Federal Work-Study
Visit our Student Resources webpage for information on how to accept your work-study offer, apply for jobs, and other FAQs.
What is Federal Work-Study?
Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a need-based employment program with limited federal funds, offered on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible students. Eligible students may earn funds by working part-time with approved FWS employers. Students are offered FWS based on financial need, availability of FWS funds, and job availability. Employing departments, the state, and federal governments share in the payment of student wages.
Work-study provides valuable experience to students both inside and outside of their field of study. Students are encouraged to work part-time while in school to not only gain work experience but to help contribute to the cost of their education and mitigate loan borrowing.
- These are funds that students earn as a paycheck as they work in part-time work-study positions.
- The amount of FWS that students will actually earn depends on their offer amount and the hours they work each week in an FWS job. Student earnings cannot exceed the offered FWS amount.
- Work-study does not pay directly to students’ semester bills but can help with non billable (indirect) costs.
- The rate of pay is at least minimum wage. Typically, wages are $10.00 for on-campus positions and $11.00 for community partner positions (which are off campus).
- Students cannot work more than twenty-eight hours per week.
- Limited federal funding restricts the number of offers.
- After you accept the offer, you will receive information through your MIX email on how to apply for jobs.
- If you are not a work-study recipient, learn about other part-time employment opportunities on and off campus on the Career Services website.
How Do I Become Eligible for FWS?
For Federal Work-Study consideration:
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the March 1 priority deadline for the upcoming academic year. The priority submission deadline for submitting the FAFSA is usually March 1. The 2024-2025 priority deadline has been removed due to the delayed FAFSA launch.
- You must demonstrate sufficient financial need to be eligible. Financial need is calculated based on your Student Aid Index (SAI) determined by your FAFSA information (which can vary by aid year), as well as other aid you are receiving.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress for financial aid eligibility.
Offers are contingent based on available funding. Work-study is a limited-funds program, so not all eligible students will be offered FWS funding. Students who are offered work-study should accept their offer within 21 days of their aid offer email notification or it may be canceled.
What Types of FWS Jobs Are Available?
There are FWS jobs available both on campus and off campus (through our community partners). Both help students build their resumes and prepare for their future career paths in different ways.
On Campus
On-campus opportunities are available to work-study students who wish to work for and alongside fellow WVU students, faculty and staff. These positions provide a chance to become involved with University life in unique ways that classrooms can’t always offer, leading to a well-rounded college experience.
Research Apprenticeship Program
Our Research Apprenticeship Program (RAP) gives students the opportunity to engage in research within different majors and fields across the University. RAP positions give an excellent opportunity for students interested in research to expand their skills beyond the classroom. These positions are specific to coursework, majors and various fields.
Off Campus with Approved Community Partners
Community partner positions are available to work-study students who want the opportunity to engage with the local community directly. With part-time positions through local nonprofit organizations, students can get out of their campus comfort zone, help their community, and experience new challenges while spreading WVU pride.