Work Study Students

Understanding the Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program

FWS is a federally funded program that provides subsidized part-time employment opportunities for students with financial need. Students must apply for financial aid and receive a Federal Work-Study (FWS) award from the Office of Student Financial Aid in order to work under this program.

In order to be eligible for FWS, students must be enrolled at least halftime and have documented financial need. FWS funds are restricted to students who are either citizens or permanent residents of the United States. International students with an F-1 or J-1 Visa are not eligible for FWS funds, but are eligible to work on-campus in regular departmental student positions.

Financial need is calculated and based on the information students submit on the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) FWS is offered as part of their total financial aid package. The FWS earning limit for each student is based upon his/her federal work-study award total.

Students who demonstrate financial need are awarded FWS funds on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. Therefore, it is very important for students to be aware of and adhere to application priority dates. Students who file for financial aid too late in the year may not receive a FWS award due to lack of funding, regardless of whether they had FWS in the past, have financial need, or have a specific FWS job arranged. To receive maximum consideration for a FWS award, students should file the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in January.

Students who are offered a FWS award must accept or decline the award in their BANNER account.

Work-Study Opportunities

On-Campus Work Study

The Federal Work-Study on-campus program places FWS students with WSSU Departments to earn their work-study dollars. Participating students will work directly for WSSU departments to gain valuable real-world work experience, and build professional development skills.

Off-Campus/Community Service Work Study

The Federal Work-Study Community Service (FWSCS) program places FWS students with community service organizations to earn their work-study dollars. Participating students will work directly for a partnering non-profit agency to gain valuable service-oriented experience and improve the quality of life for community residents and low-income individuals. These unique work-study positions are designated to address issues such as: literacy training, social services, housing and neighborhood improvement, public safety, recreation, "at-risk" youth, community improvement, and arts education.

Review work study jobs.