Financial Aid Faq Federal-work-study

Federal Work Study

  1. What is Federal Work-Study?
  2. How do I apply for work-study?
  3. Are Federal Work-Study jobs on campus or off campus?
  4. How much will I earn as work-study?
  5. Can I work as many hours as I want as a work-study student?
  6. By what date do I need to secure a Work-study position before my award is cancelled?
  7. Can I get a Work-Study job if I am not eligible for Work-Study?
  8. How do I find a Work-Study job?
  9. If I have been awarded Work-Study, does that guarantee that I will get a job? 

1. What is Federal Work-Study? 

The Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program is a government subsidized student employment program designed to assist students in financing their post-secondary education. Work-Study is a work program and will not disburse into your Bursar's account, like other financial aid disbursements do.  After you get a job, you will receive a bi-weekly paycheck.  In order to be eligible for Work-Study, students must document financial need every year by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible, as long as they maintain half time enrollment.

Note: The only way for students to accept their Work-Study award and receive the award amount is to get a job. Students are strongly encouraged to begin the job search early. Popular Work-Study positions, such as lab research assistants, are highly sought after and tend to be filled quickly.

Visit: http://financialaid.arizona.edu/WorkStudy/ for more information on FWS.  (top)

2. How do I apply for work-study?
To apply for Federal Work-Study, you must submit a Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and show financial need. Priority is given to students who apply before our priority deadline of March 1st.  (top)

3. Are Federal Work-Study jobs on campus or off campus? 

Both. If you work on campus, you'll usually work for your school. If you work off campus, your employer will usually be a private, nonprofit organization or a public agency.  To view what agencies participate in the Federal Work-Study program visit our website. (top)

4. How much will I earn as work-study?
It depends. Your Federal Work-Study wages should be at least the current federal minimum wage, but it may be higher depending on the type of work you do and the skills required. The job title, duties and hourly rates are the same as those for non-Work-Study employees. Work-Study students must also have the same job qualifications as non-Work-Study individuals.  (top)

5.Can I work as many hours as I want as a work-study student?
No.  Students can work up to 30 hours a week during the academic school year and up to 40 hours a week during non-enrollment periods (ex. winter and summer terms).  A typical college student will work an average of 10-15 hours a week.  It is important to remember, the amount you earn cannot exceed your total Federal Work-Study award. (top)

6. By what date do I need to secure a Work-study position before my award is cancelled?
Students have approximately 6 weeks to secure a Work-Study position. After that time, students who do not yet have a job will have their award cancelled. During the summer, students have approximately 4 weeks to secure a Work-Study position. (top)

7. Can I get a Work-Study job if I am not eligible for Work-Study?
No, you must be awarded Work-Study to receive a Work-Study job. However, there are many jobs on campus that do not require Work-Study.  Every student at the University of Arizona has the ability to register with Wildcat JobLink at  http://www.career.arizona.edu/, UA's on-line job search website. This webpage will help you find work-study and non-work-study jobs.  (top)

8. How do I find a Work-Study job? 
If you have been awarded Federal Work-Study you can search for jobs using http://www.career.arizona.edu. (top)

9.  If I have been awarded Work-Study, does that guarantee that I will get a job? 
No.  You must take responsibility for finding your own job.  The process for getting a Work-Study job is the same as getting any other job.  You must apply, interview, be qualified for the position and receive a job offer. (top)