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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, please refer to your specific KCTCS college:
When and how much does a FWS job pay?
You'll be paid directly by your college, an hourly wage on the 15th and 30th of each month. Wages for the program are $10 per hour. The amount you earn can't exceed your total FWS award. Students can be eligible to work up to 20 hours a week depending upon unmet need and the funding available. 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?
To apply for a Federal Work Study, you must first have your eligibility reviewed to ensure you may go ahead and apply. To have your account reviewed, you may stop by the Financial Aid Office in-person which is located on the 2nd floor of the Start Center.
Once it has been confirmed you are eligible for a Federal Work Study, the KCTCS Federal Work Study Application must be completed and turned into the Financial Aid Office so you may be awarded. You will be contacted with information as to what you need to do to complete the application process.
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)