What is Federal Work Study?
Federal Work Study (FWS) is a need-based program designed to allow students to work part-time to assist with educational expenses. The Office of Financial Aid awards FWS funding to students that meet eligibility requirements. Students are responsible for notifying the Office of Financial Aid if they are interested in receiving FWS as part of their financial aid package. Employers may find students that are eligible for work study to be beneficial as a portion of the student’s earnings are subsidized by the federal government. More employment information may be found online at: Student Employment.
Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a “need based” form of financial aid that may be awarded to students who are U.S. citizens as part of their aid package. Federal Work-Study (FWS) was, until recently, called College Work-Study (CWS) and was created by the Higher Education Act of 1964. According to a spokesman for the National Association of Student Employment Administrators, FWS “reinforces the American work ethic, contributes to a student s educational program, provides valuable job skills, influences future career decisions, improves student retention, has no default problem and reduces student indebtedness while providing valuable financial assistance.” Research indicates that there is a positive relationship between employment, including FWS programs, and college retention rates. It’s good news that Congress authorizes about $800 million for FWS each year, this money is shared by 3,800 institutions who award it to 690,000 students. It’s bad news that federal funding has not kept pace wit
Federal Work-Study (FWS) provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to the recipient’s course of study. You’ll be paid by the hour. Your school must pay you directly at least once a month. You’ll be paid at least the current federal minimum wage, but you might earn more, depending on the type of work you do and the skills required. The amount you earn can’t exceed your total FWS award. When assigning work hours, your employer or financial aid administrator will consider your award amount, your class schedule, and your academic progress.
