Federal Work-Study

What Is Federal Work-Study?

Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a federal financial aid program that provides eligible undergraduate and graduate students with the opportunity to earn money through part-time employment. Federal Work Study is a need-based program with limited funding. Students who receive a Federal Work Study award may earn wages by working in an eligible position.

Eligibility

To be considered for FWS, students must:

  • Be eligible to file the FAFSA and meet federal student aid eligibility requirements
  • Complete the FAFSA and any required financial aid documents by FIT's applicable deadlines
  • Demonstrate financial need, as determined through the financial aid process
  • Meet applicable enrollment requirements, including remaining registered in at least 6 credits in a degree-granting program
  • Maintain eligibility for federal financial aid
  • FWS is contingent on the Federal Work Study funds that are available

How Do I Participate?

Students who are awarded FWS and accept their award may move forward with the FWS participation process.

The first steps are:

  • Accept your FWS award via the MyFIT portal.
  • Complete the annual FWS Rules and Regulations Contract. Instructions and access will be provided through your FIT email account.
  • Review the FWS Orientation Guide and complete the Orientation Quiz. These materials will be provided to students who are eligible to move forward in the FWS participation process.
  • Students who are awarded and choose to participate in FWS will receive additional program information and next steps through their FIT email address. In accordance with FIT policy, FWS program materials and information are shared only through official FIT email accounts. Students should regularly check their FIT email for important FWS communications and instructions.

Completing these initial steps does not guarantee employment. Students are responsible for applying and interviewing for available FWS positions and must complete all required hiring requirements before beginning employment. Students will receive instructions through their FIT email at each stage of the process, from accepting their FWS award through completing the steps required to begin employment.

If you are awarded FWS funding, you are responsible for finding a work-study job; however, funding doesn't guarantee a job on campus. FWS is simply an opportunity to work. Because FWS funding is limited, not all students who meet the eligibility requirements will receive an FWS award. Federal Work-Study is not guaranteed from year to year, and eligibility is reviewed each academic year.

Once you are granted and accept your FWS award, you will be required to attend a Student Employment Orientation. Orientation will give you an overview of the program and teach you how to look for jobs. You will also be required to read and sign a Rules and Regulations Contract yearly in order to participate. 

 If you are awarded and accepted your FWS award, you will be emailed your next steps towards orientation. After orientation, you will receive access to FIT's Student Employment portal. 

Payment Pay Rate

 

FWS is a need-based program with limited funding. Students who receive an FWS award may earn wages by working in an eligible position.

FWS students are paid $17 per hour for hours actually worked. Paychecks are issued twice each month according to FIT's payroll schedule.

FWS earnings are paid directly to the student and are not automatically applied to tuition, residence hall charges, or other charges on the student's account. Students are responsible for making arrangements to pay their student account balance.

Policies

Receiving an FWS award does not guarantee employment. Students are responsible for applying and interviewing for available FWS positions and must complete all required hiring requirements before beginning employment. Students will receive instructions through their FIT email at each stage of the process, from accepting their FWS award through completing the steps required to begin employment.

Because FWS funding is limited, not all students who meet the eligibility requirements will receive an FWS award. Federal Work-Study is not guaranteed from year to year, and eligibility is reviewed each academic year.

In accordance with FIT policy, FWS program materials and information are shared only through official FIT email accounts.