Office of Student Financial Aid

Federal Work Study

Check currently avaiable Federal Work Study positions.

What is Federal Work Study?

Federal Work Study (FWS) is a program which provides part-time employment opportunities to eligible students to help meet the costs of post-secondary education. Based on the results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), eligible students are awarded an allotment which may be earned through part time employment in FWS approved positions either on or off campus. The program is designed to provide students with an opportunity for employment arranged around class schedules. Students must be enrolled at least half-time (six credit hours per semester) to be eligible for this program. If you wish to be considered for this program, you should indicate this preference on the FAFSA or, if not awarded FWS in your initial award package, you should make your interest in FWS known to your financial aid counselor.

What is Community Service Work Study?

Community Service is an aspect of the FWS program designed to place students in service oriented positions within the community. These positions are generally off campus and must provide a service to the general community. For example, approved positions would include tutoring in surrounding schools, community recreation programs, and providing assistance through volunteer organizations, whereas general office duties which provide services to the organization itself would not qualify. The position must provide direct services to the people of the community rather than only to the organization providing those services. Students are eligible to participate if they have been awarded a FWS allotment.

How do I apply for Federal Work Study?

Federal Work Study eligibility is based on demonstrated financial need. To be considered for a Federal Work Study award at George Mason University, you should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Since work study funds are limited, you should file the FAFSA as early as possible. If you are not awarded Federal Work Study as part of your initial award package, you should make your desire for FWS known to your financial aid counselor who will place you on the waiting list. If you are subsequently awarded a Federal Work Study award, you will receive a revised Award Notification.

How will know if I qualify for Federal Work Study?

After filing the FAFSA, the Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) will send an Award Notification to students whose applications are complete applications and who are eligible for need-based financial aid. This notification will describe the types and amounts of awards offered, including FWS. If this notification does not include a FWS award, you are not currently eligible to obtain a position under this program. If you are interested in FWS but are not awarded a FWS award, let your financial aid counselor know so that you can be added to the wait list.

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Will my FWS award count as a credit against the charges on my bill?

NO. Because the work study award represents money to be earned, it is not considered a credit against pending charges and will not show as a credit on your bill.

If I decline my Federal Work Study award, do I have to repay this amount to the university?

NO! FWS is an award to participate in an employment program where the funds are earned through work. The amount is not subtracted from your tuition bill and therefore will not need to be repaid if you choose not to participate.

Should I notify the Office of Student Financial Aid if I decide to decline my Federal Work Study award?

YES! If you did not initially reject your FWS award on your award notification, but wish not to participate, please notify the OSFA in writing so that the funding can be given to someone who wishes to participate.

How do I find a Federal Work Study position?

Once you have indicated to the Office of Student Financial Aid that you wish to accept the Federal Work Study award by indicating acceptance on the Award Notification, you will be sent additional information regarding the exact procedure to follow for securing a job placement. Generally, the placement process is done through interviews or workshops scheduled for sometime in August prior to the beginning of classes. If you have been awarded Federal Work Study, you can get work-study job placement information by calling (703) 993-2353 and scheduling an appointment with Tom Perdiou or e-mail Tom at tperdiou@gmu.edu. You may also preview a lisiting of available Federal Work Study positions.

How much can I earn?

Your FWS salary will be at least the current federal minimum wage, but it may be higher, depending on the type of work you do and the skills required. You total FWS award depends on when you apply, your level of financial need, and the amount of FWS funds available.

Can I work as many hours as I want?

NO. The amount you earn cannot exceed your total FWS award. When assigning work hours, your employer will consider your class schedule, your academic progress, your total award, and the needs of the employer.

How will I be paid?

Students receive an hourly wage set by the employer (at least minimum wage). Schedules are determined by the student and the employer and timesheets are maintained through the department and are submitted to the payroll department twice a month. Students receive a paycheck for hours worked every two weeks. Paychecks can be picked up from your employer or students may sign up for direct deposit.

What happens if my earnings reach my maximum award?

You are responsible for ensuring that you do not earn more than your FWS award total. Your department may notify you that you are approaching your limit, but you should monitor your total hours worked and total gross earnings. The department has the option of either continuing your assignment and paying 100% from their departmental budget or ending your assignment altogether. Most departments will make every attempt to keep you working with them, but you must be a good employee.

Are Federal Work Study wages considered taxable income?

YES. Federal Work Study wages are taxable income. If taxes were withheld from your paycheck, you probably are eligible for a refund depending of course on your total annual earnings. It is in your best interest that you file a federal tax return with the IRS by April 15th. You will receive W-2 forms from GMU for your work study earnings.

How are Federal Work Study wages considered when I apply for financial aid the following year?

Federal Work Study wages are excluded from consideration in the determination of your expected family contribution. The exclusion is effected by including the gross amount of your FWS wages on Worksheet C of the FAFSA. Your FWS are reported as part of your AGI and income from work on the FAFSA.

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