The Federal College Work-Study Program is a form of federal financial aid that has unique characteristics. Unlike Grants, which do not have to be paid back, and Loans, which do have to be paid back, Federal Work-Study is a self-help program. It is a way of assisting students who need part-time employment income to help them meet their educational expenses. In other words, the money is there to assist you, but you need to earn it.
When a student receives a Federal Work-Study award as part of their financial aid package, the federal government is providing money to pay the student’s wages when that student works on campus in a Federal Work-Study funded position.
Federal Work-Study Steps
Accept your FWS Award in WINGS and follow the instructions to access the Student Employment Center. If you didn’t receive an award or declined it, contact Financial Aid to check eligibility.
- Visit the Careers site to review open work-study positions. Watch the video tutorial below to learn how to find work-study positions.
- Submit an application and any additional documentation.
- If selected for an interview, you will be contacted.
- Accept the job offer on the Careers site when a decision is made and complete onboarding with HR.
- Work with your supervisor to establish a schedule.
- Complete the authorization form in WINGS when provided.
- Congratulations on your work-study position!
How to Find a Federal Work-Study Position
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Federal Work-Study (FWS) program, you must meet the following criteria:
Financial Need
You must demonstrate financial need, which is determined by the information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Enrollment
- You must be seeking your first undergraduate degree
- Enrollment can be full-time or part-time, but you must be enrolled in at least half-time status.
Citizenship
You must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen (e.g., permanent resident).
Satisfactory Academic Progress
You must maintain satisfactory academic progress, which includes maintaining a certain GPA and completing a minimum number of credits each term. Review the SAP Policy.
FAFSA Submission
You must complete and submit the FAFSA for the academic year in which you wish to participate in the Federal Work-Study program.
Acceptance of Work-Study Award
You must accept the work-study award if it is offered in your financial aid package.
Employment
You must secure a work-study position on campus.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program is a financial aid initiative designed to assist students in funding their education through part-time employment opportunities. Eligible students can work on campus in roles that align with their academic schedule, ensuring a balance between work and studies. The program not only helps reduce the need for student loans but also provides practical work experience, enhancing students’ resumes and preparing them for future careers.
- Summer work study is offered if there are remaining funds for the program.
- Departments will be notified if they are able to have positions for the Summer semester in the middle of the Spring semester.
- Students must meet eligibility requirements for both the Summer and following Fall semesters.
1. Open an Incognito Browser window to ensure that there are no accounts logged in. Here’s what this looks like using Google Chrome.
2. Log in to your my.georgiasouthern.edu using your regular student credentials, not the -SW.
3. In the WINGS Box, click on Student Information. 
4. Click on Financial Aid.
5. Ensure that the Aid Year is set to 2024-2025 Award Year.
6. Click the FWS Authorization Form Fall/Spring (it is a hyperlink). 
7. Review the FWS Supervisor information is correct and sign the Authorization Form electronically and Submit.
8. Your FWS Supervisor will sign the Authorization Form and then receive an email containing the Signed Authorization Form for their records.
For Managers: Hiring a Federal Work Study Student
The Federal Work-Study Program provides students with the chance to gain practical work experience while earning money to help offset their educational expenses. This program allows departments to benefit by employing student workers whose wages are subsidized through federal funding, rather than drawing from the department’s own budget. This setup not only supports the students in managing their financial needs but also allows departments to enhance their operations without incurring additional financial burdens.
To request positions please email fws@georgiasouthern.edu with the following information:
- Department Name
- Campus the positions will be located
- Who the supervisor will be. If multiple campuses, please list the supervisors for each campus.
- P.O. Box #
- Number of requested positions
- Desired start term.
1. Allocation Form
Receive and review the Departmental Allocation Form annually, indicating the number of allocated positions.
2. Return Completed Allocation Forms
Sign the allocation form and ensure that the information is reported accurately. Return completed form to the Financial Aid Office at fws@georgiasouthern.edu.
3. Post Positions
Work with the Student Employment Center to post openings for your Federal Work-Study positions on the Careers portal.
4. Check Applicant Eligibility Review
Review the 2024/2025 FWS Eligibility/Status spreadsheet for eligible students. If the student is not listed, please contact fws@georgiasouthern.edu with the student EID for us to review and update the spreadsheet.
5. Interview
Meet with the eligible FWS candidates and see if they would be a good fit for your team.
6. Hire the Student
Go through the normal hiring process with HR to offer the job. The 2024/2025 FWS Eligibility/Status spreadsheet will be updated to reflect the job offer and student status.
7. OneUSG and Payroll
Once the student has successfully completed the hiring process and is able to clock in, they are able to begin working.
8. Authorization Form
The time approver will receive an email from fws@georgiasouthern.edu with instructions on how the student can access their Authorization Form. The form must be completed prior to the end of the student’s first pay period!
9. Congratulations
You now have a new FWS Student Employee!