One of the basic ideas behind going to college in the first place is so you can work smarter, rather than harder, to enjoy life.

So why work at a boring, monotonous, tedious job while you're in college?

There's no reason. Check out Bankrate's look at working your way through college the smart way. Start by considering loan forgiveness plans, the best jobs to look for on campus, and businesses you can run from your dorm room. Then, review the ins and outs of work-study programs and summer jobs.

Good deeds get rewarded -- Good things happen to good people, they say, and it's particularly true when it comes to student loans.

On campus jobs plentiful, but apply early -- Skilled and unskilled, they offer flexible hours, a convenient location, and a pleasant environment.

Dorm-room business can launch career -- You can help pay for college and have a lot of fun running an online business out of your dorm room.

6 keys to being a dorm-room entrepreneur -- Running your own business can be a fun and profitable way to get through school, but it's not for everyone. Here are six critical factors to being successful.

Be cool with these hot summer jobs -- Growing numbers of stimulating summer gigs leave time to hit the beach, read a good book, party and still rake in some decent cash.

9 things to know about work-study -- It can help pay the bills, but it can also eat up a lot of time.

-- Posted: Aug. 11, 2005