Student Financial Assistance Home

Federal Work Study

The Federal Work Study Program (FWS) 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 Assistance will notify you of your eligibility for the academic school year (Fall through Spring semesters).

To apply for Federal Work Study, a student first must meet the following general eligibility requirements:

U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
Have received a high school diploma or GED
Be enrolled in classes leading to a U.S. Department of Education approved certificate or degree.
Not be in default on a Federal student loan
Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress

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" when asked, "Are you interested in work-study?"

The benefits of applying for Federal Work Study
Convenience- Applying for FWS allows you the opportunity 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.

Students should start the application process by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It is recommended that students complete the College of DuPage's Admission Form prior to filing their FAFSA.

If you filed the FAFSA online the Office of Student Financial Assistance should receive your results within 3 to 4 days.

After our office receives your results electronically, an email will be sent to your COD email address to request additional information based on your results, which may include, but is not limited to: tax transcripts, verification of citizenship, etc. Our office will send out three requests for additional information, after which you will no longer receive notices for missing information. It is your responsibility to check your COD email and myACCESS account regularly!

It may take 4 to 6 weeks to process your financial aid information after all required documents are submitted. Processing time may vary depending on volume of application and/or corrections. It is strongly suggested that students apply at least 8 weeks before the start of the semester.

Notification of your award
You will receive notification that your financial aid award has been determined via your COD email address. Your complete Financial Aid Award Letter will be accessible in your myACCESS.

Applying for an 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 a FWS student. Please note: as a FWS student you are required to enroll for at least 6 credit hours each semester and be in compliance with the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.