Frequently Asked Questions
- Can anyone participate in the Federal Work Study program?
All full time students, US citizens or permanent residents, who have filed the FAFSA and have been found eligible for federal financial aid will be offered Federal Work Study if unmet need still remains.
- How can I check to see if I was awarded Federal Work Study?
Bannerweb is an excellent resource for accessing up-to-date information regarding your financial aid package. You are also welcome to stop by the Financial Aid Office in Griffith Hall and someone can check for you.
- How is eligibility determined?
Before you can be awarded Federal Work Study, you must complete the FAFSA that corresponds with the academic year for which you wish to receive aid. The FAFSA determines, based on the information you provide, whether or not you are eligible.
- If I was awarded Federal Work Study last year, does this mean I will be awarded it this year?
Not necessarily. You must complete a FAFSA every year because your eligibility for aid may change from year to year. Because the parents' or students' income may fluctuate each year, so can eligibility.
- Are the Work-Study jobs assigned to me?
Returning students have the responsibility of finding and interviewing for jobs on campus and completing an Authorization Form (see below). All incoming freshmen will be placed by the Financial Aid Office in remaining positions.
- Am I guaranteed a job?
No. It is the responsibility of returning students to apply and interview for jobs. Freshmen will fill any remaining positions.
- Are there any forms I need to complete?
Initially, students must complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility. Eligible incoming students must fill out an I-9 and W-4 form and submit them to Human Resources in 111 Elizabeth Hall immediately when arriving on campus. Returning students must take an Authorization Form to be signed by the department of employment, by Human Resources confirming the above federal forms are complete, and by the student confirming that the information is correct. The Authorization Form would then be brought to Financial Aid for hire. AFs are sent to returning students over the summer. If you have received FWS on your award and are a returning student, but did not receive an AF, please come to the Office of Financial Aid.
- If I am awarded Federal Work Study, am I required to work?
No. You are offered Federal Work Study, but you may either accept or decline. You may even opt to take advantage of the program for only one semester. It is up to you to decide.
- If I am awarded Federal Work Study and choose not to work, will my student account balance be negatively affected?
No. Your account balance is not affected if you choose to decline work-study.
- Can I decide how my earnings are paid?
You can decide to either receive a paycheck for your earnings or credit your earnings to your student account to help pay towards your balance. If you choose to receive a check, you will receive it on the 15th of every month in your campus box. If you would rather the money go towards your account, you will need to complete a Non-benefit Deduction form in Human Resources, 111 Elizabeth Hall.
- How much can I work?
When you log on to Banner web and were offered Federal Work Study, you will see the total award amount. Generally FWS is offered in amounts of $2400 for the year, breaking down to $1200 each semester. You take the amount you are offered, divide it by how many weeks there are (15 per semester, 30 for the year), and divide that amount by your hourly pay rate. The remaining number is the average amount of hours you must work each week in order to earn the full award amount. It is up to you to earn the maximum award, but you cannot work more!
- How often will I be paid?
Paychecks are placed in the student's campus mail box on the 15th of every month. If you have decided to have your earnings go directly to your student account, you will receive your pay stub in your mailbox.
- Are all work study jobs on campus?
No. Most federal work study jobs are on campus, but there are some community service opportunities off campus, such as tutoring at local elementary schools.
- What is the average hourly pay rate for Federal Work Study jobs?
Most students earn $6.79 per hour. There are very few exceptions made for students that have specialized skills, such as tutors, webmasters, and co teachers.
- Can I receive a raise?
If you have stayed with a department for at least one year, you may receive a wage increase of $0.10 for the next year. This increase will only be made if your supervisor suggests or approves it.
