College Work-Study

What Is College Work-Study?

College Work-Study (CWS) is a need-based financial aid program that provides part-time jobs for eligible students to earn money to pay for educational expenses.

CWS programs available to students at Dallas College are funded by the U.S. Department of Education and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. College Work-Study jobs are available for on-campus and off-campus positions.

Note:  Although a work-study award will appear on your award letter, funds must be earned. Funds earned are paid directly to you, monthly, and are not credited to your student account.

Benefits of Work-Study Employment for Students

If you participate in the College Work-Study (CWS) program, you will enjoy the following benefits:

Financial Support and Reduced Debt

The CWS program provides paid work-and-learn experience, allowing you to earn money for educational expenses. This direct income can help you manage costs like tuition, books and living expenses, which can significantly reduce the need for student loans. CWS wages are not counted as income when determining your financial need for the next year, meaning it won't negatively impact your eligibility for future financial aid, such as the Pell Grant.

Professional Development and Career Readiness

By participating in work-study, you can gain valuable, real-world experience in your chosen field. The program helps you develop essential workplace skills like communication, teamwork and problem-solving, making you more competitive in the job market. This hands-on experience often leads to better post-graduation employment opportunities and can give your a significant advantage over peers who don't have similar experience.

Academic Success and Graduation Outcomes

Engaging in meaningful work-study jobs can increase your motivation and sense of purpose. This connection between classroom learning and practical application often leads to higher engagement and improved academic performance. Students in the CWS program are more likely to stay enrolled and ultimately have improved graduation outcomes compared to their non-work-study peers.

Types of College Work-Study Programs and Eligibility Requirements

Federal Work-Study (FWS)

The purpose of the Federal Work-Study program is to provide part-time employment to students to earn money to pay for their educational expenses while they are enrolled in college. The Federal Work-Study program is funded by the U.S. Department of Education through its division of Federal Student Aid (FSA) programs. The program emphasizes employment in community service or civil education roles and work activities that are related to a student’s course of study whenever possible.

Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.
Have a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file with Dallas College.
Meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress standards set by Dallas College.
Demonstrate financial need based on current FAFSA and cost of attendance information.
Pass a criminal background check if required**. Criminal background check is required for all work-study positions.
Be enrolled and certified in at least six credit hours in a plan leading to a degree or certification.
Must have a completed Financial Aid file and be awarded for other aid if applicable.

Texas College Work-Study (TCWS)

The purpose of the Texas College Work-Study program is to provide part-time employment to eligible students with jobs, funded in part by the state of Texas, to enable those students to attend eligible institutions of higher education in Texas and, through a mentorship program, to mentor, tutor or advise college students at participating eligible institutions of higher education or high school students within local school districts and nonprofit organizations.

Complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Texas Application for Student Aid (TASFA) for those who are not eligible to complete the FAFSA.
Be classified by the institution as a Texas resident (DACA recipients are eligible).
Be registered with Selective Service or be exempt.
Have financial need.
Be enrolled at least half-time in a plan leading to a degree or certificate.
Not be a recipient of an athletic scholarship (i.e., the student is obliged to play an intercollegiate sport as a condition of receiving the scholarship) during any semester TCWS is awarded.
Not be enrolled in a seminary or other program leading to ordination or licensure to preach for a religious sect or to be a member of a religious order.

Texas Student Mentorship Program (WSMP)

The purpose of the WSMP is to provide part-time employment to eligible students with financial need to mentor, tutor or advise students at participating institutions of higher education or high school students within local school districts and nonprofit organizations. The program's main goal is to improve and increase student access, success and completion of higher education and to provide employed WSMP students with an opportunity to gain and strengthen career readiness skills. These student mentor, tutor and advising positions are funded by a combination of state appropriations provided by the Texas College Work-Study (TCWS) program and matching funds from participating institutions.

Be classified by the institution as a Texas resident.
Be registered with Selective Service or be exempt.
Have financial need, based on the institution’s cost of attendance (COA) and the Student Aid Index (SAI) as determined by the Department of Education.
Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements.
Be enrolled in at least six (6) credit hours at the participating institution in a plan leading to a degree or certificate.
Not be a recipient of an athletic scholarship (i.e., the student is obliged to play an intercollegiate sport as a condition of receiving the scholarship) during any semester the student is awarded WSMP funds.
Not be enrolled in a seminary or other program leading to ordination or licensure to preach for a religious sect or to be a member of a religious order.
Not owe back child support to the state.
Pass a criminal background check if required**. Criminal background check is required for all work-study positions.

Other Work Opportunities

Dallas College also provides a limited number of on-campus, part-time employment opportunities for students who do not demonstrate financial need. Your campus Career Center often has information on available job openings for students off-campus.