Federal Work-Study (FWS)
General Information
Federal Work-Study (FWS) provides an opportunity for part-time employment for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing you to earn money to help pay education expenses. FWS encourages community service and work related to your program of study. Positions are available on-campus in a number of university departments and off-campus at approved non-profit and government agencies. Students usually work about 15 to 20 hours per week and hourly pay rates vary depending on job responsibilities and skill level required.
Priority Consideration
To be given priority consideration for a FWS award for the aid year, your FAFSA must be submitted by the March 10 Priority Application Receipt Deadline.
- Entering freshman - FWS awards are based on your indication of interest in FWS on the FAFSA and your eligibility for the federal Pell Grant program.
- Continuing Students - FWS awards are based on the student’s participation in the FWS program during the preceding aid year and eligibility for an FWS award based on financial need.
If you are interested in a FWS award but your Financial Aid Notification did not include this award, you may contact us and request consideration for a FWS award based on a determination of eligibility and availability of funding in this federal campus based program.
Undergraduates must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours (4 for graduate students) each semester to maintain FWS eligibility during the academic year (fall/spring).
Summer
To be considered for a FWS award during the 2008 summer semester, you must submit both:
- 2007/08 FAFSA
- IUPUI Summer 2008 Financial Aid Application (available on March 1, 2008)
Other FWS eligibility requirements (e.g. degree seeking, financial need, enrollment, and SAP) for the summer semester must be met.
Students will receive a Financial Aid Notification (FAN) either via mail or email. After receiving your FAN, you must you must go to OneStart to accept or reject your FWS award. FWS awards not accepted within 60 days will be canceled. If you accept your FWS award, you are eligible to earn up to the full award amount over the fall and spring semesters.
How Do I Find a FWS Job to Earn My FWS Award?
The primary method to search for FWS employment is provided by the IUPUI Office of Career Services.
How and When Will I Be Paid?
Students are paid biweekly (undergraduates) or monthly (graduate students) according to the university payroll schedule and you may choose to receive payment via direct deposit or check.
FWS Benefits
- Flexible work schedules
- Option to reduce student loans
- Valuable work experience
- Reduced transportation costs with employment on or near campus in most cases
- FWS earnings are exempt from Social Security taxes
- FWS earnings are excluded in determining your expected family contribution in the next
aid year - FWS employment is positively linked to academic achievement and graduation
Additional Information
- IUPUI Office of Career Services - FWS Frequently Asked Questions and job search information
