Work Study » Federal Work Study (FWS)

Federal Work Study

 Overview 

Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a need-based federal financial aid program providing part-time employment for students.  Students must meet financial aid requirements to qualify for Federal Work Study. A FAFSA must be submitted every year for FWS. 

 Eligibility Requirements 

In addition to the determination of financial need, students must satisfy the following requirements: 

·        Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States.

·        Should be enrolled in at least 6 credits each semester.

·        Must be free from educational loan default.

·        Demonstrate financial need which is determined via the FAFSA.

FWS Restrictions 

The following restrictions pertain to all students employed under the FWS program:  

• New students may not begin working until their FWS eligibility has been determined and they have submitted the post hire packet to the Financial Aid office.  This packet, which includes the Federal Work Study Employment Agreement Form and the Terms and Condition Form, should be obtained from the Financial Aid office.  

• Continuing FWS students must submit the Federal Work Study Employment Agreement Form and the Terms and Condition Form to the Financial Aid office prior to beginning work.   .

• Students are allowed to work in two different departments as long as they DO NOT exceed their FWS allocation. 

• While classes are in session, students may not work more than 20 hours per week. However, during summer sessions, students are allowed to work no more than 30 hours per week.

• Students hourly rates may range from $10.00-$15.00 per hour; some flexibility may apply according to specialized job qualifications. 

• Students may not work more than 6 consecutive hours without taking an unpaid half-hour break.

• A FWS employee’s work study position must be terminated once the student has earned the maximum FWS award.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Federal Work-Study?
A: Federal Work-Study provides jobs for graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education-related expenses. Your federal Work-Study wages will be at least the current federal minimum wage, but it may be higher, depending on the type of work you do and the skills required. Your total Federal Work-Study award depends on when you apply, your level of need, and the funding level provided to Teachers College.

Q: Can I work as many hours as I want?
A: No. The amount you earn can't exceed your total Federal Work-Study award. Your class schedule and your academic progress will be considered in making this determination. Students cannot work more than 20 hours per week when classes are in session.

Q: My FAFSA said I was only eligible for unsubsidized loans. Can I get federal work-study added to my financial aid package?

A: No, federal work-study is a subsidized program so you would not be eligible to participate.

Q: I found a work-study job at Columbia's Journalism school: can I use my Teachers College (TC) work-study allotment to accept the job?

A: In most cases, you cannot use your TC financial aid at any other division or affiliate of Columbia. There are a small number of community service programs that are the exception to this rule: students with federal work-study offers from community service agencies should speak with the Director of Financial Aid.

Q: I was not awarded work-study this year even though my FAFSA said I was eligible. Why?

A: Even though the FAFSA indicates student eligibility for the program, the college does not have an unlimited amount of funding. If TC has run out of funding, then you can contact Financial Aid to ask to be placed on a waiting list for federal work-study awards. If more funds become available during the academic year, then students on the waiting list will be awarded federal work-study (provided the FAFSA deems them eligible).

Q: I declined my federal work-study award six months ago, but now I have changed my mind. What can I do to try and get my award back?

A: You can request that your name be added to the waiting list for federal work-study.

Q: I accepted my federal work-study award, but I had to drop a class and now I am only registered for five points. Can I keep my work-study?

A: Unfortunately you will lose your federal work-study. You must maintain a minimum registration of six points.

Q: Where do I hand in my hire forms?
A: All  hiring forms are handed in to Human Resources.

The 2008-2009 FWS award year is July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009.

1. Eligible New Students may begin working on September 6, 2008.
2. Eligible Continuing Students may begin working on July 3, 2008.

To view current FWS jobs, please visit Human Resources 

FWS Questions? E-mail financalaid@tc.edu.