| "I can't afford this...I need a job!" Essentially, this is | | | | interests if possible. |
| what college work study programs are all about, | | | | How many hours can I expect to work? The |
| providing students with a way to earn money to | | | | average student does not work more than 20 |
| help pay for some of their college expenses. A | | | | hours a week during the school year. During |
| college work study program or Federal Work | | | | summers, students are allowed to work 35 hours |
| Study (FWS) Program, as it is officially called, is a | | | | a week. However, the amount of hours you work |
| program specifically targeted towards | | | | cannot exceed your total federal work study |
| undergraduate and graduate students who have | | | | awarded amount. |
| financial need. | | | | How will I get the money? You'll likely be paid on |
| How do students become eligible for college work | | | | an hourly basis and receive a pay check every |
| study programs? Like all other federal aid, you | | | | two weeks. You are required to get at least the |
| have to fill out the FAFSA form. Eligibility for this | | | | current federal minimum wage rate, but you may |
| program is based on financial need. When you | | | | get paid more depending on your job function. |
| receive your financial aid award letters from the | | | | How will I get paid? Like most part-time jobs, you |
| various schools that you've been accepted to, this | | | | will get paid hourly. Your hourly pay must at least |
| program will be listed in there if you are eligible. It | | | | meet the current federal minimum wage rate. |
| should be included with all of your other sources | | | | Wages may be higher, depending on the type of |
| of financial aid (i.e. grants, loans, scholarships, etc.). | | | | work you do, current skill-set, etc. You'll likely get |
| What are my chances of being able to participate | | | | a paycheck every 2 weeks. |
| in college work study programs? They are pretty | | | | How can I get set-up to start working? Contact |
| good. More than 3,000 schools participate in | | | | your school's financial aid office, as college work |
| college work study programs. These particular | | | | study programs vary at each college and |
| schools are provided with funding each year | | | | university. However, your school's financial aid |
| specifically to create campus jobs for eligible | | | | department should be able to point you in the |
| students. Schools will typically try to match | | | | right direction. |
| students up with jobs related to their major or | | | | |