Federal Work Study

Federal Work Study is a need-based financial aid program available to eligible students. Employment provides financial support as well as valuable work experience for students to assist with paying for their educational expenses while earning a degree. The program pays students at least minimum wage for the hours worked and is paid through bi-weekly paychecks. Pay will vary depending on the position and responsibilities assigned as determined by the hiring department.

Eligibility for federal work study is determined by the following criteria:

  • Completed FAFSA form for academic year
  • Good financial aid Satisfactory Academic Progress
  • Financial need or Federal Work Study offer
  • At least half-time enrollment as an undergraduate or graduate student
    • Undergraduate: 6+ credit hours per semester
    • Graduate: 5+ credit hours per semester
  • To see if you are eligible for Federal Work Study, log into your myWSU account and view your Financial Aid Dashboard. Your eligibility for Federal Work Study will be displayed on the Home tab. For questions about your eligibility, please contact the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships at (316)978-3430.

Benefits of Working in a Federal Work Study Position:

  • Flexible work schedules
  • Up to 30 hours per week while classes are in session
  • Up to 40 hours per week on scheduled university breaks
  • Opportunities to enhance your educational experiences
  • Earn a paycheck while learning valuable skills 

Additional Information about Federal Work Study:

  • Students are responsible for finding their own work study position and meeting hiring requirements. Work hours and position availability are at the discretion of the hiring department.
  • Funding for the program is supplemented by the federal government and Wichita State University.
  • Federal Work Study is a campus-based federal work program with limited funding. Funding for positions cannot be guaranteed.
  • Earnings are not applied to your student tuition or housing bills.
  • Your work study offer is an estimate of your eligibility, not a guaranteed award. The actual amount you receive depends on finding employment, the hourly wage, and the number of hours you work.
  • Eligibility can change depending on your financial aid awards, enrollment, and standing with financial aid and Wichita State University.
  • International students are not eligible for Federal Work Study. International students who need assistance with on-campus employment should contact the Office of International Education or visit their website for student employment information.

For information on student employment at Wichita State University and to search for regular student employment positions, visit wichita.edu/oncampusjobs.

What types of jobs are available?

A variety of positions are available, including some with community service. For more information about available positions, contact the Shocker Career Accelerator in John Bardo Center, Suite 162, at 316-978-3688, or visit them online at wichita.edu/careers. You can apply for available positions online through Handshake. After selecting a position that interests you, contact the department to request an interview.

If hired, you must complete the necessary employment forms before beginning work. Your employer will determine the number of hours you may work per week and the hourly rate of pay. Work-study students may work up to 30 hours per week during in-session periods and up to 40 hours per week during official break periods, per department approval.