For many college students, paying for education involves more than tuition. Books, transportation, food, housing, technology, and other everyday expenses can quickly add to the total cost of attending school. For students who need additional financial support, working while studying can be one way to help manage these expenses without relying entirely on student loans.
The Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program is a federal financial aid program that helps eligible students earn money through part-time employment while they are enrolled in school. Unlike a traditional grant, Federal Work-Study does not simply provide a fixed amount of money upfront. Instead, students earn their award through the hours they work in an approved position.
The program is administered through participating colleges, universities, and career schools, which determine available positions and help students find eligible employment.
What Is Federal Work-Study?
Federal Work-Study is a federal student aid program that provides part-time employment opportunities to eligible students with financial need.
The purpose is to help students earn money to contribute toward their educational and living expenses while gaining work experience.
Jobs can be located:
- On campus
- Off campus
- With nonprofit organizations
- With government agencies
- In some cases, through other approved community-based arrangements
The type of job available depends on the student’s school and the organizations participating in its Federal Work-Study program.
Is Federal Work-Study a Grant?
No.
Federal Work-Study is different from a grant such as the Pell Grant.
With a grant, eligible students receive financial aid that generally does not need to be repaid.
With Federal Work-Study, students earn money by working.
The student is paid for the hours worked, usually through regular paychecks.
This means a student does not automatically receive the entire Federal Work-Study award at the beginning of the semester or academic year.
How Does Federal Work-Study Work?
The process generally starts when a student completes the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The school uses the FAFSA information to determine financial aid eligibility.
If the student qualifies for Federal Work-Study and the school has available funds, the student may receive a Work-Study offer as part of the financial aid package.
The student then typically needs to:
- Find an available Work-Study position.
- Apply for the position.
- Be hired.
- Work the scheduled hours.
- Receive wages for the hours worked.
The amount listed in the financial aid offer represents the amount the student may be able to earn through the program, not money automatically deposited into the student’s account.
Who Can Qualify for Federal Work-Study?
Federal Work-Study is generally available to students who:
- Demonstrate financial need
- Complete the FAFSA
- Attend a participating school
- Meet federal student aid eligibility requirements
- Are enrolled in an eligible program
- Meet satisfactory academic progress requirements
- Are selected for an available Work-Study position
Because Federal Work-Study is a campus-based program, meeting the basic federal requirements does not guarantee that a student will receive an award.
Schools have limited funds and available positions.
Is There an Income Limit for Work-Study?
There is no single income number that guarantees or automatically prevents Federal Work-Study eligibility.
The FAFSA is used to determine financial need.
The financial aid office may consider:
- Student financial information
- Parent information, when applicable
- Student Aid Index
- Cost of attendance
- Other financial assistance
- Enrollment
- Available Work-Study funds
Students with significant financial need may receive priority.
Do You Need to Be a Full-Time Student?
Not necessarily.
Federal Work-Study can be available to eligible students enrolled less than full time.
However, your enrollment status can affect your eligibility and how many hours you can reasonably work.
Your school may also establish its own requirements for Work-Study employment.
Students should ask their financial aid office about the specific rules that apply to their program.
How Much Does Federal Work-Study Pay?
Federal Work-Study jobs pay students at least the applicable minimum wage, and the actual wage can be higher depending on the position, employer, location, and school.
Your school determines the available positions and wage rates within applicable federal and institutional requirements.
The amount you can earn is generally limited by your Work-Study award.
For example, if your financial aid offer indicates that you have $4,000 in Federal Work-Study eligibility, that generally represents the maximum amount you can earn through the program during the applicable award period.
It does not mean you receive $4,000 immediately.
How Many Hours Can a Work-Study Student Work?
Your school determines the schedule based on factors such as:
- Your Work-Study award
- Hourly wage
- Class schedule
- Academic workload
- Position requirements
- Employer needs
The goal is generally to provide employment while allowing students to remain focused on their education.
For example, a student taking a full academic course load may work fewer hours than someone with a lighter schedule.
Students should never assume that a Work-Study award guarantees a particular number of weekly hours.
Where Can Federal Work-Study Jobs Be Located?
Many Work-Study jobs are located on campus.
Examples include positions in:
- Libraries
- Administrative offices
- Computer labs
- Student centers
- Academic departments
- Research facilities
- Admissions offices
- Campus recreation
- Tutoring programs
Some participating schools also offer off-campus opportunities with approved nonprofit or public organizations.
