Federal Work-Study

Overview

Federal Work Study (FWS) provides part-time jobs for students on campus. The program's goal is to provide college students who are in need of financial assistance a chance to earn money and build their resume while pursuing their degree.  

On This Page

What are the benefits of FWS?

Who is eligible for FWS?

How do I apply for FWS?

How do I get a FWS job?

What are my responsibilities once I am hired?

Work Study Supervisors Handbook

What are the benefits of Federal Work Study?

  • Allows students to earn money to pay for your educational expenses.
  • Provides opportunities to work in areas that are related to a student's program of study.
  • Supervisors are legally required to work around a student's class schedule.
  • Provides opportunities to develop professional skills, such as communication, time management and interpersonal skills.
  • Provides valuable experience, training, networking and references to build a student's resume. 
  • Can lead directly to career opportunities with the college.

Who is eligible for Federal Work Study?

Federal Work Study eligibility is determined by the information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A student must meet general eligibility requirements for federal financial aid and the following additional requirements:

  • Indicate on the FAFSA that they are interested in Federal Work-Study.
  • Be Pell Grant-eligible for the applicable award year.
  • Be enrolled in 6 credit hours or more toward their program for the term (including mini-terms/sessions)
  • Have not reached the maximum financial aid you can receive for the year
    • Note: You may request to reduce your loans in exchange for Work Study
  • Pass a background check with SF Human Resources (HR)

Students interested in Work Study should submit their FAFSA as early as possible. Schools receive a limited amount of Work Study funds. Because more students want Work Study than there is funding, priority will be given to students who meet all requirements for the program with the earliest FAFSA submission date. 

How do I apply for Federal Work Study?

If you want a work study award you must:

  • Indicate on the FAFSA that you are interested in work study, and
  • Complete the SF Work Study Interest Form. If the Work Study Interest Form does not show on this application screen, you do not meet the eligibility requirements for Work Study.

As funds are available throughout the year, eligible students who completed the SF Work Study Interest Form will receive maximum Work Study funding. The funding amount has to be earned through part-time employment throughout the award year.

Student's will receive a notification from the Financial Aid Office once they have been offered Work Study funds. Your Work Study offer can be viewed under Award Details in your My FA Status on eSantaFe.

How do I get a Federal Work Study job?

The Financial Aid Office does not provide job placement for students. A work study job is not guaranteed for any student when they receive a work study funding offer.
Students who have been offered Work Study funding can view available positions by following these steps:
  1. Log into eSantaFe
  2. Click the “Finances” tab in the main menu on the left side of the screen
  3. Click “My FA Status” button
  4. In My FA Status click “Work Study” in menu on left side of screen
  5. View available positions
It is important to begin contacting supervisors immediately for positions you are interested in. You will have approximately 30 days to apply, interview, and secure a work study position. 

What are my responsibilities once I am hired?

  • To begin working you must complete the onboarding process with the Human Resources Department.
  • You and your supervisor partner together in managing your time so that you maximize your earnings but do not go over your allowable hours.
    • Work Study students are given enough funding to work 22 hours per week.
    • If you work more than 22 hours per week, you may run out of Work Study funds prior to the end of the semester. In this case you will be required to stop working for the rest of the semester.
    • College policy does not allow part-time student employees to work more than 25 hours per week. 
  • Per federal law, you are not allowed to work during scheduled class hours.
    • The schedule you have after the last day to drop with a refund is your set class schedule for that term.
    • You may be permitted to work if you provide a note from the instructor indicating that class was cancelled.
  • You may only work during the certified work period, which is through the last day of final exams.
    • You may only work between terms if you are enrolled the following term, and are approved to work by the Financial Aid Office prior to the break
  • You must complete a timesheet electronically each pay period. Both you and your supervisor will sign the timesheet verifying the hours are correct. 
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