The Work Study Program

Work-Study provides eligible students another means of meeting their financial obligations to the university. It is a beneficial program that allows students to gain valuable experiences and networking opportunities. Work-Study reduces your need for student loans, leaves you with less debt, and lets you explore careers while you gain experience. There are two types of work-study, Federal Work-Study, and State College Work-Study.

The Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program is a need-based program designed to assist students in obtaining employment with on-campus departments or off-campus community service agencies. Students must document financial need (completed FAFSA) as determined by federal guidelines, maintain enrollment in at least six (6) credit hours and meet the minimum satisfactory academic progress standards.  Additionally, students must be Texas residents to qualify for the state [Texas] work-study program

If your financial aid award letter indicates that you have been awarded federal or state college work-study, notification will be sent to you informing you of a mandatory orientation that will further inform you of your duties as a work-study recipient. The awarded student has the responsibility of finding and securing campus employment. Various offices and departments around campus will post their available opening(s) on the Work-Study Job Board.

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Employment Eligibility & Standards

Student workers must meet the minimum employment eligibility requirements established by the University.  To receive consideration for the Work-Study Program, students must:

  1. File a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
  2. Have been admitted into an eligible undergraduate or graduate program
  3. Be enrolled at least half-time (6 hours) during fall and/or spring semesters
  4. Preregister for the fall and spring terms, respectively
  5. Receive a College Work-Study award as part of the award package for the applicable year
  6. Be making measurable progress toward degree completion by completing at least 67% of all hours originally enrolled, from the beginning of the student's enrollment at Texas Southern University
  7. Have been processed for employment through the Work-Study Office and submit documents establishing identity and employment authorization in the United States under the Immigration & Reform Action of 1986.
  8. Background check performed by Human Resources before a student can begin to work.

*Other requirements must be satisfied for SAP.  For more information on Satisfactory Academic Progress, please visit the eligibility webpage.

Work-Study Advantages

Work-Study jobs should be treated as any other job. However, there are some distinct advantages:

  • Students have the benefit of working in an environment that is suited to their skills, preference and possible career goals.
  • The student and the employer work together to arrange the work schedule around the class schedule.
  • Work-Study wages are not counted towards next year’s student contribution for financial aid.
  • The Work-Study Program prepares students to enter the job market after graduation, not to mention the departmental and/or professional contacts that can be made. These can be valuable when beginning a career or applying to graduate school.
  • Employers are flexible in allowing time off for studying and other educational purposes.

Searching For A Job

  1. All students are responsible for securing their own employment.
  2. All student employment positions are advertised on the Office of Student Financial Assistance Work-Study page. 
  3. Once a student has found a position of interest he/she may begin the interview process.
  4. Each job listing will contain a detailed job description and the hiring supervisor’s name and phone number and email address for contact purposes.
  5. Students must contact the hiring department to secure employment and ask questions regarding the position.
  6. Students should be prepared to interview with the hiring department.