What is the purpose of the Federal Work-Study Program?
The purpose of Federal Work-Study (FWS) is to provide college students who need financial assistance a chance to earn money while pursuing their degree. FWS provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students on campus. Your eligibility is determined from the information you provide on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
What are the benefits of the FWS Program?
- Allows you to earn money to help pay for your educational expenses.
- Your FWS employer acknowledges you are a student first. FWS employers are flexible and willing to work around your class schedule.
- It can provide opportunities to develop your professional skills, like communication, time management and interpersonal skills.
- It can lead to career opportunities.
- Even though FWS earnings are taxable, they are not considered when figuring your “financial need” on your FAFSA.
What are the eligibility requirements to receive FWS funds?
FWS eligibility is determined by the information provided on your FAFSA. You must have financial need in order to receive FWS.
To be eligible to work under the Federal Work-Study Program, you must:
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Meet the Standards for Satisfactory Academic Progress.
- Be a degree-seeking student and be enrolled at least half-time as an undergraduate or graduate student at Embry‑Riddle.
- Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident or eligible non-citizen.
- Have a valid form of identification.
- Have a completed to-do list/review status.
- Complete verification if selected.
- Complete any outstanding admission contingencies.
Funding for the FWS program at Embry‑Riddle is limited, so we cannot guarantee that every eligible student will be awarded. Therefore, we cannot emphasize enough the importance of completing the FAFSA as early as possible. Federal Work-Study eligibility is determined annually, so it is important that you submit your FASFA each year.
How are the FWS funds allocated, if you’re eligible?
Unlike other financial aid awards, the Federal Work-Study funds are not provided as a refund through the Financial Aid Office. Instead, these funds are paid directly to you as wages.