Two Categories of Work-Study Programs

Work-study programs are essentially jobs provided to students who require additional financial aid to pay for school.

There are two types of work-study programs:

• Federal Work-study (FWS)
• Non-federal Work-study (non-FWS)

Federal Work-study is a federal student aid program that is based on a student’s financial need, and requires submission of the FAFSA to qualify.

Non-FWS is independently applied for by the student at their college of attendance, and is handled completely within the institution at-hand.

Federal Work-Study Programs

To become eligible for FWS you must complete the FAFSA, answer appropriately to the question about becoming eligible for work-study, and demonstrate the appropriate level of financial need.

You’ll be notified within your financial aid award letter if you were able to qualify for FWS, and the amount you should be eligible to receive.

Upon accepting such an award, you will typically have to complete a standard job application and interview before you are able to begin work.

Some quick facts about FWS:

• Most FWS positions consist of about ten to twenty hours per week of work
• Payment should not exceed the pre-allotted amount that was described in your award letter
• The income you generate will be taxable
• Most FWS positions provide work to students who wish to gain experience in their particular career field

Non-Federal Work-Study Programs

Non-federal work-study programs are not affiliated with the Department of Education, and aren’t part of the federal student aid program.

Instead they are provided by the school that you are attending, and if you are interested in such programs, you should contact either you college’s financial aid department, or perhaps your particular major’s administration department.

Non-FWS positions range widely from jobs on campus, to conventional employment in the workplace off-campus.

Most providers of non-FWS positions are very flexible when allowing you to set your schedule, so never rule out taking part in non-FWS just because you may have a busy class schedule.

Final Thoughts on Work-Study Programs

My final thoughts on work-study programs is that they can provide students with a great chance to earn some additional money to put towards their educational expenses, while also giving them the chance to network, and establish contacts, not to mention build their resume.

I highly suggest that you seriously think about accepting any FWS programs that are offered to you, and to not rule out pursuing any non-FWS programs that are offered at your particular institution if you have the time, and need the extra money, as they can easily provide quality work that almost any college student can benefit from.