School Soup

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• Click below for information on federal financial aid programs
• Federal Work Study (FWS) Program
  Federal Grants
  Federal Student Loan Frequently Asked Questions
  Federal Student Loans

Federal Work Study (FWS) Program

The FWS Program:

• Provides part-time employment for students while they are enrolled in school;
• Helps pay a student’s educational expenses
• Is available to both undergraduate and graduate students;
• Is administered by schools that participate in the FWS Program
• Encourages community service work and work related to a student’s course of study, whenever possible.

Are FWS jobs on or off Campus?

FWS jobs can be both on and off campus.  If you work on campus, you’ll usually work for your school.  If you work off campus, your employer will usually be a private non-profit organization or a public agency, and the work performed must be in the public interest.

Some schools might have agreements with private for-profit employers for FWS jobs.  These jobs must be relevant to your course of study (to the maximum extend possible).  If you attend a “for-profit” school there may be further restrictions on the types of jobs you can be assigned.

How Much Can a Student Earn?

You will earn at least the current federal minimum wage.  However, the amount might be higher depending on the type of work done and the skills required for the position.

The amount that can be earned can’t exceed a student’s total FWS award.  When assigning work hours, employers and financial aid administrators take into consideration a student’s class schedule and academic progress.

The total FWS award depends on:

• When you apply,
• Your level of financial need, and
• Your school’s funding level (when all of a school’s funds have been awarded no additional work-study awards can be made for that year).

How are Students Paid?

Undergraduate students are paid by the hour.  Graduate students are paid either by the hour or by a salary, depending on the work that is done.  Schools must pay students at least once a month.  Schools must pay students directly unless the student requests that payments are to be sent directly to a bank account or the student requests that the money be applied to pay for school related educational expenses such as tuition, fees and room and board.