Federal Work-Study is a need-based work program. Since students have different levels of need, not all awards are the same. Individual eligibility is determined by the cost of attendance, minus your student aid index as determined by the
FAFSA, and other grants and scholarships awarded.
The default FWS award offer is $4500; however due to the individual nature of financial aid packages, the FWS award amount offered may vary. To activate a FWS award, you must apply to a posted FWS position, interview and be hired into a FWS position. A FWS award is not disbursed in a lump sum, but paid out through bi-weekly paychecks for actual hours worked. You may not earn more FWS than your FWS award amount.
Requests for initial FWS awards in excess of $4500 will be denied. Student earnings are routinely monitored by the Student Employment Office throughout the year and may be increased subject to program funding availability and other factors such as continued employment in a FWS eligible position and remaining need for additional FWS funding. Awards are adjusted automatically and students receive a system generated notice that changes have occurred to their Financial Aid Notification at such time.
If you have not been offered a FWS award, you may still be eligible and may request a FWS award by submitting a
Federal Work-Study Adjustment Form to
Financial Aid and Scholarship Services.
