How do I get a work study job?

What is the Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program?

The Federal Work Study Program provides jobs that accommodate class schedules for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay educational expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to your course of study whenever possible. Federal Work Study is a federal needs-based work program that determines eligibility through the FAFSA.

Most Federal Work-Study (FWS) jobs are available on campus, but there are possibilities that some Federal Work-Study (FWS) jobs are located off-campus. FWS awards are deducted from your financial need/cost of attendance and the award is paid to the student via paycheck, per institution pay schedule. Wages are paid directly to the student and never applied to outstanding bills. Federal Work-Study funds are limited. Employment and/or positions are not guaranteed for all those who qualify or who apply.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • FAFSA on file
  • Financial need present based on FAFSA
  • You must be enrolled in a minimum of six program applicable credit hours and maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher.
  • eligible for hiring as determined by KCTCS Hiring Policies.
  • You must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress
  • a supervisor's willingness to hire you.
  • Work-study is available as long as federal funding and employment are accessible.

Your total FWS award may depend on:

  • when you apply;
  • your level of financial need/cost of attendance;
  • your school's funding level;
  • number of hours a week a student can work;
  • number of credit hours you are enrolled in
  • period of employment;
  • anticipated wage rate; and
  • successful job placement

For pay, how to apply and further information, see below: 

When and how much does a FWS job pay?

A federal needs-based work program that determines eligibility through the FAFSA. You must be enrolled for a minimum of six hours per academic session. You work 10-20 hours per week based on unmet need eligibility. You will be paid $12 per hour. You are paid on the 15th and the 30th of every month with earnings paid directly to you. Wages are never automatically paid towards any outstanding ECTC bill.

How do I apply for Federal Work Study?

The award amount listed on your award notification is the maximum you may earn during the award period. You are not guaranteed to earn this amount, but rather is a reasonable estimate of what you should be able to earn.

How do I apply for Federal Work Study?

Complete the Federal Work Study Application.

Once applied, please send an email to Ann Knopp (aknopp0005@kctcs.edu). She will get the HR portion started.

What if I don't want to participate in the Federal Work-Study Program?

If you don't want to participate, you may decline your Federal Work-Study Award on your Student Self-Service account.

Where can I find more information?

Visit the Work Study page.


(Financial Aid > Applying for Aid)

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