Students

Federal Work Study

Regular Employment

Must demonstrate financial need by filing the FAFSA

Filing the FAFSA is not required

Federal government pays 60% of wages; employing department pays 40%. (America Reads tutors are funded 100% by the federal government.)

Employing department pays 100% of wages.

FWS earnings are not considered income when determining eligibility for financial aid the following year. Wages are considered when calculating need-based financial aid for the following year.

Regular Employment earnings do not affect current year aid package.

Only FWS-eligible students can work in FWS jobs

Any student can apply for Regular Employment jobs

FWS students have an earnings limit listed on the award letter.

Regular student employees do not have an earnings limitation. However, the number of hours worked may be limited by the department's funding.

Must meet minimum half time enrollment requirements:

• 6 semester hours undergraduates
• 4 semester hours graduate students

Same requirement applies for receiving FWS for summer.

Must meet minimum time enrollment requirements when working fall or spring semesters. During summer sessions, enrollment not required IF 1) student was enrolled at least half time previous spring semester, and 2) there is evidence of planned (at least half time) enrollment for the fall semester immediately following.