The available positions depend on your school and local partnerships.
Can Work-Study Jobs Be Related to Your Major?
Potentially.
Some colleges offer Work-Study positions related to students’ fields of study.
For example, students studying:
- Business
- Computer science
- Education
- Biology
- Communications
- Engineering
- Social sciences
may find positions that provide experience connected to their academic interests.
However, not every school offers positions related to every major.
Can Graduate Students Receive Federal Work-Study?
Yes, graduate students may potentially qualify for Federal Work-Study if they meet applicable federal and institutional requirements.
However, eligibility and priority can depend on the school, program, and student’s financial circumstances.
Students pursuing graduate education should contact their school’s financial aid office to determine whether Work-Study positions are available.
Can International Students Receive Federal Work-Study?
Generally, Federal Work-Study is a federal student aid program, so eligibility depends on meeting federal requirements regarding citizenship or eligible noncitizen status.
Many international students do not qualify for federal student aid.
However, schools may offer other campus employment opportunities that are separate from Federal Work-Study.
International students should speak directly with their school’s international student office and financial aid office.
Can Community College Students Use Work-Study?
Yes, eligible students attending participating community colleges can potentially receive Federal Work-Study.
Community colleges may offer positions in:
- Student services
- Libraries
- Administrative offices
- Academic departments
- Tutoring
- Computer labs
- Campus facilities
The availability of positions varies by school.
Can Trade School Students Receive Work-Study?
Potentially.
Eligible students attending participating career or technical institutions may qualify.
The institution must participate in the federal program, and the student must meet the applicable federal requirements.
Before enrolling, students can ask the school whether Federal Work-Study is available.
Can You Use Work-Study for Online College?
Potentially.
Students enrolled in eligible online programs may qualify for federal student aid if the institution and program meet applicable federal requirements.
However, the availability of Work-Study employment depends on the school.
A fully online student may have fewer traditional campus employment options, but some schools may offer remote or off-campus positions.
Ask the financial aid office about available opportunities.
What Types of Jobs Are Available?
Federal Work-Study positions vary significantly from one school to another.
Examples can include:
Library Assistant
Students may help organize materials, assist visitors, or perform administrative tasks.
Office Assistant
Students may help with filing, scheduling, data entry, or customer service.
Research Assistant
Some academic departments offer research-related positions.
Tutor
Students with strong academic performance may work as tutors.
Computer Lab Assistant
Students can help monitor labs and provide basic technical assistance.
Student Services Assistant
Positions may be available in admissions, advising, student affairs, or other campus departments.
Community Service Positions
Some Work-Study employment is connected to nonprofit or community organizations.
How Do You Apply for a Work-Study Job?
Receiving Work-Study eligibility does not necessarily mean that you automatically receive a job.
You generally need to apply for available positions.
The process can look like this:
1. Complete the FAFSA
Submit the FAFSA for the applicable academic year.
2. Receive a Work-Study Offer
Your financial aid package may indicate whether you have Work-Study eligibility.
3. Search for Positions
Check your school’s Work-Study job listings.
4. Apply
Submit your résumé, application, or other required materials.
5. Interview
Some positions require an interview.
6. Get Hired
If selected, the school or approved employer completes the hiring process.
7. Start Working
You receive wages for the hours you actually work.
Does Federal Work-Study Affect Your FAFSA?
Federal Work-Study earnings receive special treatment in federal financial aid calculations.
Students should still report information accurately when completing future FAFSA forms.
Federal Student Aid provides instructions regarding how student income, including Work-Study earnings, is handled for financial aid purposes.
If you are unsure how to report your earnings, contact your school’s financial aid office rather than guessing.
How Do You Get Paid?
Federal Work-Study students are generally paid through regular payroll according to the employer’s schedule.
Payment may be issued through:
- Direct deposit
- Paper check
- Another approved payroll method
Your paycheck is based on the hours you actually worked and your hourly wage.
The exact payroll schedule varies by employer and school.
Does Work-Study Money Go Directly Toward Tuition?
Not necessarily.
Federal Work-Study earnings are generally paid directly to the student as wages.
Students can then use their earnings for education-related and living expenses.
This is different from certain forms of financial aid that are directly credited to the student’s school account.
Can You Work More Than One Work-Study Job?
This depends on your school’s policies and your total Work-Study award.
