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Federal Work Study (FWS)



Federal work study is a campus based aid program. Federal funds available for students who meet the campus based aid priority deadline date, fund availability and the federal government's eligibility criteria. This program allows students to earn money to assist in paying for educational expenses. These awards are not available to pay registration tuition and fees.

What is Federal Work-Study (FWS)? 

How do I apply and what is job placement? 

How do I get paid?

Department Responsibilities

Student Responsibilities

Federal Work-Study Waiting List Request Form 

Q. What is Federal Work-Study (FWS)?  ^ Back to Q&A

The Federal Work-Study program is an employment program sponsored by the federal government. FWS is intended to promote and encourage part-time employment of students, as well as assisting the University and its surrounding community.

FWS provides jobs for students, who must maintain at least a 1.5 GPA and be enrolled at least half-time.

You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year, and meet the priority published deadline dates and the federal eligibility requirements to continue to receive funds.

FWS allows students to earn money to assist in paying for educational expenses. FWS is not available to pay registration tuition and fees. Income earned through FWS does not have to be repaid.

The hourly wage is determined by the department. Generally, students may work up to 20 hours per week, while school is in session. If you miss any time due to illness, holiday or any other reason, you will not be paid or given credit for the time you missed. You are paid strictly by the hour.

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Q. How do I apply and what is job placement?  ^ Back to Q&A

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year after January 1st, as soon as your tax information is available.
  • The priority deadline date for campus based aid is March 1st of each year. March 1st is the date by which your Financial Aid file and all required documentation is complete.
  • If awarded FWS on your Award Notification, you must ACCEPT the offer online through AP One Stop.You must maintain at least a 1.5 GPA and be enrolled at least half-time.
  • If you did not meet the priority deadline date, but meet all eligibility requirements; you can complete the Federal Work-Study Waiting List Request Form and be placed on a waiting list. Upon availability of FWS funds, applicants will be reviewed on a "first-come-first-serve" basis.
  • You will need to schedule an appointment with the Financial Aid Office for a job placement.
  • Report to the Department listed on the Placement Form to make certain a work schedule is suitable. If yes, then complete the IRS form W-4, INS form I-9, and direct deposit form, and supply a copy of a picture identification and social security card to the Department supervisor; and return all paperwork to the Financial Aid Office. If no, return to the Financial Aid Office to seek another placement.
  • If you wish to be re-assigned, you must contact the Financial Aid Office.
  • You will be given a start date once paperwork is submitted and approved by the Human Resource Office. Human Resources will notify you and the department my email.

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Q. How do I get paid?  ^ Back to Q&A

  • Federal Work-Study (FWS) funds are not available to pay registration tuition and fees. This program allows students to earn money to assist in paying for their educational expenses. Income earned through FWS does not have to be repaid. The hourly wage is determined by the department.
  • If you miss any time due to illness, holiday, or any other reason, you will be not paid or given credit for the time you missed. You are paid strictly by the hour.
  • Please refer to the University's Human Resources Payroll/Timesheet Dates for Students regarding pay periods and check issuance dates.
  • Earnings from FWS will be direct deposited into the student's designated banking account.

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Q. Department Responsibilities  ^ Back to Q&A

The following forms must be submitted to the Human Resources department:

The following forms must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office:

The department must also:

  • Establish a work schedule with the student and explain the duties and responsibilities of the job.
  • Notify the Financial Aid Office, if a student does not report to work.
  • Monitor the hours worked to ensure the student does not exceed the awarded amount. A student may work a maximum of 20 hours per week.
  • Verify the accuracy of student workers' web time entry before approving. Timesheets become official records subject to audit by the federal government, and the supervisors are accountable for the accuracy of these records.
  • Provide evaluation of student's work performance once each year and supervise accordingly. Evaluations are mailed to each department during the month of March.
  • Students are not allowed to work once his/her FWS limit has been met.
  • Notify the Financial Aid Office.

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Q. Student Responsibilities  ^ Back to Q&A

  • You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year, and meet the priority published deadline dates and the federal eligibility requirements to continue to receive funds.
  • Complete any and all required paperwork.
  • You must maintain at least a 1.5 GPA and be enrolled at least half-time.
  • Arrive at the department prepared to work. Federal Work-Study is merely the name of the program. It does not mean that you can study while at work.
  • You cannot exceed 20 hours a week.
  • Once the FWS award limit has been earned, you are not allowed to work any longer on FWS.
  • Notify your supervisor in advance if you are going to be absent or late for work.
  • Submit your web time entry to your supervisor on time. Late or unsigned time entry will delay direct deposit earnings.
  • You are not allowed to work during scheduled classes or exam times.
  • Adhere to the general dress code.
  • If you wish to be re-assigned, you need to contact the Financial Aid Office.

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