Navigating Student Work-Study Programs: Opportunities and Eligibility

Student work-study programs offer valuable opportunities for students to gain work experience while funding their education. These programs, often subsidized by federal, state, or institutional funds, provide part-time employment both on and off-campus. This article delves into the specifics of these programs, focusing on eligibility, benefits, and key considerations for students.

Understanding Federal Work-Study (FWS)

The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program is a federal aid initiative that connects students with employment opportunities on campus and within their communities. Unlike grants or scholarships, FWS is disbursed directly to students in the form of wages for hours worked. FWS is a campus-based program that provides jobs for students who demonstrate financial need. Schools are given a limited amount of funding to award to eligible students. Eligible students who are awarded funds through this program can then apply for and be hired into work-study jobs, on campus or in the community.

Benefits of FWS

Research indicates that students participating in on-campus work programs demonstrate higher engagement and achievement in their studies. Work-study is linked to better academics! Beyond financial assistance, FWS positions provide real-world career experience, similar to a high-level internship. Participating students have the opportunity to connect with peers, co-workers, and supervisors, fostering a sense of community.

Eligibility and Awarding of FWS

To be eligible for FWS, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and demonstrate financial need exceeding the amount covered by scholarships, grants, and need-based loans. Recipients must have submitted a valid FAFSA, have unmet need, and meet all minimum eligibility requirements for recipients of Federal aid programs. Though earnings are reported to the IRS for tax purposes and listed as income in future FAFSAs, income earned through an FWS position is not considered when determining a student's eligibility for federal or state need-based aid.

Specific Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for FWS varies based on student status:

Undergraduate Students: FWS is automatically offered if the current FAFSA indicates interest in (or are unsure of) the program or if the student earned $200 or more via FWS in the preceding year. If a student does not meet the criteria for an automatic FWS offer, eligibility will be reviewed upon request.
Graduate Students: Graduate students with financial need are eligible to participate in work-study programs.

Award Amounts and Adjustments

FWS offered awards may range based on the student’s remaining need after scholarships, grants, and Subsidized Direct Loan eligibility. Students will not receive an FWS offer exceeding their demonstrated financial need. The exact amount you’ll receive is determined by your financial need and the number of hours you work.

Award Range: Awards range from $750 to $5,000 per semester.
Adjustments: If a student contacts the Student Financial Aid office to reduce their Federal Work-Study (FWS) award below the originally offered amount, the student will only be allowed to work up to the adjusted value. Once the amount is hit, the student will need to terminate employment and will not be allowed to continue working until the original amount is reinstated (if possible).

Accepting or Declining FWS

Students can accept or decline their FWS offer. The FWS offer must be accepted before a student can receive an employment offer and begin work. If a student chooses to decline their FWS award, they will be ineligible to work on campus. Students can still receive FWS eligibility in future school years pending FAFSA results.

Maintaining FWS Eligibility and Compliance

To protect student academic pursuits and maintain compliance, it is important that students:

DO NOT work during any scheduled class period.
DO NOT Work more than 20 hours a week, unless receiving approval.
To keep your FWS award, you must continue to meet the eligibility requirements for Financial Aid.

Work-Study Program Structure

Work study is a part-time employment program (approximately 10-20 hours per week) that is awarded to eligible students. Jobs are available with both on and off-campus employers. Work study is a subsidized employment program. The employer only pays a portion of the student employee's hourly rate while state, federal, or institutional funding pays the remainder of the student's wage. You only receive a work study award as you earn it in a specific work study job.

Types of Work-Study

There are two primary types of work-study programs:

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Need-Based Work-Study: Students must apply for financial aid and have financial need in order to be awarded need-based work study. Work study positions are subsidized by Federal, State, or institutional funds.
Non-Need-Based Work-Study: Non-need-based work study is not based upon financial need.

Employment Details

Students usually work from 10 to 20 hours per week. Students are paid every two weeks for hours worked. Students may earn only their awarded amount in work study. Work study earnings are taxable income.

Non-Need-Based Work-Study Specifics

Non-need based work study is subsidized by State of Colorado funds authorized by the General Assembly. Applicants must be undergraduates, accepted into a degree program, taking a minimum of 6 credits and Colorado residents for tuition purposes (not based upon military or Olympic status). Students pursuing a second undergraduate degree will be considered only after all first undergraduate degree applicants have been awarded. Awards will range from $750 to $5000 per semester, and are made using a computerized random selection process.

Student Hourly Positions

UCCS employs approximately students in part-time non-work study positions called student hourly positions. These positions are funded 100 percent by the employing department. Jobs are available in many departments.

Hiring and Qualifications

Students are hired on the basis of their individual qualifications and skills. Many employers will train students on the job. All openings are posted on SEAN for a minimum of three days. You must see the Student Employment Office before you begin working.

Enrollment Requirements

Students must be accepted into a degree program and they must be enrolled at least half-time.

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Off-Campus Opportunities

Over local employers in the greater Colorado Springs area have used the job referral services of the Student Employment Office. There is no fee to the employer or the student for this service. Listed positions may be long-term or temporary and are part-time or full-time. Available openings range from highly skilled technicians and computer assistants, to clerical work, child care and general labor.

Eligibility for Off-Campus Services

All currently enrolled students, and those who have been accepted for the next term, are eligible to use this service. This service is strictly self-referral.

Application Process

All jobs are posted on SEAN. Students must work with a potential employer to schedule interviews and complete required steps to be employed.

Student Employment Services

All student employment services are offered on a walk-in basis.

Verification of Employment

Student Employment completes written verifications for student employees for the Colorado Springs campus. Verifiers can also use our online verification system through The Work Number.

Additional Considerations

Taxable Income

Please be aware that work study earnings are taxable income. The money you earn through work-study is taxable, and you should report it on your FAFSA the following year.

Financial Aid Application

File your annual Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the the annual financial aid application priority deadline to be considered for work-study and the best types of other financial aid awards. Be sure to fill out your FAFSA early and to specify you are interested in federal work-study.

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