Please review the Path to Financial Aid Success which can also be found by accessing ISIS and navigating to Student Center --> Finances --> Required Reading. The Path to Financial Aid Success includes the links on Loan Processing Information, Understanding Terms on the Award Notice, Work Study, and Terms and Conditions.

Work Study Job Listings are on the Internet at: http://finaid.uark.edu/workstudy/workstudy.htm

Click on Job Listings

 Benefits of Work Study

•  The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program gives you an opportunity to earn money to help pay for your educational expenses.
•  You are practically guaranteed a job since there are a multitude of part-time Work-Study jobs available.  Employers receive a large subsidy when they hire Work-Study students, so you are much more likely to be hired if you have Work-Study.
•  The FWS program provides opportunities to serve the community (including tutoring) and to work in areas related to your course of study.
•  Your employer knows you are a college student first. Employers try to be as flexible as possible in scheduling work hours around your class schedule.
•  Because FWS is a financial aid need-based program, Work-Study income (although taxable) does not affect your future financial aid eligibility when reported correctly on the FAFSA.
•  FWS provides many valuable experiences.  Future employers are generally impressed with students who have job experience and who have worked while attending school.
•  FWS creates an atmosphere to practice communication, interpersonal skills, time management and other work place techniques.
•  Your FWS supervisor may become an excellent reference.  Your FWS job adds a new dimension to your career planning and distinguishes your background from other job seekers.
•  Part-time employment through FWS enhances your education and adds a new perspective to your studies.  You will see things from another point of view, which will help to develop your analytical and critical thinking skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Federal Work-Study?  The FWS Program provides jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses.  The program encourages community service work and work related to your course of study.

Am I eligible for FWS?  You must first apply by completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).  Mark “yes” to the question, “In addition to grants, are you interested in work-study (which you earn through work)?”  If you are not initially awarded FWS, submit a written request to the Office of Financial Aid.  The sooner you notify us that you are interested in FWS, the more likely you will be awarded (if eligible).  Work-Study is a need-based program.

How much can I make?  Your pay will be at least the current federal minimum hourly wage, but it may be higher, depending on the type of work you do and the skills required.  Your total FWS award depends on your financial need, the amount of other aid you receive, and the availability of funds at the time of your award.  Keep copies of your signed time sheets so you can track your gross earnings.  You and your supervisor are responsible for monitoring your earnings so you do not exceed the total FWS award amount.  You may want to check periodically on Self-Serv to verify your remaining eligibility.

How will I be paid?  You will be paid on an hourly basis.  Your supervisor will determine the rate of pay depending on the skills and experience required.  Paychecks are available on the 10th and 25th of each month.  The check will be made out in your name. 

Are Federal Work-Study jobs on or off campus?  Both.  If you work on campus you’ll work for the University of Arkansas.  If you work off campus in a community service position, your employer will usually be a private nonprofit organization or a public agency, and the work performed must be in the public interest.  FWS jobs often are related to your course of study and/or provide a service to the community.

Can I work as much as I want?  You and your employer will decide how many hours you will be able to work not to exceed 20 hours per week.  You can view the amount of your award on Self-Serv.  Remember, the amount you earn cannot exceed your total FWS award.  When you come close to earning your total FWS award, you may contact our office and a counselor will determine if your FWS award can be increased.

How can I find out my FWS award balance?   Always keep a copy of the time sheets you sign and submit to your supervisor.  By keeping track of your total monthly gross earnings, both you and your supervisor can accurately monitor your remaining FWS award balance.  You may want to verify your remaining eligibly on Self-Serv.  The Office of Financial Aid is also available to provide current award balances.

If I don’t earn my entire FWS award can I earn it in the summer or during the next school year?   You may work only for the period of time your award covers and as long as you are enrolled at least half-time.  The remaining Fall amount can be carried forward to the following Spring term.  Unearned amounts cannot be carried over to the next academic year due to federal funding regulations.

When must I stop working?  The last day of the academic term is usually the last day Work-Study can be utilized.  Check with your supervisor and the Financial Aid Office for more information.

What if I earn all of my FWS before the year is over and need more?  Contact the Office of Financial Aid and indicate how much more you expect to earn.  If you have unmet need and funding is available, we may be able to increase your award.  If your FWS is revised, you will receive notification that you may want to share with your supervisor. 

Can I reject my Work-Study without affecting the other financial aid programs on my award offer?  Yes.  There may be several reasons you choose not to work part-time during the academic year.  Notify your employer and reject your work study on Self-Serv, as soon as you decide not to utilize your FWS award.  This allows other eligible students to be awarded Work-Study.  Your other aid will not be affected.  This decision will not affect future opportunities with the Work-Study program.

Where do I pick up my paycheck?   Your check can be picked up in the department in which you work.  If you work off campus, your check can be picked up at the Cashier’s window in Silas Hunt Hall.  Work-Study checks are disbursed on the 10th and 25th of each month.  If you prefer, you may arrange for pay checks to be directly deposited in your checking and/or savings account.

Follow these four steps to get your own Work Study Job Assignment

1.        Review the Listing of Fall/Spring Work Study Jobs.

2.        Contact the Supervisor for the job in which you are interested to apply for the position.

3.        Discuss the details of employment with the Supervisor:

            - Number of hours per week

            - Job responsibilities

            - Hourly wage rate

4.        The Supervisor then gets the pay-rate approved by the Office of Financial Aid.

If you choose NOT to use your work study award, please reject your award on Self-Serv.  We will use the funds you reject for another student who wants work-study. If you have problems finding a job, please contact the Office of Financial Aid.