Federal Work-Study
Overview of Federal Work-Study
The Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program is a federally funded financial aid program that supports eligible students by providing opportunities for part-time, on-campus or approved off-campus jobs. These positions help students gain hands-on experience, develop in-demand career skills, and earn money while staying focused on academic success.
On-campus employment is strongly linked to student persistence, graduation, and early career readiness—making FWS one of the most impactful forms of student support at The University of Akron.
Why Choose Federal Work-Study?
Students who participate in FWS benefit from:
- Flexible, part-time schedules that fit around classes
- Resume-building experience relevant to future career paths
- Professional connections and mentoring across campus
- Bi-weekly paychecks for hours worked
- Jobs that prioritize student learning and development
- FWS wages not counted as income on next year’s FAFSA
Most positions are located on UA’s main campus, with limited opportunities at approved community partners.
Federal Work-Study Awards
The Office of Student Financial Aid manages the awarding of FWS eligibility.
Award Requirements
Students must:
- Submit the FAFSA by December 1 each year
- Demonstrate financial need
- Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements
- Not work during scheduled class times
Accepting Your Award
Your FWS award appears in the Financial Aid section of your Workday Student Profile.
Students must:
- Check the Financial Aid tab each semester
- Accept or decline the FWS award in Workday
Federal Work-Study Student Employment
The Career Services & Student Employment office oversees job postings, hiring, and onboarding for all on-campus FWS positions.
Student Employment Requirements
Students must:
- Be enrolled at least half time (6+ credits undergraduate; 5+ credits graduate)
- Be 18 years or older
- Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA
- Work no more than 29 hours per week
- Present original identification documents for Form I-9 before starting work
How to Find a Federal Work-Study Job
Students can explore and apply for current FWS openings through:
- Handshake
- Search active FWS jobs here:
đź”— https://uakron.joinhandshake.com
- Search active FWS jobs here:
- Campus Departments
- Students are also encouraged to visit campus offices directly to inquire about open positions.
- Students are also encouraged to visit campus offices directly to inquire about open positions.
- Career Services Advising
- Meet with a Career Services advisor to:
- Explore FWS opportunities
- Strengthen your resume
- Prepare for interviews
- Learn strategies to secure the best on-campus roles
- Meet with a Career Services advisor to:
- Onboarding Process
- Once hired, students receive Workday onboarding instructions via email to complete required employment steps.
Federal Work-Study FAQs
This FAQ section offers clear guidance on Federal Work-Study eligibility, awards, job expectations, and resources to help students confidently participate
Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a federal financial aid program that provides part-time employment to eligible students. Jobs are located on campus or with approved nonprofit partners and are designed to help students earn money while building professional skills. FWS earnings do not reduce future financial aid eligibility.
Yes. All student employees must complete Workday onboarding, including Form I-9. Students must present original documents (no photocopies), such as:
- U.S. passport
- OR a state ID + Social Security card
You cannot begin working until all documents are completed and approved.
If you do not accept your award or do not secure a job, funds may be canceled and reallocated to another student. You may reapply for Work-Study the following year by filing the FAFSA again.
Returning to the same position is possible but not guaranteed. Students must:
- File the FAFSA each year
- Continue to demonstrate financial need
- Maintain SAP requirements
Supervisors determine rehire eligibility.
Eligibility for FWS is determined by the FAFSA. Students must:
- File the FAFSA by December 1
- Demonstrate financial need
- Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
- Be enrolled at least half time
- Eligibility is listed in your Workday Student Profile under the Financial Aid section.
- Contact The Office of Student Financial Aid to check FWS eligibility
Students must accept or decline their award in Workday:
- Go to your Workday Student Profile
- Select Financial Aid
- Choose Accept or Decline
Your award must be accepted before you can be hired into a Work-Study position.
Students can search and apply for Work-Study jobs through:
- Handshake (primary job board)
- Start your search here:
- Handshake – https://uakron.joinhandshake.com
- Campus departments
- Career Services job coaching
Federal Work-Study students may work up to 29 hours per week, though most positions average 10–20 hours. Students cannot work during scheduled class times. Individual offices may impose additional limits based on funding.
FWS students are paid bi-weekly through direct deposits. Earnings are paid directly to the student and are not automatically applied to tuition. Students may log hours and view paychecks through Workday.
Who can I contact for help?