Explore This Section

Work an on- or off-campus job and get paid!

Rowan College at Burlington County administers this program in accordance with the laws, federal regulations, and instructions issued by, or on behalf of, the Department of Education, as well as its own institutional policies.

Rowan College at Burlington County’s Federal Work Study Program is administered without regard to race, creed, color, sex, or national or ethnic origin.

There are two types of work study programs that are funded by Rowan College at Burlington County and the United States Department of Education.

Federal Work Study (FWS)

Students who demonstrate financial need may be awarded Federal Work Study (FWS). Participation in the program also depends on the annual allocation the college receives from the U.S. Department of Education. FWS is available to degree-seeking students enrolled in at least six credits and who show financial need. In compliance with Federal Work Study requirements, at least 7% of Federal Work Study funds must be used to support student work study placements in off-campus community service organizations.  The Community Service Program is an opportunity for students to work in a not-for-profit organization while earning their Federal Work Study money. Work study positions are available in areas such as health care, education, literacy, math tutors, and social services. 

Institutional Work Study (IWS-9140)

Students who do not demonstrate financial need may work under Institutional Work Study. IWS-9140 is dependent on whether or not the department has funding.

FWS and IWS students cannot work over 25 hours per week but generally work an average of 12 - 15 hours. Students may not work over 8 hours in any one day. Hourly wages must not be less than the federal minimum wage.

The purpose of Rowan College at Burlington County’s Work Study program is to expand part-time employment opportunities for students who need additional financial resources to pursue a college education. Your work study award contributes more than financial assistance for your college education. It offers a chance to receive an education plus valuable work experience. In increasingly competitive job markets, employers want applicants who are qualified by work as well as academic experience.

Benefits of the RCBC Work Study Program
  • Practical training and experience in your chosen field
  • A positive job experience to help identify career objectives
  • An impressive resume and recommendations from former employers
  • Development of time-management skills
  • Flexible hours to work around your class schedule
Work Study Requirements
  • Submission of complete and verified Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • Half-time (6 credits) enrollment in a degree-seeking program
  • Must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress

Each term students must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) in order to maintain eligibility for work study. The RCBC Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy. Students who fail to meet any of the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards are ineligible for Federal and Institutional Work Study.

How to Apply for a Work Study Job
  • Submit your FAFSA.  Online application is available at www.fafsa.gov. Students must have a current and complete FAFSA on file with the RCBC Financial Aid Office. Allow several weeks for the completion of the FAFSA. Students who wish to continue as FWS employees must reapply annually.
  • Meet with Career Services Department located on both Pemberton and Mt. Laurel campuses.
  • Log on to our Career Service Website for requirements and information.
  • Provide employer with an enrollment schedule each term. It is against Federal Regulations and Institutional policy for students to work during their regularly scheduled classes.
Wages, Schedules and Timesheets

Students must work to earn a work study award. A work study award is not a guarantee of a job or earnings totaling the work study award. Students may only earn up to the amount of the work study award. The Federal Work Study award amount varies from year to year.

A work study award may be made for fall and/or spring term(s). Summer awards for work will be based solely on if there is FWS or 9140 funding. IWS is dependent on whether or not the department has funding.

The number of hours of work per week varies from job to job; however, the maximum hours students may work is 25 hours per week during fall and spring terms and 30 hours per week during the summer term.

The hourly pay rate varies depending on the skill level. The time sheet must be signed by the department supervisor and submitted to the Financial Aid Office by a RCBC employee.

When do I get paid?

Student employees are paid on the 15th and the last day of the month based on the number of hours reported on their time sheets.