The FWS Program is designed to help students who show financial need to earn a portion of their educational expenses through meaningful employment. The program is administered by the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office (FASO).

The number of requests usually exceeds FWS funds. It is important to remember that work-study is NOT a job in which you are paid to study. Work-study is not a cash award. You must work for your earnings.

You must complete the “Free Application for Federal Student Aid” (FAFSA) and meet all the deadlines for supporting documentation. You will be evaluated for financial need and if eligible, offered a package that may include FWS from the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office (FASO).

If you have questions regarding your eligibility for work-study, contact FASO. Career Services will assist eligible students in finding a position on campus, or in an approved community work-study setting.  Work study positions are posted on Jobs4Cats.  To search for jobs now, select Jobs4Cats in the drop down menu under "Students" at the top of this page.

Once you have been awarded Work-Study by Financial Aid and Scholarships (FAS), you are required to find a job on campus that would be affiliated with the Work-Study Program.  Job postings are listed on Jobs4Cats.  To search for jobs now, select Jobs4Cats in the drop down menu under "Students" at the top of this page.  Follow the application instructions listed for each job.

Work study jobs are not positions in which you are paid to study.

Twice a month you will record the hours that you have worked, and you will receive full payment for those hours according to the university payroll schedule.  The money is not applied toward school expenses. Once your award has been depleted for the semester, you may continue working if your employer chooses to pay you from other funds. 

It is your responsibility to know how much of your award you have used and how much is remaining for the semester.  You can continue your work-study position in the following semester provided that you are still eligible for work study funds.  Remember to reapply for work study when you renew your FAFSA.

Both. If you work on campus, you will work for Texas State. If you work off campus, the work performed must be in the public interest. Your employer must be an approved community work study site. You can search for a work study job once you have registered with Jobs4Cats. 

LaTonya Henry, Assistant Director for Student Employment, can address questions regarding community work-study employers.

Yes. Regular wage positions are available. You can find a listing of jobs after you have registered with Jobs4Cats.  Use the Quick Links on this page to login.

No, you do not.  You may choose to be employed in a regular-wage position.  It is important to remember that there is no difference between a work study job and a regular wage job.  The only difference is the source of funding to pay you for your work.

You may also hold more than one hourly position on campus.  However, you are still limited to 25 hours per week that you are allowed to work.

If you choose not to use your work study award, please discuss the implications of that choice with Financial Aid and Scholarships.  A decision to not use your work study award for one semester can impact whether or not you are awarded in the next semester.  Be certain that you understand the awarding process from the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office.

Typically, Financial Aid will encourage you to continue your job search.  Jobs4Cats allows you to create a job search agent, so you can be notified every time a work-study job is posted to the system.  You can find the login for Jobs4Cats under the "Students" drop down menu at the top of the page.

There is a deadline for each semester to find a work-study position.  Your work-study can be cancelled by the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office (FASO).  Do not make assumptions about your work-study award.  Communicate with FASO about changing circumstances that may impact your award.

You will be paid by the hour, and your earnings are subject to taxes. Payments are disbursed twice a month; the first working day of the month and the 15th of the month. Be certain to complete your electronic payment information when you are hired.  Ask your hiring department for details.

Your earnings will be at least the current federal minimum wage; however, you could be paid more depending upon the type of work you do and the skills required. Your total FWS award depends on your financial need, the amount of other aid you will receive and the availability of funds at Texas State.

You are strongly encouraged to monitor your earnings so that you do not exceed your FWS award amount. Don’t forget that your award is subject to tax withholdings. Remember, the amount you earn cannot exceed your total FWS award.

No. You may work no more than 25 hours per week while classes are in session. International Students may only work a total of 20 hours per week.

Your work study position will end when your funds are depleted or the end of the semester is reached.

Yes. Summer Federal/ State Work Study is a separate award from fall/spring.  To apply for summer work-study funds, a student must, in addition to having a current year FAFSA on file with FAS, complete a Summer Financial Aid application, which requires a new Work-Study Eligibility Notification.  Summer Session I balances can be transferred to Summer II.

The last day of the academic year is the last day Work-Study funds may be used for employment. Your last permissible workday will differ if you are enrolled for summer classes.

You must stop working when you have earned all of your FWS award. The only way you may continue working after your FWS award has been earned is if your employer has funds to cover you on their payroll as a regular wage employee. Check with your supervisor!