Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a federally funded program in the United States that provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need to help them earn money to pay for their education expenses
. Key points about Federal Work-Study include:
- Eligibility: Students must demonstrate financial need by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and indicate interest in Work-Study. Priority is given to students with the greatest financial need
- Job Types: Work-Study jobs can be on-campus or off-campus and often relate to community service or the student’s field of study. Examples include tutoring, library work, administrative support, or community service roles
- Work Hours and Pay: Students typically work part-time (often up to 20 hours per week) and earn at least the federal minimum wage. Earnings depend on the number of hours worked and cannot exceed the amount awarded through the program
- Payment: Students earn wages through their work, which are paid directly to them via paychecks. These funds can be used for tuition, fees, housing, or other education-related expenses
- Administration: Funds are allocated to participating institutions, which then manage the program and job placements. Institutions may have additional restrictions, such as GPA requirements or limits on work hours
In summary, Federal Work-Study is a need-based financial aid program that allows eligible students to work part-time while attending school to help offset their educational costs and gain valuable work experience
