State Work Study Program is a grant from Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) that funds financial aid for Washington state students to work part-time jobs as part of their postsecondary education, helping them meet educational expenses while gaining work experience.

The program provides eligible students with approved employment opportunities at participating institutions, supporting access to higher education for financially needy residents. Eligible applicants are Washington state residents with demonstrated financial need who are enrolled at least half-time in an eligible program at a participating college or university. Award amounts vary based on financial need and institutional allocation.

Learn about the statutory responsibilities of the Council We advance educational opportunities and attainment in Washington Updates on the Council’s work in Olympia Council governance and operations Learn more about WSAC’s Executive Director Learn more about Student Achievement Council members Join our team and make a difference!

Updates on the latest agency rule-making activity Contracts and Requests for Proposals Contracting opportunities and protocols Directory of agency programs and contacts Addresses, directions, and deliveries 2026 Schedule & Materials Washington Completes FAFSA Campaign - Advisory Board Guiding statewide efforts that increase financial aid application completion STEM Education Innovation Alliance - Advisory Group Aligning Washington’s education system with a STEM-based economy Workforce Education Investment Accountability and Oversight Board Providing guidance, recommendations, and accountability for workforce education LEARN Community of Practice A community of thought partners supporting adult learners and policy priorities Attend a local or virtual financial aid event to get help completing applications College Access Initiatives Training Center A series of trainings around financial aid content and strategy sessions for supporting students Find agendas and materials from past Council meetings Explore the materials of past events, and the composition, minutes, and agenda items of past workgroups 2026 Strategic Action Plan The Strategic Action Plan includes recommendations for programs, policies, and investments that can advance educational attainment Includes selected indicators that track progress toward the statewide postsecondary attainment goal, with a focus on equity Our strategies for removing financial barriers Tuition and College Costs Costs related to tuition and fees for higher education in Washington Information for students who are immigrants, are undocumented, or have DACA Creating clear and accessible education pathways Learn about the many post secondary options available in our State Explore options such as Running Start, Advanced Placement, and Dual Credit Programs Find policy and campus resources and get involved in a statewide learning community Student Resources for Basic Needs Helping students access need-specific assistance Helping students persist and earn a credential Policies and procedures related to student transfers between higher education institutions Academic Credit for Prior Learning Credits awarded based on skills and knowledge gained outside the classroom Regional Challenge Grants Grants to local or regional partnerships for innovative interventions to increase college enrollment and completion Washington State Financial Aid Programs An overview of the financial aid programs available to Washington students Learn more and complete a FAFSA or WASFA financial aid application Participating Institutions A list of colleges and universities that participated in Washington’s state financial aid programs If someone in your family has lost a job or is working less, colleges may be able to provide more financial aid State financial aid for undocumented individuals and others who choose not to submit a FAFSA Washington College Grant (WA Grant) WA Grant gives eligible people more money for more types of education and training beyond high school.

Provides financial assistance to low-income students who dream of a college education Provides eligible students an approved job to support their education Helps former foster youth and unaccompanied homeless youth attend and succeed in college, apprenticeships, and pre-apprenticeship programs Passport to Careers Guide In-depth guide to help Passport-eligible students prepare, apply, and pay for college, apprenticeships, and pre-apprenticeship programs WA Grant for Apprenticeship Helps income-eligible apprentices pay for tuition, fees, and materials.

American Indian Endowed Scholarship Competitive scholarship to outstanding eligible students Washington Award for Vocational Excellence (WAVE) Scholarship to outstanding students in career and technical education (CTE) programs Supporting employment needs of Washington’s aerospace companies Supporting Washington’s current and future teacher workforce Encouraging licensed health professionals to provide care at approved sites in rural or underserved areas Behavioral Health Conditional Scholarship Providing support for aspiring mental health professionals.

Helping members of the National Guard get an undergraduate degree or certificate Tuition Waiver for Dependents of Veterans Helping dependents of veterans pay for postsecondary Supporting current and future student loan borrowers in Washington Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Providing loan forgiveness for eligible government and nonprofit employees Higher Education Administration Colleges and Institutions Higher education institutions serving students in Washington Protecting Education Consumers Ensuring Washington’s colleges and career schools meet required operating standards Resources related to student complaints School Closures and Teach-Outs Information for students affected by school closures and teach-outs Ensuring postsecondary education quality Approval of Veterans' Programs Resources related to the evaluation, approval, and oversight of schools and training facilities for use of G.

