Federal Work Study
Title IV School Code: 006656
The Federal Work Study (FWS) Program allows students who demonstrate financial need to obtain an on-campus job to help cover their education expenses. The amount of the award will depend on when you apply, your level of financial need and availability of funds. The Office of Student Financial Aid will notify you of your eligibility for the academic school year (fall to spring semesters).

To apply for Federal Work Study, a student must first meet the following general eligibility requirements:
• U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
• Have received a high school diploma, GED or pass the Ability to Benefit Test
• Be enrolled in classes leading to a U.S. Department of Education approved certificate or degree. Check this list (PDF) for ineligible degree/certificates for financial aid purposes.
• Not be in default on a federal student loan or owe repayment of a Pell Grant.
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (PDF)

Students who are interested in applying for Federal Work Study must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Be sure to indicate “YES” to question 28 when asked, “Are you interested in work-study?”

The benefits of applying for Federal Work Study:
• Convenience – Applying for FWS allows you to work on campus as a student aide.
• Flexibility – Student aides may only work up to 20 hours per week, thereby allowing for students to adjust their work schedule around their class schedule.
• Financial Aid Benefit – When applying for financial aid in the upcoming year, FAFSA does not include your FWS earnings in determining your financial aid eligibility. This could possibly increase your financial aid eligibility.

NOTE: Your FWS earnings are still reported as income when filing your federal and state tax returns.

Notification of your award:
After you have submitted your FAFSA, the Office of Student Financial Aid will receive your results electronically. Based on your results, we will require additional information in order to determine your FWS award. Once your FWS award has been determined, you will receive an award letter notifying you of your award. The maximum eligibility is $5,000 per academic year (based on funding).

Applying for a FWS position:
After receiving your award letter, you may then contact the Human Resources office for current student aide job postings. Be sure to notify the Human Resources office that you are an FWS student. Note: As an FWS student, you are required to enroll in at least six credit hours each semester and be in compliance with the Minimum Academic Requirements for Financial Aid Policy. (PDF)