<p>Stanford also pays well for work study jobs and research positions, $12-15 per hour, which beats a fast food job and helps the student who needs to work. D is a non-scholarship athlete on regular need-based financial aid. Even with being in-season all 3 athletic seasons as a distance runner, she was still expected to work as part of her FA her freshman year. She worked as much as she could, and Stanford adjusted up her sophomore year’s financial aid based on how much she had actually earned during the previous academic year, which was less than they anticipated. In other words, they are fair enough to want you to do your part, but aren’t punitive about it. </p>
<p>Secondly, if you work hard, your Stanford degree will pay you back by enabling you to command a high salary in your internships and first job after graduation. D knows kids who are earning $5,000/month this summer at internships.</p>