Federal Work Study: Can College Students Work Without FWS?
As students begin to receive financial aid award letters, families have questions regarding the different types of awards that are received. One such award that causes many questions is Federal Work Study. What is Federal Work Study and how does it… work? Glad you asked. Let’s take a look at a common question related to Federal Work Study.
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Federal Work Study
Let’s take a look at whether or not students that DON’T receive Federal Work Study can still work on campus.
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What is Federal Work Study?
Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a program in the United States that provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students who have demonstrated financial need. The program is administered by the Department of Education and is available to eligible students attending participating institutions of higher education.
The FWS program allows students to earn money to help pay for their educational expenses while gaining valuable work experience. Students typically work on-campus, but some may work off-campus at nonprofit organizations or public agencies. The program encourages community service work and work related to the student's course of study.
The amount of money a student can earn through FWS is determined by the student's financial need, the amount of funding the school receives from the federal government for the program, and the amount of hours the student is able to work. The program is intended to supplement, not replace, other forms of financial aid, such as grants and loans.
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If I don't have Federal Work Study can I still work on campus?
Yes. It's not uncommon for some departments or offices on campus to have budgets allocated for student workers. This will especially be the case for those departments that employ the most student workers, usually food services and athletics. Students that do not have work study can apply for these jobs. However, students that have been awarded Federal Work Study are viewed as favorable considering their wages are paid for by the government rather than through the department's budget. You can also become a budget worker if you want a job beyond your Federal Work Study job or if you have already used your allotted Federal Work Study award.
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There is a lot to be gained from our free general financial aid advice, but it’s also a very individual process. If you have remaining financial aid questions, email us to discuss more or book an individual session.