COLLEGE WORK STUDY PROGRAM

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College participates in the Federal Work Study Program.  Work Study awards are based on need and other amounts of aid awarded for the current academic year.  A work study student is allowed to work a maximum of 20 hour per week while enrolled at least half time and is usually paid the minimum wage.  Most jobs are located on campus.  Off campus jobs are only arranged by an on campus supervisor and must be approved through the Financial Aid Office.  All off campus jobs must be community service related. 

To apply for Work Study, a student must first complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Question:  What is Federal College Work Study?

Answer:  Federal College Work study is an earnings program for college students.  The amount of the award is the amount the student is permitted to earn while enrolled at the college.  Part-time job opportunities on campus are provided to eligible students.  The pay rate is usually the minimum wage.

Question:  How do I apply for college work study?

Answer:  The first step to apply for college work study is to complete the FAFSA @ http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ . Next, if you are interested in applying for college work-study you need to apply online @ http://cww.tgslc.org/octech/genlogin.asp.

Question:  Who is eligible for college work study?

Answer:  Eligibility for college work-study is based on financial need as well as amounts of other aid received. Students must be enrolled at least half time to receive work-study.

Question:  What is the current pay rate for work study students?

Answer:  Work-study students at OCTECH is $6.75 and $8.50 for tutors

Question:  Are work-study jobs located on or off campus?

Answer:   All work-study jobs are located on campus at this time. However there may be off campus jobs available in the future.

Question:  Am I guaranteed a job by applying for work study?

Answer:  No.  It depends on the need for work study students and the experience required for the available position(s).

Question:  How will I know where I will work?

Answer:    Students will be hired by faculty and staff after the process of an interview.

Question:  Do I have to have a work study financial aid award to work on campus?

Answer:  Yes.  You must have a work study award from financial aid to work on campus.

Question:  Can I work as many hours as I want?

Answer:  No.  The amount you earn can’t exceed your total Federal Work-study award.  Also, when assigning work hours, your employer will consider you class schedule and your academic progress.