Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a federally funded program that provides subsidized part-time employment for students with financial need. The FWS amount in your aid package is the allotment of money that you may earn during the academic year. Earnings are used to help cover expenses such as books, travel, and other personal expenses. Students are paid bi-weekly for hours worked. Students who have questions regarding their paychecks or timesheets should contact their campus supervisor. FWS awards are not credited to your tuition bill.

The University offers a variety of jobs on campus and in community service settings. Students choose their own jobs and must apply and interview directly with the employer. Student employees may hold only one FWS job at a time. A student with a FWS award may simultaneously hold a non-work-study job so long as he/she does not work more than a total of 19 hours per week.

Student workers are exempt from Social Security and Medicare withholding from September 1 - May 15.  Summer wages for students working May 16 - August 30 are FICA (Social Security and Medicare) taxable. For questions concerning this information please contact the Payroll Department, cua-payroll@cua.edu. 

Things to keep in mind:

1. Federal Work Study is awarded based on need
2. Students must be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible for Federal Work Study.
3. Employment earnings are paid directly to the student and are not credited against the student's bill.

1. Fill out your FWS Hiring Form that you receive via email. You must fill this out before the last day of add/drop.
2. Log into Handshake  ( https://cua.joinhandshake.com/login)
3. Click Jobs on top of the screen
4. Use Filter, Job Type: On-Campus Student Employment
5. Select the job of interest by clicking on the Job Title or View Details
6. Click the green Apply button or use the URL provided.
7. Select the PDF document you want to use:
   • Existing Handshake document – select document from box
   • Uploading new document – click Choose File, select Document Type, and click Upload
8. Click the green Apply button to submit application

What is Federal Work Study?

The Federal Work Study Grant is a need-based work program. The amount you receive is based on your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), your enrollment status and your remaining need after all other sources of aid are considered. If any of the above conditions change, your grant may be adjusted. In addition, you must be enrolled half-time (minimum of six credit hours) for each semester you receive a Federal Work Study Grant. You must reapply each year to reestablish your eligibility. Funding for this program is limited, so offers are made annually on a first-come funds available basis.

How is Federal Work Study Awarded?

Federal Work Study is awarded based on the federal calculated need of the student and the availability of funds when the student applies. No separate application is required; the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is all that is needed. Federal Work Study is offered on a yearly basis for the fall and following spring terms. Receiving Federal Work Study one year is not a guarantee that you will receive it the following year. The student must complete the FAFSA each year to be considered. Funding for this program is limited so awards are made on a first-come first-serve basis. 

Determination of eligibility for the FWS Program is made solely by the Office of Student Financial Assistance.

How, when, and how much will I be paid?

Undergraduate students receive bi-weekly paychecks as they work. Graduates can be paid hourly or by monthly stipend. Unlike other aid programs that are credited to the student's bill, Federal Work Study does not defer payment of institution charges and should not be used to reduce an outstanding balance.

Federal Work Study earnings are not exempt from taxation. You must claim Federal Work Study earnings on your federal and state income tax. Federal Work Study earnings are excludable from income on the FAFSA as a Worksheet C adjustment.