are capped by eligibility, and roles may not align with long-term career goals.
Employer Tuition Reimbursement
Some employers provide tuition reimbursement or education benefits. These programs can reduce costs significantly while maintaining career momentum. See Washington Post.
- Pros: Reduces tuition costs, allows you to keep your full-time salary and benefits, and can advance your career with employer support.
- Cons: Often requires upfront payment with reimbursement later, may require continued employment, harder to balance academics, and can limit your choice of programs or schools.
Freelancing & Side Gigs
Freelancing (tutoring, editing, programming, design) offers maximum flexibility but requires self-discipline.
- Pros: Provides maximum flexibility, can generate higher earnings depending on skills, and often allows remote work.
- Cons: Income is unpredictable, requires self-marketing and client management, and can interfere with academic priorities during busy periods.
Full-Time Employment + Part-Time Grad School
Many professional students keep full-time work while enrolling in part-time, evening, or online programs. This works best when your employer supports your studies.
Making the Most of Your Income
Working is only half the equation—using your earnings wisely is key.
- Budget with Intention: Tools like Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s budgeting worksheet can help.
- Cover Living Costs First: Books, housing, food, and travel.
- Apply Toward Tuition: Even modest contributions reduce borrowing.
- Maintain an Emergency Fund: Avoid financial crises mid-semester. See Vanguard.
Gaining Relevant Experience While a Graduate Student
One of the top benefits of working while in school is the career value:
- Professional Marketability: Assistantships make you more attractive to future employers.
- Research Depth: Research assistant positions for professional school students can lead to academic publications.
- Teaching Skills: TAs learn pedagogy, presentation, and mentoring.
- Networking & References: Supervisors often become mentors or recommenders.
According to the Council of Graduate Schools, work experience during graduate school can significantly improve employment outcomes.
Achieving Academic Success While Working
The key challenge is ensuring work doesn’t derail your degree.
Choose a Flexible Program
Hybrid or evening programs allow students to balance employment.
Prioritize Without Burnout
A common question: how many hours should graduate students work while studying?
According to NASPA’s report on student employment and success, working 10–20 hours per week is associated with better academic performance and persistence compared to both not working at all or working longer hours. This range is considered the most sustainable balance for graduate students.
Keep Long-Term Goals in Focus
If finishing quickly is your top priority, limit work hours to avoid extending your degree.
Graduate school is demanding, but the right work choices can make it financially sustainable, professionally rewarding, and academically achievable. By weighing graduate student employment options, budgeting income wisely, and knowing your limits, you can balance income, experience, and academic success.
Working during grad school isn’t just about making ends meet—it’s about building a foundation for your future career while keeping your education attainable and sustainable.
Graduate Funding Gap Survey
This 5-question survey explores the real financial needs of graduate and professional students as Federal Grad PLUS loans are phased out. Results will be shared back with the community in clear charts and summaries, helping students see how their own funding challenges compare with peers across different programs and schools.
Leave a Reply