Understanding and Applying for Federal Work-Study Programs
Written by Gloria Zhu   

This article is for college-bound or college students who demonstrate financial aid and are willing to work during the school year. 

 
What is Work-Study?

Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a federally funded, need-based employment program. If you are eligible for the Federal Work-Study Program, you may earn FWS funds by working part-time with employers approved by the FWS. 
 
As a student, you can get a part-time job on or near your college campus. The federal government and employing departments pay wages for your tuition and expenses. The federal government steps in by paying a large portion of your income.
 
 
Eligibility for Work-Study

All undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled with at least half-time enrollment (six hours per semester for undergraduate students and three hours per semester for graduate students) and accepted into a degree program are eligible to apply for Federal Work-Study. 
 
Students are chosen based mainly on: 
  • Financial need
  • Availability of FWS funds 
  • Job availability
Students must demonstrate financial need as calculated by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and must be citizens of the United States or eligible non-citizens. Additionally, students must be making satisfactory academic progress. Students in the Lifelong Education Program are not eligible.


Applying for Work-Study

To apply for participation in the Federal Work-Study Program, you must indicate your interest while completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can learn more about filling out the application by reading A step-by-step Guide to the FAFSA. 
 
For those students who want to return to their job the following year need to inform their supervisor in the spring term and complete their FAFSA as well.  New graduate students should complete the FAFSA and contact the Work-Study Coordinator for special instructions.
 
The Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid will send an Award Notification Letter offering Federal Work-Study to students who are qualified after the FAFSA is processed and there is a financial need.
 
 
Requesting Work after FAFSA is Processed
 
For the Student For the Employer
  • Bring a most recent copy of your award letter to the interview to establish eligibility to be hired as a work-study student.
  • If needed, students can pick up another copy of their award letter from the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid(OSFA) at their college or print a copy of their award by clicking on Financial Aid Inquiry on the OSFA web page.
  • Students should also take a copy of their class schedule.
  • Must establish a job description and pay rate for each FWS position offered
  • Employers who want to hire a work-study student need to complete a Request for a Work-Study Position Form.
  • A new request form must be completed for each different job and pay rate.
  • These request forms can be sent by mail or email.
 
Once you are onboard, you may hold a position working for your school, a private nonprofit organization or a public agency. What makes the Federal Work-Study Program different is that it will provide you with valuable experience both inside and outside of your field of study. Students are encouraged to work part-time while in school because you can gain work experience and help alleviate the cost of their education and reduce your loan indebtedness!
 

 

    

Last Updated on Wednesday, 18 August 2010 18:49