I.

Bill® funds Veterans' Education and Training Promoting and safeguarding quality education and training programs for veterans State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) WSAC responsible for processing applications for SARA participation from schools based in the state Further information on residency requirements in Washington Financial Aid Administration Direct link to online resources for state institutions Materials for financial aid administrators Current data for Washington State and school districts Support for foster youth transitioning from high school to college, careers, or service Unit Record Reporting resources Institutional Participation in State Aid Information for institutions of higher education seeking to offer Washington state financial aid to students State Work Study for Employers Information for organizations seeking to employ State Work Study students Apprenticeship Program Providers Information for providers wishing to participate in the Washington College Grant for Apprenticeships Washington Health Corps Sites Information for health care sites regarding Washington Health Corps participation Materials related to latent SFA programs Resources related to the GET Prepaid Tuition Plan and WA529 Invest, and the plan’s governing committee Education Savings Dashboard Data visualizations to track program goals, measures and outcomes Grants to institutions to help cover child care costs for eligible families College and career planning resources for high school juniors and seniors Free service connecting students with Washington scholarship providers A free, 24/7 messaging service providing financial aid support to College Bound seniors College & Career Culture Recognition Program Celebrating the impactful work of schools that create a powerful college-going culture for their students Materials and resources for trusted messengers supporting financial aid completion Includes the College Application Campaign, College Goal Washington, and the FAFSA Completion Initiative The Financial Aid Toolkit Resources supporting the Washington College Grant and the financial aid application process Initiative to increase equity through support for financial aid application completion in Washington.

Federally-funded program providing services to low-income schools Washington Jobs Initiative Helping Washington residents secure good-paying jobs Career Connect Washington Work-based and academic programs for young people Higher Education and the Labor Market An educated workforce is essential to the vibrant Washington economy Grants to eligible Career Launch endorsed programs at public four-year institutions to provide for new or expanded enrollment Native American Apprenticeship Assistance Program (NAAAP) Grants to Tribes to support Tribal members in state-registered apprenticeships Archive of Council updates and news releases Collection of interactive data tools for users to explore postsecondary attainment data, FAFSA completion data, and more State Work Study is financial aid for low- and middle-income students.

Qualifying students get an approved job, on- or off-campus, to support their education. Work study builds students’ skills, increases their earnings, and reduces reliance on student loans. Many employers hire work study employees on a permanent basis after graduation.

Recipients must meet the following criteria: Meet Washington state residency requirements for state financial aid. Complete a federal or state financial aid application . Enroll at least half-time in an eligible program at a participating college (PDF, 181.

59 KB) . Maintain satisfactory academic progress. Be able to work legally in the United States.

Not be pursuing a degree in theology. Not be in default or owe a refund or repayment on another financial aid program. Awards are based on the availability of funds and the student’s determined financial need.

While awards vary, students generally earn between $2,000 and $5,000 per year. Students may not work more than an average of 19 hours per week while enrolled, or more than 40 hours per week during breaks, depending on their award. There is no separate application for State Work Study.

Students will automatically be considered for State Work Study after filing a federal (FAFSA) or state (WASFA) financial aid application . For more information, contact the student employment or financial aid office at the college attended. Information for Employers The state contributes to the wages of work study employees, so participating employers benefit from educated, motivated workers at a lower cost.

Learn more about employing work study students . Career Opportunities for Graduate Students Opportunities for Graduate Students – Seattle University & Central Washington University View the full job description and application info. (PDF, 219.

09 KB) This position is designed to support your professional development by helping you build versatile, transferable skills applicable across many career fields. Whether you are interested in education, public service, nonprofit work, government, or exploring other career paths, this role offers valuable real-world experience.

As a Student Navigator, you will work closely with the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) and gain hands-on experience supporting educational access and equity across the state. This is an opportunity to build your network, develop professional skills, and explore future career directions while making a meaningful difference for students.

The Central Washington University Student Navigator will be placed in local high schools within the Yakima School District. The Seattle University Student Navigator will be placed at local high schools in the Federal Way and Everett Public School Districts.