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
When and how much does a FWS job pay?
The hourly rate is $15.00, but the total amount you can earn and the number of hours you can work are dependent on your financial aid award. Once you begin working, the monthly wages are paid in two week intervals, usually on the 15th and the 30th of each month. The maximum a student can work under Federal Work Study is 20 hours a week for the semester of current enrollment. 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?
If you have been awarded financial aid, you may be eligible for a Federal Work Study position on campus or in the community. Federal Work Study is an opportunity for you to earn extra money while gaining valuable work experience in a field or department that interests you or aligns with your academic goals. If you are eligible, Federal Work Study is automatically awarded to you. As soon as you are awarded your financial aid, you can contact the Financial Aid Office and inquire about open positions by emailing jf-workstudy@kctcs.edu.
Hopefully, you will be able to secure a job related to your vocational goals, previous work experience, or special skills.
Students are encouraged to consider community service jobs. On-campus community service opportunities are available at the campus Libraries and tutoring centers. Federal Work Study is available to all students who meet the eligibility requirements listed above. There are limited slots, so no one can be guaranteed a work-study position. It is awarded on a first come, first serve basis so we recommend applying for financial aid early and inquiring about a position as soon as possible after being awarded.
We recommend the following to ensure you have a head start:
Submit your FAFSA by March of each year for the upcoming academic year.
Monitor your KCTCS student e-mail account and Self-Service often so you know when your financial aid has been awarded (or if additional information is needed for your financial aid application).
If you are awarded work study funds and want to participate in the program, please visit the Financial Aid Office or contact the Federal Work Study Coordinator by sending an email to jf-workstudy@kctcs.edu. Please include your Student ID Number with your inquiry.
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. If you would like student loans instead of FWS funds, please email jefferson-financialaid@kctcs.edu.
Where can I find more information?
Visit the Work Study page.
(Financial Aid > Applying for Aid)