What is Federal Work-Study?
The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program provides jobs to students to help them pay for their educational expenses.
Eligibility
To be eligible, you must:
- Have a complete financial aid file
- Have unmet financial need
- Be enrolled in at least six financial aid course-eligible units at a single Los Rios College*
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress
* If you are enrolled at multiple Los Rios colleges, then you must have an approved consortium on file for those units to be counted toward your enrollment status.
You are not guaranteed a FWS job just because you are eligible for FWS. FWS jobs are limited, so make sure you apply for a FWS job as early as possible.
Students with Bachelor's degrees may be eligible for FWS. To be considered for eligibility, these students will be asked to submit an appeal.
Visit each of our college's websites to learn more about the FWS jobs available.
Hours
FWS students work an average of 17 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters. Students may be employed for no more than 26 hours per week during a semester and no more than 40 hours per week between semesters. The number of hours may change depending on the needs of the department. Summer FWS hours are based on funding availability.
You may not work more than the number of hours you were awarded.
Pay
FWS students are paid an hourly rate at minimum wage. On average, FWS students earn up to $7,000 during the school year. Paychecks are distributed on the tenth of each month.
Disclaimer
We reserve the right to reduce your FWS award at the end of the fall or spring semester for hours not worked or due to ineligibility. Your FWS award may also be reduced if your financial need changes. You will be notified of any change via email and it is your responsibility to notify your supervisor of the change.
Want to Hire FWS Students?
If you are interested in hiring Federal Work-Study student assistants, then please review the Federal Work-Study Supervisor's Manual.