Earn While You Learn: Work-Study & Community Service Jobs

The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program provides eligible students with part-time jobs to help cover educational expenses. Unlike other types of aid, you must work to earn your award—gaining valuable experience while earning money for college. 

Work-study is a need-based program, meaning eligibility is determined by your FAFSA, your Student Aid Index (SAI), and other factors like your Cost of Attendance (COA). Funds are limited, so awards are offered on a first-come, first-served basis to:

  • Students who indicate interest on the FAFSA. If eligible, work-study is typically included in your financial aid offer.
  • Awards are not guaranteed. Funding is limited, and not all eligible students will receive work-study.
  • Work-study earnings are not applied to your bill. You receive a paycheck based on the hours you work.
WORK-STUDY VERSUS COMMUNITY SERVICE
Federal Work-Study (FWS) Jobs may be on-campus or off-campus in various roles, such as administrative work, research, or general student employment.
Federal Community Service Work-Study:  A subset of FWS where students work off-campus at nonprofit organizations or public agencies in roles that benefit the community. Examples include tutoring, literacy programs, or assisting underserved populations.

💰 How it works:

✔️ Accept your award to participate
✔️ Find a work-study placement through available on-campus or community service job listings
✔️ Earn up to the amount awarded, paid biweekly
✔️ Wages are based on hours worked—not applied directly to your bill

💼 Have you been offered work-study? Explore opportunities below to help you find a job or community service opportunity!