The federal government funds Federal Work-Study Employment. It gives eligible students the opportunity to work on or off campus and earn funds on a bi-weekly basis to assist with educational expenses. Federal Work Study earnings can be an alternative to taking on loan debt.
Students can work up to 20 hours per week and are paid biweekly based on reported and approved hours. Federal Work-Study funds do not need to be repaid.
Eligibility
To be eligible for Federal Work Study students must:
- Have a valid FAFSA on file for the current academic year.
- Demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA and cost of attendance.
- Be authorized to to work in the U.S.
- Be enrolled in an in-person program of study.
- Be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits*
- Students requesting FWS for the summer term are not required to be enrolled in summer credits, but must be enrolled for the subsequent fall term.
How to Apply
Students should follow the steps below for Federal Work Study employment:
- Email aidtalk@umaryland.edu to verify their eligibility. To be reviewed, students must have a valid for the current academic year on file (UMB School Code: 002104).
- If the student is determined to be eligible for Federal Work Study, the award will be added to their aid offer. Students must accept the FWS award on their Experience Student Portal.
- Find employment by contacting the school/program or department you are seeking employment with.
- Complete all required FWS Hiring Documents directly with their area of employment.
Requesting an Adjustment of Federal Work Study Funds
If you think you will not work or earn your full Federal Work Study award, you can request a reduction to the FWS award. Students who reduce their FWS award may then be eligible for an increase to their federal loan or alternative loan, if needed. Students can request a change to their Federal Work Study award by emailing aidtalk@umaryland.edu.