Federal Work-Study

What is federal work-study?

Federal work-study (FWS) is a need-based financial aid program that helps you earn money through a part-time job while you’re in school. The program is funded by the federal government and allows you to work with approved on- or off-campus employers.

Instead of receiving this aid as a lump sum, you earn it as a paycheck for the hours you work. It’s a great way to help cover educational and personal expenses while gaining work experience and keeping a flexible schedule that fits around your classes.

How do I apply for the work-study program?

You need to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). If you demonstrate financial need as determined by the BGSU Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships, you may be awarded work-study as part of your financial aid package.

The hiring office sets the hourly pay for each job. The Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships sets the maximum amount you can earn through work-study during the academic year.

Note: If federal work-study is not included on your "Notice of Financial Aid Eligibility" and you are interested in working on campus, contact Student Financial Aid at 419-372-2651. They may be able to add work-study to your award package. Increasing or decreasing your federal work-study eligibility may affect your other financial aid.

What is the difference between a work-study job and a regular job?

America Reads

America Reads is a tutoring employment opportunity for students eligible for federal work-study.

America Reads details

Work-study FAQs

I was sent notice that I’m close to earning my full FWS award. What does that mean for my current job(s)?

It depends on your department. Once you reach your FWS earnings limit, your payroll record is updated and your wages are paid entirely (100%) from department funds. Your department has overall responsibility for hiring and scheduling student employees based on your skills as well as department needs and resource levels. Departments carefully monitor their budgets and make adjustments to student staffing levels and work schedules as their needs and resources change.

If I am close to earning my full FWS award. Can my FWS award be increased?

If you received notice that your academic year earnings are approaching your FWS award limit, your award has already been reviewed for a possible increase. Any adjustments to students’ FWS limits are communicated via email by Student Financial Aid and Scholarships.

What determines whether my FWS award can be increased?

All awards are subject to funds availability and student eligibility. For more information about eligibility, please review how your eligibility for financial aid is calculated.

How do I know how much of my FWS award I have earned?

You can monitor your FWS earnings by logging in to MyBGSU > Student Center > Financial Section.

FWS is listed as a drop down item in the “other financial” box.
Highlight "View Student FWS Earn" and select the double arrows to go to the new earnings page to see your earnings by aid year.
The “Offer Amount” is your federal work-study award. The “Paid Amount” is your total earnings. If you have or had multiple federal work-study jobs, the page will not display each one separately. It displays your total earnings.
During an aid year, your FWS award may be increased/decreased depending on your request, financial need and funding levels.

How do I know how much FWS I have earned in a calendar year to put on my FAFSA?

Your calendar year FWS earnings can be found by logging in to MyBGSU > Student Center > Financial Section.

FWS is listed as a drop down item in the “other financial” box.
Highlight "View Student FWS Earn" and select the double arrows to go to the new earnings page.
Your taxable earnings from FWS by calendar year will be listed for FAFSA reporting purposes. BGSU will also provide you a W-2 in accordance with federal tax guidelines

Federal Work-Study (FWS)	Regular Employment
Must demonstrate financial need by filing the FAFSA.	Filing the FAFSA is not required.
Federal government pays 75% of wages; employing department pays 25%.	Employing department pays 100% of wages.
Federal work-study earnings can be excluded when determining eligibility for financial aid in a future award year (according to FAFSA instructions).	Wages are considered when calculating need-based financial aid in a future award year.
Increasing or decreasing federal work-study eligibility may affect current year award package.	Regular employment earnings do not affect current award year aid package.
Federal work-study students have an earnings limit listed on the award notification.	Regular student employees do not have an earnings limitation. The number of hours worked may be limited by department funding levels and the student's eligibility for employment.
Must meet minimum half-time enrollment requirements: 6 semester hours for undergraduates	Must meet minimum half-time enrollment requirements when working fall or spring semesters. For regular employment during summer sessions, enrollment is not required IF: 1) student was enrolled at least half time the previous spring semester, and 2) there is evidence of planned (at least half-time) enrollment for the fall semester immediately following.

Updated: 08/27/2026 10:11PM