Work Study

Students

Frequently Asked Questions?

What is Federal Work Study?

FWS is a source of federally funded, need-based financial aid. Students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for FWS. If you demonstrate financial need as determined by Student Financial Aid, you may receive FWS as part of your financial aid "package." If so, FWS will be listed on your Notice of Financial Aid Eligibility Letter, also called an "award" letter. Financial Aid determines a maximum amount of FWS you can earn during the school year.

Where Can I Look for a Work Study Position?

You can look on JobZone, our free national job posting service on the Internet through NACElink for students and alumni. Just go to www.ipfw.edu/jobzone and start searching for work study positions on-line. Keep in mind that if you do not see a position posted on JobZone, you can always ask departments who don't have a work study student if they are in need of one for the school year. You never know what could happen! Or, you can ask off-campus non-profit organizations if they need a work study student. Depending on the job description, the budget and need of the non-profit, and the approval of the Financial Aid Office, you could create a new work study position.

To view current work study positions at IPFW, go to the JobZone

What is the difference between an FWS job and regular employment?

The primary difference is in how the jobs are funded, as noted below:

Federal Work Study	Regular Employment
Must demonstrate financial need by filing the FAFSA form.	Filing the FAFSA is not required.
Federal government pays 75% of wages; employing department pays 25%. (America Reads tutors are funded 100% by the federal government).	Employing department pays 100% of wages.
FWS earnings are not considered income when determining eligibility for financial aid the following year. Wages are considered when calculating need-based financial aid for the following year.	Regular employment earnings do not affect current 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 letter.	Regular student employees do not have an earnings limitation. However, the number of hours worked may be limited by the department's funding.
Must meet minimum half time enrollment requirements: - 6 semester hours (undergraduates) - 4 semester hours ( graduate students ) Same requirement applies for receiving FWS for summer.	Must meet minimum time enrollment requirements when working fall or spring semesters. During summer sessions, enrollment not required if: 1) Student was enrolled at least half time previous spring semester and 2) There is evidence of planned (at least half time) enrollment for the fall semester immediately following.

How do I apply for Federal Work Study?

You must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for Federal Work Study and other need-based aid. The Student Financial Aid office determines your eligibility for aid and notifies you in writing. If FWS is not included on your "Notice of Financial Aid Eligibility" and you are interested in a specific FWS job, contact Financial Aid at (260) 481-6820. It is possible that you may be eligible to have FWS added to your award "package". Increasing or decreasing your FWS eligibility may affect your other financial aid.

What are the benefits of participating in FWS?

With FWS, more opportunities are available to you. Many campus departments and non-profit organizations are able to hire additional staff because the federal government pays most of the salary for each student-worker. Work-study earnings do not affect your financial aid package for the following academic year, while earnings from other jobs do. Social Security is not withheld from your paycheck during any period in which you are registered for classes. This is true for any student's hourly job, paid through IPFW payroll, whether or not it is FWS, campus-based, or off-campus. Within reason, FWS employers make an extra effort to be flexible with work hours due to class schedules and exams. Also, FWS enables students to have fewer loans and less debt.

Do all FWS jobs pay minimum wage?

Yes, but most pay more. Employers are required to pay at least minimum wage, but most pay $7 per hour to start.

Will FWS decrease my Pell Grant or other grants or scholarships?

No. FWS is given only if you demonstrate more financial need after all "gift aid" has been applied. It will never decrease any of your grants or scholarships. Only loans and work-study aid are interchangeable.