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Understanding the Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program

FWS is a federally funded program that provides subsidized part-time employment opportunities for students with financial need. Students must apply for financial aid and receive a Federal Work-Study (FWS) award from the Office of Student Financial Aid in order to work under this program.

In order to be eligible for FWS, students must be enrolled at least halftime and have documented financial need. FWS funds are restricted to students who are either citizens or permanent residents of the United States. International students with an F-1 or J-1 Visa are not eligible for FWS funds, but are eligible to work on-campus in regular departmental student positions.

Financial need is calculated and based on the information students submit on the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) FWS is offered as part of their total financial aid package. The FWS earning limit for each student is based upon his/her federal work-study award total.

Students who demonstrate financial need are awarded FWS funds on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. Therefore, it is very important for students to be aware of and adhere to application priority dates. Students who file for financial aid too late in the year may not receive a FWS award due to lack of funding, regardless of whether they had FWS in the past, have financial need, or have a specific FWS job arranged. To receive maximum consideration for a FWS award, students should file the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in January.

Students who are offered a FWS award must accept or decline the award in their UNCGenie account.

Students who accept their offer of FWS are not placed into positions at UNCG. Rather, the SEO gives them access to view all FWS job descriptions in order to apply for the jobs that interest them.

Participating as a FWS Worksite

Each Year, the Financial Aid Office and the SEO determine FWS allocations for individual departments/offices throughout UNCG. The federal program pays 75% of the student’s earnings and 25% are covered by a state account, except in the case of revenue-generating (“fee-based”) departments, who pay 25% from their own budget.

In order for departments/offices to receive FWS funding for student positions, they must complete an application with the SEO each year between January and February. The SEO automatically sends applications to offices that have previously received a FWS allocation. If your office has not participated in the FWS program, but wish to do so in the future, please email your request to the SEO (seo@uncg.edu).

Posting Departmental (Non-Work-Study) Jobs

On-campus employers are encouraged to post all departmental (non-work-study) student employment opportunities with the SEO. UNCG students can view these job listings via SpartanCareers on the Student Employment and Career Services websites.

To post a departmental position, click here.