Federal Work-Study Program

Overview

• Employment is funded jointly by the federal government and by the university.
• Eligibility for this program is based on financial need and provides students the opportunity to fund a portion of their college expenses.
• It supplements other forms of financial aid and employs those students who are awarded FWS as a part of their financial aid packages
• The average work-study student earns about $830 per year, though students can earn as much as $2,250 by working 12 hours per week.
• Students provide part-time help in the day-to-day operations of the university.

A student who is eligible for FWS is not guaranteed employment. Each student must play an active role in seeking a position. We can guarantee that, building on your initiative, our staff will work with you to find employment that matches your schedule and skill level.

Types of Positions Available

Almost any student job on campus is available to a student eligible for work-study.

Maximum Earnings

The maximum amount of FWS earnings is specified on a student’s financial aid award letter as an amount per year. For example, a $2,250 FWS award is earned by working an average of 12 hours each week of the academic year.

FWS earnings are monitored by the Office of Financial Aid. A student and his or her supervisor will be contacted by e-mail when earnings approach the maximum amount awarded. Students also receive e-mail notification when they have exhausted FWS eligibility. For students who have more than one job on campus, it is especially important to watch hours closely.

Payment beyond a maximum award amount is not guaranteed. If a student continues to work after earning the full FWS award, future earnings will be converted to the "Cash" program only if the student’s supervisor agrees to continue the position as "Cash."

Important Note: A percentage of "Cash" earnings may be considered as a resource for future financial aid packages.