Work Study Overview


What is Federal Work Study?

The Federal Work Study (FWS) Program is a government subsidized student employment program designed to assist students in financing their post-secondary education. In order to be eligible for Work Study, students must document financial need every year by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Based on the results of the FAFSA, eligible students are awarded an allotment, which may be earned through part-time employment in FWS approved positions. Both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible for FWS. However, eligibility for FWS does not guarantee a job.

Note: The only way for students accepting their Work Study award to receive the award amount is to get a job, work their assigned hours per week, and earn the funding! Students are strongly encouraged to begin the job search early. Popular Work Study positions are highly sought after and tend to be filled quickly.


What are the advantages of Work Study Jobs?

Although a FWS job should be treated as any other job, it does have several distinct advantages:

Note: Studies have consistently shown that students who work between 10-20 hours per week do better academically than students who work more. Don't work so much that you lose what you are working for.


What types of jobs are available?

Work Study jobs are as diverse as the personnel needs of the University. Clerical assistants, data entry operators, and laboratory research assistants are but a few examples. Off-campus positions with employers/agencies approved to participate in the FWS Program offer further variety. These positions are available through select non-profit organizations and are often in areas of community service.


How do I get a job?

Students must apply, interview and be hired for jobs. Eligibility for FWS does not guarantee a job. Hiring is at the discretion of the supervisor. Students who begin the job search early will have a broader range of jobs to choose from, and will be able to begin working and earning their award earlier. With this in mind, students should begin their Work Study job search as early as April before a fall term by:

Students should take the following documentation to the interview so that the employer can verify Work Study eligibility:

  1. Appropriate Application for Student Employment


  2. Copy of their Financial Aid Notification Letter showing FWS eligibility


  3. Copy of current and/or coming semester class schedule

The interview with the prospective FWS employer is very important. Students should treat it as seriously as they would any job interview. Punctuality is a must, and neatness counts. Students should remember that they will not get a second chance to make a good first impression. Students should also take advantage of the interview opportunity to get clear information about job duties, responsibilities, work schedules, and dress code.

When students accept a FWS position, they are making a commitment as an employee to that employer. Students are expected to stay for the length of the Work Study award period (usually two semesters), and are discouraged from changing jobs in the middle of the academic year. If special circumstances require you to resign from your FWS position, however, you must inform your employer immediately.


Can I change to a different Work Study job?

Not exactly, but you may be able to find another job opening by visiting with the Student Employment Office in the Career Center. Obtain the necessary paperwork, interview for a new position and if selected give your current employer at least two weeks notice that you are leaving.


What if I do not get a job?

If you are not able to obtain a FWS job, in some cases FWS eligibility can be converted into additional Subsidized Student Loan eligibility. If you receive an FWS award and wish to utilize the loan program, please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid to determine if this is an option for you. If you don't receive a FWS award, you may still be able to find employment through the ISU Student Employment Office in one of many non-Work Study jobs.


How much will I be paid?

All jobs pay at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Many pay more than that, especially for trained or skilled workers.


Is Federal Work Study income taxable?

Work Study earnings are taxable income. If taxes were withheld from your paycheck you may be eligible for a refund depending of course on your total annual earnings. It is in your best interest to file a tax return with the Internal Revenue Service by April 15 annually.


How do I get my Work Study money?

Work Study students are paid twice a month for hours worked. Submitting time sheets when needed is important. Late time sheets may delay the student's paycheck.


Am I eligible for benefits?

No. Work Study students are not eligible for paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, or medical and dental insurance through their Work Study job.


How many hours per week must I work?

Work schedules are to be determined by the student and employer. Students should never be scheduled to work during class time. Also, FWS students should never work more than 7.5 hours in one day or 20 hours in one week.

Students are expected to earn the FWS award evenly throughout the award period, according to a reasonably consistent schedule of work hours per week. It is inappropriate for a student to earn the full award in the first half of the award period.

FWS is part of the financial aid package. Students may earn up to the amount of their award as listed on their Financial Aid Notification Letter per semester. The FWS Program reimburses employers for 75% of the students' earnings up to the amount of the award. Any wages earned after that amount must be paid 100% by the employer. It is the student's responsibility to monitor earnings to be sure the award amounts are not exceeded.


What happens when I reach my award maximum?

You should monitor your earnings so you know when you will reach your award maximum. The department has the option of either continuing your assignment and paying you 100% from their departmental budget or ending your assignment altogether. Most departments will attempt to keep you working with them, but you must be a good employee and communicate this issue with them clearly.


Will I get Work Study every semester while I attend ISU?

Work Study job eligibility is based upon timing of FAFSA filing, funds available, maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress, and demonstration of financial need. As such, awards may change annually.

If a student's eligibility changes at any time during the award period, the FWS award (as well as any other financial aid awards) may be re-evaluated. This often occurs when the Office of Student Financial Aid learns of additional resources, like scholarships, after awarding federal aid. The federal government restricts FWS to fit within financial need with other aid. When it does not, the FWS award has to be reduced.


Can my fall/spring Work Study award be used in the summer?

No, you must apply separately for summer Work Study. You cannot carry over any unused earnings to the summer. Contact the Office of Student Financial Aid to complete our summer enrollment form to have your eligibility calculated. The summer Work Study program is contingent upon funding availability. If you are enrolled for at least three credit hours during the summer and you complete the summer financial aid application you may be eligible for summer Work Study.


Rights and Responsibilities

By accepting a FWS position, students become members of a department or agency that depends on them. Students should report to work on time, notify the supervisor when they will be late or absent, and dress appropriately for the work location (dress code should be discussed during the interview). When asking for time off, students should consider the employer's needs as well as their own. In addition, some FWS positions may require access to confidential information. Abuse or misuse of such authorization is grounds for dismissal and other disciplinary actions!

If a problem develops on the job, the first point of contact should be the supervisor. If the problem cannot be resolved, the student should contact the Student Employment Office. Quitting a FWS job should be a decision of last resort. There is no guarantee that the Work Study award can be replaced with another type of aid or that you can secure another FWS position. Failure to follow expected policies and regulations may result in the cancellation of their Work Study award and the loss of their Work Study position. Acceptance of a position through Work Study implies a commitment to the employer for at least one semester or the time agreed upon during the interview process.