How Are Students Notified They Will Receive Work-Study Funding?

Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a federal student aid program designed to help students earn money to pay for educational expenses through part-time employment. This program provides funds for eligible undergraduate and graduate students with demonstrated financial need, allowing them to work on campus or for approved off-campus non-profit organizations. Unlike loans, work-study earnings do not need to be repaid, and they offer valuable work experience while pursuing an education.

Receiving Your Work-Study Notification

Students learn about Federal Work-Study eligibility from their university’s financial aid office. The financial aid award letter is the primary notification method, often available through the student’s secure online university portal or sent via postal mail. Financial aid offices also send emails alerting students to updates. Students should regularly check physical mail and university-assigned email accounts for these notifications. Notifications arrive after the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has been processed. The work-study offer aligns with the release of other financial aid components, such as grants, scholarships, and student loans. Prompt FAFSA submission can increase a student’s chances for limited work-study funds, as some colleges offer these on a first-come, first-served basis.

Understanding Your Financial Aid Offer

After receiving the financial aid notification, review the offer details. A financial aid award letter outlines various types of aid, presenting work-study as an “earning opportunity” rather than a direct grant or loan. The specified work-study amount represents the maximum a student can earn over the academic year, not a guaranteed disbursement. Students must work to earn the awarded amount. The specific work-study amount depends on demonstrated financial need, the college’s Federal Work-Study funding, and timely FAFSA submission. Institutions determine the award based on these considerations and their financial aid policies. This is an earning potential, not an upfront payment.

Accepting Your Work-Study Award

After reviewing the financial aid offer, students must accept the work-study portion of their package. The acceptance process involves navigating to the financial aid section of the university’s online student portal, where an option to accept or decline the award is available. Some institutions may require a signed physical form. Adhering to acceptance deadlines is crucial, as failure to do so can result in forfeiture of the offer. Once accepted, the university’s financial aid or career services office provides further instructions. These may include information on searching for available positions or access to university job boards listing work-study opportunities. Accepting the award unlocks the ability to seek an eligible position.

Securing a Work-Study Position

With the work-study award accepted, the next step is seeking an eligible part-time job. Universities provide resources for this search, such as online job boards managed by career services or student employment offices, listing available work-study positions. Students can also find opportunities by inquiring directly with campus departments or through off-campus non-profit organizations partnered with the university. Securing a work-study job is similar to applying for other employment, requiring a resume, application, and an interview. Students employed through the Federal Work-Study program are paid directly for hours worked, typically on an hourly basis. Payments are distributed at least monthly, either through direct deposit or physical paycheck. These earnings are subject to federal and state income taxes, and students receive a Form W-2 for tax reporting. Work-study earnings are exempt from Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) taxes, which fund Social Security and Medicare, provided the student is enrolled at least half-time and the work is performed on campus. Work-study income is excluded from a student’s adjusted gross income when calculating future financial aid eligibility.