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.

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. 

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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.