Federal Work Study

Federal Work-Study (FWS) provides part-time jobs for undergraduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to the student’s course of study.

At Georgia Tech, FWS is awarded to enrolled undergraduate students who demonstrate a qualifying amount of financial need. FWS awards generally vary from $600 to $1,800 per semester and are earned during enrollment. Students may work on-campus, off-campus, or in a community service position.

Advantages of participating in the FWS program include:

• The money you earn helps to meet college expenses and will not be counted as income for your financial aid eligibility determination next year.
• You get on-the-job experience to give you an edge in the job market after graduation.
• You're able to work with accomplished professionals in their field, which provides you with valuable references in the future.

FWS Requirements, Conditions and Responsibilities of Supervisors

The Federal Work Study (FWS) Program is managed by the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid (OSFA) and is funded annually by an allocation from the US Department of Education:

• FWS Job descriptions are required annually and must be submitted by hiring departments and approved by OSFA.

  • On an annual basis, OSFA will provide a list of the job types and wage rate ranges that are allowable for this program.

    • Positions may not include any duties related to religious worship or sectarian instruction, political activities or performing personal errands.

• FWS Supervisors are required to supervise the student’s work schedules and hours worked each pay period to ensure:

  • The amount earned does not and will not exceed the student’s FWS award for the semester.

  • Time worked is reported accurately, promptly and in accordance with Institute procedures.

  • That the job duties assigned to the student match the job description.

  • Advise OSFA related to the student’s work performance and/or if the student ceases to work for any reason.

• FWS award recipients are required:

  • Contact OSFA when applying/securing an FWS position.

  • Set and keep a work schedule for the semester that does not and will not exceed the FWS award for the semester.

  • Report time worked accurately, promptly and in accordance with Institute procedures.

  • Contact OSFA will any questions about the FWS award and read/reply to all correspondence from OSFA.

Only be employed in one position. If you choose to take another/multiple positions, then your FWS award/assignment will be canceled.

For additional instructions on hiring a FWS student, please review the Employing Federal Work-Study Students guide on the Student Employment website.