Actually, Christiansen is right. I worked 2 years as a student worker at UAA. I made just above minimum wage, so I wasn't one of these folks, but let me cover just how the system works.

A student worker isn't required to actually be a full-time student, they only have to be half-time (6 credit hours per semester) to remain employed. During the semester, they're limited to 20 hours per week, but during breaks, including summer, they are allowed 40 hours per week.
A lot of student workers don't actually receive credit for work. I didn't despite my job being related to my degree. There are also no benefits such as reduced costs/fees, and no benefits such as medical (though as a student you can give your check back to buy student healthcare insurance, still at full price).