The Federal Work Study Program offers part-time jobs to eligible financial aid applicants. This program provides students with the opportunity to work part-time on campus to earn money and help pay for educational expenses.
If you are interested in Federal Work Study please review this step-by-step guide to determine your eligibility and begin the job search process with the MiraCosta Career Center.
To be eligible for Federal Work Study you must be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, have a complete financial aid application, meet satisfactory academic progress (SAP), and have financial need determined by FAFSA.
Apply and Receive Federal Work Study
To be considered for Federal Work Study you must complete a FAFSA at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa for the current school year.
If you are eligible for Federal Work Study, a Federal Work Study checklist will appear on your SURF Tasks List. In addition to having the checklist, students must be enrolled in at least 6.0 units each semester and meet the satisfactory academic progress (SAP) requirements.
One you have been hired by a department; the Financial Aid Office will update your award summary to include Federal Work Study.
Federal Work Study will typically be awarded for up to $5,000; however, the funds will not be received all at once. You will receive your work study funds through a regular paycheck. Once you have been hired, you will be paid on a monthly basis based on your hourly wage and hours worked. You may earn up to $5,000 but are not required to earn the full amount of the award.
Job Search and Employment Information
You may begin searching for a job by logging in to www.miracosta.edu/JAIN. Please review this step-by-step guide for instructions on how to search for a job.
Unfortunately, Federal Work Study is limited. While we would love to provide a job for all students, funding is limited and it is awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. We recommend you begin searching for a job early in the semester to secure funding for this award.
To re-apply for Federal Work Study for the following year, please complete a FAFSA application for the next academic year. If you continue to meet the eligibility, it is up to your department supervisor to decide if they would like to re-hire you, please consult directly with your supervisor.
Federal Work Study is not offered during Summer.
Federal Work Study is treated like a regular job, if you earn wages that exceed the minimum filing threshold then the income must be included as taxable income for federal and state purposes.
