Financial Aid

What is Work Study?

Work study is a program that provides the opportunity for students, age 18 or older, to earn money while gaining work experience. It can provide some regular monthly income to help offset educational expenses and reduce loan debt.

Work study is a need-based financial aid award. You must apply (and be determined eligible) for financial aid to receive work study. Funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Typically, students with FAFSA applications received after April 1 for the following fall quarter will not be awarded work study. These students may sign up on a wait list. Work study is not a grant. You must work to earn it.

Spokane Community College offers both federal and state work study. Federal work study is generally awarded to students entering or completing their first year. State work study is typically awarded to second-year students who are placed in jobs requiring high skill levels. Jobs are located both on and off campus. Because both federal and state work study funds are limited, many eligible students cannot be initially funded.

Institutional student employment is for students who are not eligible through financial aid but are paid through department budgets for special skills needed by the department.

Athletic work study is awarded to athletes through the Athletic Department. Check with your coach to see if you are eligible.

International work study is limited to international students. This type of work study employment is on-campus only and must be authorized through the International Student Office.