The $438,363 loss in state work-study funds will affect how 800 students experience Iowa State.

Sure, they can get a job flipping burgers or bagging groceries, but somehow that doesn’t seem the same.

There are many benefits of the work-study program and that’s why even the small cuts hurt.

Work-study gives students the ability to earn money in a job that is convenient and works around their schedule. Plus, most positions are located on campus, so students don’t have to drive to work. The jobs give ISU students quality work experience in a variety of areas.

The university knows federal funding will still be there, but cuts will have to be made. In the future, the Iowa legislature needs to look at some way to save the work-study program.

Without work-study, the quality of education will slowly decline for some at Iowa State.

Iowa State needs to do whatever it takes to keep as many work-study positions as possible.

At times like these, the students should come first, because work-study helps students become their best.

editorialboard: Michelle Kann, Tim Paluch, Jocelyn Marcus, Zach Calef, Ruth Hitchcock, Cavan Reagan