Aid Programs
Federal Work-Study Program/Federal Community Service
The purpose of Federal Work Study (FWS) is to provide students with part-time employment to help meet college costs and, if possible, provide work experience in a related field. FWS is federally funded and need-based. Your eligibility is determined from information you provide on your FAFSA. To be eligible, you must show need on your federal need analysis report. The number of hours you may work will depend upon your financial need.
To be eligible, you must:
- be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident;
- show need on your FAFSA need analysis report;
- maintain satisfactory academic progress (2.0 GPA);
- be enrolled at least half-time as an undergraduate or graduate student;
- not have defaulted on or owe a refund to any aid program; and
- postbaccalaureate students must petition for eligibility.
Federal Community Service
The FWS program includes Federal Community Service (FCS) and also the “America Reads” program. FCS allows students to work off-campus with various community agencies dedicated to improving community living, especially for low-income individuals. All requirements for FWS apply to FCS. “America Reads” is a tutoring program promoted by the federal government to help elementary school students improve their reading skills. In addition to applying for financial aid through SFA (see “How to Apply for Aid”), students interested in “America Reads” should contact the College of Education Program Coordinator, 392-0701, ext. 244, 1345 Norman Hall.
Earnings through FWS vary with the nature of the job, your skills, and the hours you can work. Salaries start at minimum wage and range upward according to skills and experience. Most students work 10 to 20 hours a week. Employers usually prefer students to work three or more consecutive hours depending on their class schedules. To retain FICA exempt status, students must enroll for six credit hours and work no more than 20 hours a week.