Work Study

Federal Work-Study is a federally funded need-based program designed to assist students in paying for their educational cost. It is an alternative to Federal Student Loans. The college will assist you in reducing your student loan debt by using work-study funding before unsubsidized loans when processing financial aid. Students can work up to 20 hours a week around their classes and be paid up to $12.50 an hour. Students can earn up to $ 7500/academic year.

The Financial Aid Office determines eligibility. To be eligible to participate in Federal Work-Study, you must be:

• Complete a Student Work-Study Application.
• Must be a degree-seeking student
• Make satisfactory academic progress.
• Complete a FAFSA.
• Have financial need.

Application Process

1. Download and complete a Student Employee Application.
2. Return the application to the Financial Aid Office.
3. The Financial Aid Office will determine your eligibility and send you an award letter as to how much you will receive.
4. The Financial Aid Office will forward your name, address, and telephone number to all departments on campus that are currently hiring Federal Work-Study students.
5. The supervisor will contact you directly for an interview.
6. If you are employed, then you will need to complete an orientation with career services.
7. If hired, you must also provide Human Resources with two forms of ID and complete all forms required before your first day of work.

Important Information Regarding Work-Study

• You must be hired as a work-study to receive the work-study grant.
• Three clearances for criminal background checks must be obtained: PA Criminal Background, PA Child Abuse History, and FBI Cogent Clearance Fingerprinting.
• The financial aid office must receive all the necessary paperwork for you to receive the funds from work-study.
• You will receive a paycheck; the college will not put this money towards your tuition and fees.

Note: Students will be reimbursed as long as the Human Resource Office receives the receipts for the clearances.

Please contact the financial aid office at 724-480-3501 with questions regarding your eligibility.

Please contact the payroll office at 724-480-3358 with questions regarding your pay.