Federal Work Study

Student Employment for Financial Aid Students

A Federal Work-study job lets you earn part of your college expenses. The purpose of the program is to promote part-time employment opportunities for students currently attending school. To participate in the Federal Work-study Program (FWS) you must receive an allocation for FWS as a part of your financial aid award. Once you are declared eligible for FWS funds, you must also be enrolled for a minimum of 6 units and may not work more than 20 hours per week.

The following are questions most frequently asked about the FWS program.

Frequently Ask Questions

You must complete and submit an application for financial aid entitled Free Application for Financial Aid (FAFSA) in order to determine your eligibility for financial aid, including a FWS position. Apply online at www.fafsa.gov.
After applying for financial aid and completing your file, the Financial Aid Office will send you an email to inform you that you have been awarded. If you are offered FWS as part of your package, and you are interested in employment, you must seek student employment through the Student Employment Office.
No. Your awards will determine the number of hours you may work by indicating your allocation for the semester. The maximum number of hours per week you will be allowed to work while classes are in session is 20 or less, again, depending upon your FWS allocation.
You must submit your time sheet by the scheduled time card due date to your supervisor. Normally, work-study recipients can expect to be paid once per month, at the end of the month.
You must maintain satisfactory academic progress and be in 6 units to continue to be eligible for your FWS from semester to semester. Remember that your award is only valid for the academic year indicated. Once your funds are earned, or the academic year is over, your FWS position will be terminated.