Federal Work Study Program at Â鶹ÊÓƵ

What is the Federal Work Study program?

Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a federally funded financial aid program awarded to students based on their eligibility determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) along with other financial aid criteria. Funds awarded are earned by working in an eligible fws position and distributed via bi-monthly paychecks.

Many students misunderstand the term "Work-Study" and believe their eligibility is simply based upon them working while studying at school. The Federal Work-Study Employment Program refers specifically to a federally funded program designed to create jobs to help students meet their educational expenses.

Who is eligible?

Undergraduate (UG), graduate (GR) and doctoral (DR) students who are enrolled at least half time (generally 6 credits for UG students and 5 credits for GR & DR) who have demonstrated financial need (determined by FAFSA) are eligible for the program. 

  • Not all students receiving financial aid are eligible for Work-Study. Make sure you confirm your eligibility by clicking the link below before you apply for a Work-Study position.
  • International students, and incoming freshman students who have not yet registered are NOT eligible for Federal Work-Study
  • Please note that having a Federal work-study award does not guarantee a Federal work-study job position is available. 

Where can I work?

  • On Campus- available positions within the University. Must be approved by Work Study Coordinator.
  • Off Campus- Nonprofit organization or a public agency, must be approved by Work Study Coordinator. View a sample Â鶹ÊÓƵ off-campus work study agreement.

Why become a work study?

  • Students can benefit from additional financial resources.
  • Opportunity to develop skills relevant to your major and necessary preparation and assistance for the competitive job markets.

How do I get started?

To begin the process of becoming a part of the Federal Work Study (FWS) program at Â鶹ÊÓƵ:

  1. Complete a FAFSA for the aid year that you want to do work-study*.  Students may apply to start a work-study job during any semester they are enrolled at least half-time during the aid year. If you are unsure whether you have submitted a FAFSA for the correct aid year, please reach out to the financial aid office.
  1. If you have already completed a FAFSA, verify that you have completed all requirements listed in your myWilmU portal on the Financial Aid/Bill Pay page.
  2. Once you have received/accepted an aid offer (generally 3-5 weeks after all requirements have been completed) continue to the following steps:
    • for a federal work study eligibility review. If you are determined eligible and awarded FWS then:
    • You will meet with a financial aid representative to review your expectations as a FWS employee
    • Submit required employment documents (list given at initial FWS meeting with financial aid)
    • Sign a FWS contract
    • Await approval by HR
    • Start your new position!

Important Notes Regarding FWS at WilmU

Getting Paid

Students are required to submit timesheets electronically on Employee portal themselves and their supervisor are required to sign on or before the date indicated on their time sheet(s).  Time sheets turned in after the specified DATE and TIME will not make payroll until the next pay period.  Payroll is done on the 15th, and 30th of every month.

Outside Awards

Outside awards (National Merit Scholarships, for example) reduce the term-time job and/or loan component of your financial aid package. As the Financial Aid Office becomes aware of your outside awards, they will incorporate it into your financial aid package, affecting your loan and/or term-time job.

 *The aid year at Â鶹ÊÓƵ begins with fall, and ends with summer. The FAFSA application becomes available for the NEXT aid year on October 1st each year.  For example, if you want to do work study during the fall 2022, spring 2023 or summer 2023 semesters, you need to complete a 2022-2023 FAFSA, which became available October 1, 2021.

Contact Federal Work Study

Please contact us with questions you have. We look forward to helping you make the most out of your on-campus job experience!

FWS program: fws@wilmu.edu

General Financial Aid: finaid@wilmu.edu or (302) 356-4636

Career Services (resume and job search assistance): careerservices@wilmu.edu