Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a federal financial aid program for undergraduate and graduate students in the United States. It provides eligible students with part-time employment opportunities while they are enrolled in school, allowing them to earn income to help cover educational and living expenses.
Unlike the Pell Grant or student loans, Federal Work-Study is earned income from work. Money earned through Federal Work-Study does not need to be repaid after graduation.
How does Federal Work-Study work?
Federal Work-Study allows students to work part-time jobs on campus or with certain off-campus organizations approved by their school.
Each student is awarded a maximum FWS amount for the academic year. Students are paid only for the hours they actually work and generally cannot earn more than the FWS amount allocated by the school for that academic year, unless they later accept another position that is not part of the Federal Work-Study program.
Wages must meet the applicable federal or state minimum wage requirements, whichever is higher. Some positions may pay more depending on the nature of the work and the school’s policies. Wages are usually paid directly to students on a regular pay schedule, similar to a typical part-time job.
Who may be eligible?
Federal Work-Study eligibility is determined based on FAFSA results, the amount of FWS funding allocated to the school, the availability of Federal Work-Study positions at the school, and each school’s policies.
Even if FAFSA determines that you are eligible for FWS, that does not guarantee that a job will be available to you.
In many cases, students may apply for several different Federal Work-Study positions. However, being hired depends on the requirements of each position, the number of applicants, and the hiring decision of the department or organization offering the job.
Types of Federal Work-Study jobs
Federal Work-Study jobs vary widely. Common examples include:
- library assistant;
- office assistant;
- lab assistant;
- research assistant;
- IT support;
- student center staff;
- tutor;
- teaching assistant for certain academic programs;
- community service positions;
- jobs with nonprofit organizations or public agencies, if approved under the program.
Many schools try to offer Federal Work-Study positions that relate to students’ fields of study and provide practical work experience.
How is Federal Work-Study different from a regular part-time job?
Although both Federal Work-Study and regular part-time jobs allow students to earn income, there are several important differences between the two.
| Federal Work-Study | Regular Job |
| A federal financial aid program | Not a financial aid program |
| Requires FAFSA eligibility | Does not require FAFSA |
| Usually located on campus or with an organization approved by the school | Can be with any employer that is hiring |
| Often designed to be flexible around a student’s class schedule | Depends on the employer |
Benefits of Federal Work-Study
Federal Work-Study offers several benefits beyond income.
Additional financial support
The money students earn can help reduce educational and living expenses without requiring them to borrow more.
Flexible work schedule
Federal Work-Study positions are often designed to accommodate students’ class schedules.
In many cases, schools prioritize students’ academic responsibilities when arranging work schedules.
Work experience
If the job is related to a student’s field of study, Federal Work-Study can help students:
- become familiar with a professional work environment;
- add relevant experience to their résumé;
- build workplace skills;
- develop connections with faculty and school staff.
Does Federal Work-Study affect financial aid?
Income from Federal Work-Study is still income. However, under current FAFSA rules, Federal Work-Study earnings may not be counted in the same way as other employment income when determining financial need for future award years. This can help reduce the impact that Federal Work-Study may have on a student’s ability to continue receiving financial aid.
Can international students participate in Federal Work-Study?
Federal Work-Study is a federal financial aid program. Therefore, most international students on F-1 visas are not eligible to participate in this program.
However, many colleges and universities still offer on-campus employment opportunities, teaching assistant positions, research assistantships, and administrative assistant roles for international students under F-1 visa regulations. These positions are not part of the Federal Work-Study program.
If you are an international student, you should contact your school’s career services office, financial aid office, academic department, or international student office to learn about suitable employment opportunities.
How do students apply for Federal Work-Study?
The process usually includes the following steps:
- Complete the FAFSA.
- The school determines whether you are eligible for Federal Work-Study.
- Search for available Federal Work-Study positions.
- Submit job applications.
- Attend an interview if required.
- Begin working after being hired.
Conclusion
Not every eligible student is automatically placed in a job. Therefore, students should search and apply early when their school begins hiring for Federal Work-Study positions.
Federal Work-Study is not only a source of income while students are in school. It can also help students gain work experience, expand their professional network, become more financially independent, and, in many cases, reduce the need to borrow student loans in the future.
Key Takeaways
- Federal Work-Study is a federal financial aid program that gives eligible students the opportunity to work part time while attending school.
- Students are paid based on the hours they work; they do not receive the money as a scholarship or loan.
- This income does not need to be repaid after graduation.
- Not all eligible students are automatically guaranteed a job; students usually need to apply for available positions.
- Most international students are not eligible for Federal Work-Study, but they may still have other on-campus employment opportunities under applicable regulations.