Federal Work-Study Program Overview and Application Process
The Federal Work Study (FWS) Program provides part-time employment opportunities for students with financial need. These jobs are designed to accommodate class schedules and allow students to earn money to help pay educational expenses.
The program encourages community service and employment related to a student's field of study whenever possible. Federal Work-Study is a federal need-based employment program, and eligibility is determined through the FAFSA.
Program Overview
- Most Federal Work-Study positions are available on campus, although some off-campus opportunities may be offered.
- FWS awards are deducted from a student's financial need and cost of attendance.
- The award is paid directly to the student through payroll according to the institutional pay schedule.
- Wages are paid directly to the student and are never applied to outstanding balances or bills.
- Federal Work-Study funds are limited.
- Employment and positions are not guaranteed for all students who qualify or apply.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for Federal Work-Study, students must:
- Have a FAFSA on file.
- Demonstrate unmet financial need after other financial aid has been applied.
- Be enrolled in at least six program applicable credit hours each semester.
- Meet eligibility requirements for employment as determined by KCTCS hiring policies.
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements.
- Obtain employment through a supervisor willing to hire them.
- Be subject to the availability of federal funding and open positions.
Factors That Determine Your FWS Award
Federal Work-Study award amounts vary based on several factors, including:
- When you apply
- Your financial need and cost of attendance
- Your school's available funding
- The number of hours you are able to work each week
- The number of credit hours in which you are enrolled
- The period of employment
- Your anticipated wage rate
- Successful job placement
Pay and Work Hours
Pay Schedule and Wage Rate
- Students are paid an hourly wage of $14 per hour.
- Paychecks are issued on the 15th and 30th of each month.
- Earnings are paid directly to the student through payroll.
Maximum Earnings
- Students may work up to 20 hours per week, depending on unmet financial need and available funding.
- Students cannot earn more than their total Federal Work-Study award amount.
Important Note
The award amount listed in your financial aid notification represents the maximum amount you may earn during the award period. It is not a guarantee of earnings, but rather a reasonable estimate of what you may be able to earn based on employment, available hours, and funding.
How to Apply for Federal Work-Study
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Complete the FAFSA and meet Federal Work-Study eligibility requirements.
- Be sure to list SKYCTC as your college. The school code is 005271.
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Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as defined by KCTCS.
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Complete all requirements listed on your Student Self-Service To Do List.
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Maintain at least half-time enrollment in a credential-seeking program of study.
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Apply online for a Federal Work-Study position.
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Filter available job openings by:
- Category: Student
- College: Southcentral
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Review available Student Worker job postings.
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Select Apply Now.
- If you have not previously applied for a position at SKYCTC, you will need to create an account.
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Complete and submit the application.
- A separate application is required for each position.
- Attach a resume if available.
- Students who are eligible for Federal Work-Study may be contacted by supervisors for an interview.
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Successfully complete a background check.
Declining Federal Work-Study
Students who do not wish to participate in the Federal Work-Study Program may decline their award through their Student Self-Service account.
Additional Information
For more information about the program, visit the Work Study page.
(Financial Aid > Applying for Aid)