Unlike a merit scholarship, Texas College Work-Study provides a paid job funded partly by the state to help students remain enrolled. Some positions include mentoring, tutoring, or advising college, high-school, or nonprofit students. Wages are earned for hours worked; the program is not an automatic grant or a job guarantee for every applicant.
State guidelines require Texas residency, financial need, at least half-time enrollment, and pursuit of a degree or certificate. Rules also address Selective Service or exemption, athletic scholarships tied to competition, and employment documentation; noncitizens may work with valid authorization. Institutions participate through allocated funds and a limited number of positions.
Start with the campus financial-aid office, which determines eligibility and connects students with openings. Ask about hourly pay, work location, schedule, and whether the position is standard work-study or mentorship. Work hours must fit around classes; colleges must provide training and supervision for mentorship roles.
Before relying on earnings for tuition, check payment timing, taxes, weekly-hour limits, and effects on other aid. Work-study may reduce borrowing, but income depends on securing and keeping a position. THECB links annual guidelines; review FY2027 materials and ask the campus because rules and allocations can change during the year.
Before accepting, request an individual estimate showing aid applied first, residual tuition, mandatory fees, and indirect costs. Confirm residency, credits, renewal, deadlines, and documents with the official program office; keep a copy and submission confirmation. If your situation is unclear, get a written answer from the campus before committing to tuition or housing.
Read the program profile and official FAFSA guide; ask the college for an individual balance review.
Work-Study & Scholarships — Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
Texas College Work-Study FY 2026 Program Guidelines — Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
Checked October 13, 2026 against official sources. Eligibility, award amounts, funding, and dates can change by year and budget. A scholarship may cover only tuition or specified fees, not housing, meals, books, or transportation. File the FAFSA when applicable, confirm your balance with the financial-aid office, and do not pay third parties to apply.
Compare net cost and excluded charges before committing; the financial-aid office confirms eligibility and the final balance.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Texas College Work-Study Program
Unlike a merit scholarship, Texas College Work-Study provides a paid job funded partly by the state to help students remain enrolled. Some positions include mentoring, tutoring, or advising college, high-school, or nonprofit students. Wages are earned for hours worked; the program is not an automatic grant or a job guarantee for every applicant. State guidelines require Texas residency, financial need, at least half-time enrollment, and pursuit of a degree or certificate. Rul
College financial-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Texas College Work-Study Program ↗
Primary source
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.