Federal Financial Aid Programs
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Federal Work-Study
Federal Work-Study (FWS) provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. The program encourages community service and work related to the recipient's course of study.
How Much Do Students Earn With the Federal Work-Study Program?
Undergraduate students are paid by the hour. Federal Work-Study students may not be paid a commission or fee. The school must pay the student directly (unless the student provides other instructions) and at least monthly. Wages for the program must equal at least the current federal minimum wage but might be higher, depending on the type of work the student does and the skills required. The amount a student earns can't exceed the total FWS award. When assigning work hours, the employer or financial aid administrator will consider the student's award amount, class schedule, and academic progress.
What Kinds of Jobs Are There in Federal Work-Study?
Students who work on campus usually work for their school. The employer for students who work off-campus will usually be a private nonprofit organization or a public agency, and the work performed must be in the public interest.
The school might have agreements with private for-profit employers for Federal Work-Study jobs. This type of job must be relevant to the student's course of study (to the maximum extent possible). There might be further restrictions on the jobs that can be assigned if they attend a career school.
