Work-Study

Work-Study Job Listings can be found here.

Benefits of Federal Work-Study

  • The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program gives you an opportunity to earn money to help pay for your educational expenses.
  • The FWS program may provide opportunities to serve the community including tutoring or 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 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  • FWS provides many valuable experiences. Future employers are generally impressed with students who have job experience and who have worked while attending school.
  • Your FWS supervisor may become an excellent reference. Your FWS job adds a new dimension to your career plan and distinguishes your background from other job seekers.
  • Part-time employment through FWS enhances your education and adds a new perspective to your studies by aiding in the development of your analytical and critical thinking skills. In addition, research shows that students who work on campus tend to persist through graduation.

Five Steps to Your Work-Study Job Assignment

  1. Review the Listing of Work-Study Jobs.
  2. Contact the Supervisor of 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. Upon hire, the Supervisor will request a job-assignment form and submit a pay-rate request to be approved by the Office of Financial Aid.
  5. Students will be required to provide documentation to the hiring department for completion of the Human Resource employment paperwork before the start of work.

If you choose NOT to use your work study award, please reject your award on Student Center. Any declined funds will be awarded to another eligible student who wants Work-Study employment. If you have problems finding a job, please contact the Office of Financial Aid.

Frequently Asked Questions

The FWS Program provides jobs for 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 Federal Work-Study (FWS)?

You must first apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 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 and funds are limited.

How will I be paid?

You will be paid on an hourly basis. Your pay will be at least the current federal minimum hourly wage. Your supervisor will determine the rate of pay depending on the skills and experience required. Work-Study checks are disbursed on the 10th and 25th of each month. The check will be made out in your name. 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 Treasurer’s Office window in the Arkansas Union, Room 215. If you prefer, you may arrange for paychecks to be directly deposited in your checking and/or savings account. Contact the Human Resource Office about setting this up.

Are Federal Work-Study jobs on- or off-campus?

Both. If you work on-campus, you will 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 will be in the public interest. FWS jobs are often related to your course of study and/or provide a service to the community.

Can I work as much as I want?

You cannot exceed your total FWS awarded amount. You can view the amount of your award on Student Center. Your employer will decide how many hours you will be able to work per week. Any unused FWS fall term 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. Check with your supervisor and the Office of Financial Aid for more information.

Can I decline 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 (if applicable) and reject your Work-Study on Student Center 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. However, as funds are limited, we may not be able to re-award your FWS later in the same academic year.