Federal Work-Study Program

General Info

  • FWS is a federally funded campus-based program designed to create additional job opportunities for students eligible to participate in need-based financial aid programs.
  • The hiring department pays only a percentage of the student's wages; the federal government subsidizes the remaining portion.
  • The program encourages community service work and work related to the student's course of study.
  • A FWS award is not disbursed in a lump sum, but through bi-weekly paychecks for hours actually worked. Therefore you must meet eligibility requirements throughout your employment.
  • A FWS award will NOT automatically credit your university charges.
  • FWS is awarded as part of your financial aid package. In order to activate your FWS award, you still need to apply and be hired in a FWS job. As an incoming student for the fall semester, you may start working in a FWS position on the first day of fall classes. Once all the federal funds have been committed, the program closes.
  • As a FWS employee, you are limited to earn the amount of your FWS award. Once you reach your earning limitation, the employer has the option of continuing your employment under the Hourly Employment Program. Due to budget restrictions, there is no guarantee for an hourly continuation. You may need to seek other employment.
  • Paychecks will be available in your department (or at the Cashier's Office of the Tempe campus for off-campus FWS jobs). You may also enroll in direct deposit through ASU Interactive under the Employee Self Service and Payroll & Compensation section.
  • FWS employment must end the day of graduation.
  • FWS earnings are considered taxable income by the IRS.
  • Important FAFSA Information—when you complete your FAFSA for the next academic year, you need to deduct your FWS earnings from your reported income using Worksheet C. FWS earnings are considered financial aid and are not included in the calculation of your EFC.

Eligibility

  • To work in a FWS position, you must have a FWS award listed on your FAN. (view your FAN online here)
  • Meet the Standard Student Eligibility Criteria
  • Enrolled at least half-time at ASU
    • Undergraduates = 6+ credit hours
    • Graduates = 5+ credit hours

Requirements

  • You may not work during the hours you are scheduled to be in class.
  • US citizens or eligible non-citizens may work a total of 40 hours per week. Graduate Assistants may work a total of 20 hours per week.

FWS Programs

  • On-Campus FWS Program: Offers jobs on all ASU campuses.
  • Off-Campus FWS Program: Provides employment opportunities in federal, state and local public agencies or private non-profit organizations.
  • Community Service FWS: Engages students in improving the quality of life for community residents available on- and off-campus. Click on the advanced option and enter "Community Services FWS" in the Job Description text field when searching for jobs.
  • America Reads: In partnership with a public school or school district, reading tutors lead children in elementary school through the 9th grade in developing basic reading skills and academic confidence through literacy activities.
  • America Counts: In partnership with a public school or school district, math tutors lead children in elementary school through the 9th grade in developing basic math skills and academic confidence.

Summer Semester Info

  • Have a completed FAFSA for the current academic year on file and be eligible for need-based aid.
  • Enroll in summer classes.
  • If you are not enrolled for summer sessions:
    • Have a completed FAFSA for the current academic year on file and be eligible for need-based aid.
    • Have a completed FAFSA for the coming academic year on file and be eligible for need-based aid.
    • Your FWS earnings during this time of non-enrollment will be considered as a resource for the next enrollment period, which could affect your financial aid awards for the coming academic year.