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Federal Work Study

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For questions please contact the Career Services Office at 260-481-6596.

 

Student Employment Categories
All student employment positions at IPFW fall into one of two categories: Federal Work Study (FWS) and Regular Employment. Any eligible IPFW student may work at a job labeled as regular employment. Only students who qualify for and are awarded FWS eligibility can be paid from FWS funds.

Federal Work Study
Federal Work Study is a federally funded, need-based student aid program. Students who file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), demonstrate financial need, and are awarded Federal Work Study eligibility by IPFW's office of Financial Aid can work as part of the Federal Work Study program. Students are notified of their eligibility in an award notification issued by Financial Aid. A federal grant pays 75% of the student's wages while the employing department pays the remaining 25%.

Regular Employment
Any IPFW student who meets enrollment requirements may work as a regular student employee. Departments hiring students for regular employment are charged for 100% of the student's wages.

The table below summarizes the primary differences between Federal Work Study and Regular Employment:

Federal Work Study (FWS)
Regular Employment
Must demonstrate financial need by filing the FAFSA. Filing the FAFSA is not required.

Federal government pays 75% of wages; employing department pays 25%.		 Employing department pays 100% of wages.
FWS earnings are excluded when determining eligibility for financial aid the following award year. Wages are considered when calculating need-based financial aid for the following award year.
Increasing or decreasing FWS eligibility may affect current year award package.  Regular Employment earnings do not affect current award year aid package. 
Only FWS-eligible students can work in FWS jobs.  Any student can apply for Regular Employment jobs. 
FWS students have an earnings limit listed on the award notification.  Regular student employees do not have an earnings limitation. However, the number of hours worked may be limited by the department's funding and the student's classification. 
Must meet minimum half-time enrollment requirements:
6 semester hours for undergraduates
4 semester hours for graduate students
Same requirement applies for receiving FWS for summer. 		 Must meet minimum half-time enrollment requirements when working fall or spring semesters. During summer sessions, enrollment not required IF: 1) student was enrolled at least half time the previous spring semester, and 2) there is evidence of planned (at least half-time) enrollment for the fall semester immediately following. 

Additional Information

For additional posting information please refer to the posting overview page.