The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program is a financial aid initiative designed to assist students with demonstrated financial need in funding their education. This program, determined by information provided in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), offers eligible students the opportunity to work part-time jobs, typically on-campus or with approved off-campus non-profit organizations, to earn money for educational expenses.
The FWS program operates on a shared-responsibility model, where the government and the participating employer contribute to the student’s wages. Students are responsible for actively seeking out and securing employment opportunities and managing their work schedules to earn the allocated FWS funds. The earnings are disbursed bi-weekly through direct deposit to the student’s bank account or via a paper check.
How Federal Work-Study Works
Unlike some other forms of financial aid, FWS funds are not directly credited to the student’s tuition bill or distributed as a lump sum payment. Instead, students earn money as they work, receiving regular paychecks that they can use to cover various educational costs, such as books, supplies, and living expenses. While FWS earnings are considered taxable income and reported to the IRS, they are excluded from the FAFSA calculation when determining the Student Aid Index (SAI) for subsequent academic years, potentially increasing eligibility for aid in the future.
Eligibility Requirements for Federal Work-Study
To qualify for the Federal Work-Study program, students must meet several criteria:
- File the FAFSA Annually: Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the specified deadline.
- Complete Verification Requirements: Fulfill any verification requirements requested by the financial aid office.
- Receive a Federal Work-Study Award: Be offered a Federal Work-Study award by the Division of Financial Aid. Eligibility is primarily based on demonstrated financial need as determined by the FAFSA. The program is typically available to students pursuing their first bachelor’s degree.
- Enroll in a Degree-Seeking Program: Maintain enrollment in a degree-seeking program for at least 6 credit hours each semester during the academic year.
Steps to Utilize Your Federal Work-Study Award
If you meet the eligibility requirements and are awarded Federal Work-Study, here’s how to take advantage of the program:
- Accept Your FWS Award: Indicate your acceptance of the FWS award through your student portal.
- Find and Secure a Job: Search for and obtain a job with an eligible on-campus or off-campus employer. Inform potential employers that you have accepted an FWS award during the hiring process. On-campus opportunities can often be found through the university’s career services or job board. Off-campus opportunities are typically with non-profit organizations that have partnered with the university.
- Complete Employment Forms: Fill out any required employment paperwork from your employer.
- Decline the Award if Not Needed: If you decide not to participate in the FWS program, decline the award through your student portal.
The Federal Work-Study program provides a valuable opportunity for students with financial need to gain work experience while funding their education. By understanding the eligibility requirements and following the necessary steps, students can effectively utilize this resource to achieve their academic goals.
