In addition to loans, grants, and scholarships, Federal Work-Study (FWS) is one effective way to make money to pay for college tuition. This program is federally funded and allows students to earn money to pay for their studies by working a part-time on-campus job. The federal government provides part of the payment, while the employer pays the remaining balance. This system enables students to pay for college while at the same time providing necessary services for the college community.
Both undergraduate and graduate students may qualify for Federal Work-Study based on a variety of factors, mainly your level of financial need. Although approximately 3,400 institutions across the United States participate in the Federal Work-Study program, you may want to check to ensure that your school is one of them. In order to determine your eligibility for FWS, you must apply for it while filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). When you reach the part in the application that inquires whether you are interested in student employment, clearly mark “yes.” The financial aid award letter you will soon receive will list your FWS award. Keep in mind that this is a projected estimate of how much you are eligible to earn and put towards tuition – not a dollar amount that has already been applied to your bill.
If you missed this opportunity and have already submitted your FAFSA, visit your school’s Financial Aid Office. Counselors can meet with you to determine your eligibility and help you make use of the FWS system.
Federal Work-Study jobs are usually on-campus and benefit your school by contributing to its various departments. These include but are not limited to the cafeteria, library, IT department, and administrative offices. Oftentimes the program will encourage you to obtain a job related to your chosen major.
Off-campus FWS jobs may be available as well. These are usually done for private non-profit organizations or for public agencies. Often these off-campus jobs will pay more than on-campus ones to cover driving expenses. You can obtain a list of FWS jobs from your Financial Aid Office.
The hours you will work cannot exceed those listed in your financial aid award letter. A considerable benefit of FWS is that work hours are flexible and determined by your class schedule. Employers will consider both of these factors when developing your work schedule. This system allows you to keep your studies the main priority.
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