Some schools may allow students to have more than one Work-Study position, while others may limit students to a single position.
Students should ask their financial aid office before accepting multiple jobs.
What Happens If You Earn Your Full Award?
Once you reach your Work-Study award limit, you generally cannot continue earning additional Work-Study wages under that award.
If you want to continue working, you can ask the financial aid office whether additional Work-Study funds are available.
Another option may be a regular student employment position that is not funded through Federal Work-Study.
What Happens If You Do Not Use Your Full Work-Study Award?
If you do not earn the full amount offered, you generally do not receive the unused portion as a cash payment.
For example, if your Work-Study award is $4,000 but you only work enough hours to earn $2,500, you generally receive the $2,500 you actually earned.
The remaining $1,500 is not automatically paid to you.
Federal Work-Study vs. Regular Student Employment
There is an important difference.
Federal Work-Study is supported by federal financial aid funding and requires eligibility through the federal student aid system.
Regular student employment may be available to students regardless of federal financial aid eligibility.
A student who does not receive Work-Study may still be able to find a regular campus job.
Federal Work-Study vs. Student Loans
Work-Study and student loans are also very different.
With Work-Study:
- You work for wages.
- You receive pay for hours worked.
- You generally do not incur student loan debt from the wages.
- Your award is limited.
With a student loan:
- You borrow money.
- You generally must repay the principal.
- Interest may accrue.
- The debt can remain after graduation.
For students who can balance work and school, Work-Study may help reduce the amount they need to borrow.
Can Work-Study Help With Living Expenses?
Yes.
Students receive wages from their employment and can use the earnings for expenses such as:
- Food
- Transportation
- Rent
- Books
- Supplies
- Personal expenses
- Other education-related costs
How the money is spent is generally the student’s responsibility, provided the student remains compliant with applicable rules.
What If You Lose Your Work-Study Job?
If you lose a Work-Study position, contact your financial aid office as soon as possible.
Ask whether:
- Another position is available
- Your award can be transferred
- Your school has additional job listings
- Your financial aid package can be adjusted
Do not assume that your Work-Study eligibility automatically disappears because one job ends.
How Can Students Find Work-Study Jobs?
Start with your school’s financial aid or student employment office.
Many institutions have online job boards where students can search by:
- Department
- Location
- Hours
- Wage
- Skills
- Academic field
Applying early can be helpful because desirable positions may fill quickly.
Tips for Getting a Work-Study Position
A few practical steps can improve your chances:
Apply Early
Positions can be limited.
Prepare a Simple Résumé
Highlight education, skills, volunteer work, previous jobs, and relevant coursework.
Choose a Schedule You Can Manage
Your education should remain your primary responsibility.
Apply to Multiple Positions
Do not rely on only one job opening.
Ask About Departmental Opportunities
Some positions may be available through academic departments rather than the central student employment office.
Frequently Asked Questions About Federal Work-Study
What is Federal Work-Study?
It is a federal student aid program that provides part-time employment opportunities for eligible students with financial need.
Is Work-Study free money?
No. You earn the money by working. It is not a grant paid automatically.
Do I have to repay Work-Study?
No. Work-Study earnings are wages, not borrowed money.
How do I apply?
Complete the FAFSA and indicate your interest in federal student aid. Your school determines whether you are eligible for Work-Study.
Does Work-Study guarantee a job?
No. Students generally need to apply for available positions and be hired.
How much can I earn?
Your earnings are generally limited by your Work-Study award and the number of hours you work.
Can I work on campus?
Yes. Many Work-Study positions are located on campus.
Can I work off campus?
Potentially. Some participating schools offer approved community-service or nonprofit Work-Study positions.
Can part-time students qualify?
Potentially. Eligibility depends on the student’s circumstances and school requirements.
Can graduate students qualify?
Yes, potentially, if they meet applicable federal and institutional requirements.
Can I receive Pell Grant and Work-Study?
Yes. Eligible students can potentially receive both forms of federal student aid.
What happens if I don’t use my entire award?
You generally only receive wages for the hours you actually work. Unused Work-Study funds are not automatically paid to you.
Official Federal Work-Study Information
For the most current information about Federal Work-Study eligibility, FAFSA requirements, student employment, participating schools, and federal financial aid, visit the official U.S. Department of Education Federal Student Aid website.
Visit Official Federal Work-Study Website →