Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a self-help financial aid program. It is awarded based on the FAFSA to eligible students, but is only guaranteed if the student obtains on-campus employment. FWS is not a guarantee of on-campus employment. Students are required to find suitable on-campus employment themselves. It is not applied towards the student’s bill and is not paid to a student until it is earned.
FWS is earned and is paid in the form of bi-weekly paychecks for hours worked. Earnings are still subject to payroll taxes and therefore not tax free.
FWS is intended to help pay college living expenses while providing the student with an opportunity to gain valuable work experience. It does not limit the number of hours a student can work or income they can make. Instead, when they report this job on their FAFSA in future years, they will be able to claim the amount of FWS they were awarded as financial aid instead of income.
The Student Employment Office in Human Resources posts a wide variety of available on-campus positions on Workday.
Whether or not you qualify for Federal Work-Study, you can apply for on-campus employment that can help you pay for your tuition, fees, or other financial needs.
As the student, it is your responsibility to secure employment, to work enough hours to reach the earnings limit, and to budget the money earned wisely throughout the year to meet necessary college costs. You may learn more about the Student Employment Office and the job search process by visiting their website.