Federal Work Study (FWS) is a Title IV need-based, federally funded financial aid program. Students with financial need may work part time to help cover education expenses. The federal work study award is based on a contract negotiated between the student and the UNMC hiring department. Hiring departments are reliant upon FWS student workers to assist in their program efforts. The Financial Aid Office encourages the student and the hiring department to negotiate student's hiring contract based on the skill set and the student's availability to determine the amount of hours the student can commit per week to the hiring department.
The following are required to participate in the Federal Work Study Program:
- Students must be a U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen (permanent resident). International students are not eligible to participate in this program.
- Students must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). When completing the FAFSA be sure to use school code 006895.
- Students must demonstrate financial need: Cost of attendance – estimated student/family contribution= need
- Students must be enrolled at least half-time in a degree seeking program.
The following rules apply to UNMC FWS employment:
- The Federal Work Study program runs on fiscal year July 1 to June 30.
- Students may work a maximum of 20 hours a week during the fall and spring semesters. Students may work up to 40 hours a week during semester break periods, and during the summer, provided the student is not enrolled in summer sessions.
- Students do not have to be enrolled during the summer term.
- Students must return to class in the next semester/academic year.
- Students must have a FAFSA on file for the next academic year by April 15th
- Hours are flexible to meet the students' course and study schedule.
- Students must work a minimum of 60 hours in a semester. Students who do not work 60 hours will not be eligible for FWS the following semester.
If you are interested in a Federal Work Study position; please review all the available positions on our Federal Work Study positions page in the menu to the left.
How do I receive a Federal Work Study position?
Students will not be pre-packaged with Federal Work Study, even though the student might have selected they are interested in Federal Work Study. To apply for a work study position:
- Review the available positions on the FWS website.
- Contact the UNMC Financial Aid Office to determine your FWS eligibility.
- Contact the supervisor that is listed on the position of interest.
- Request an interview with the hiring department.
- Advise the hiring department of your availability to work per week and/or per semester.
- The hiring department will work with the student, financial aid and UNMC payroll to complete the hiring contract that includes your salary and hours.
How will the student be paid?
- Student will earn an hourly wage set by the hiring department.
- Student is paid bi-weekly.
- Student must use Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for salary payment (automatically deposits the bi-weekly earnings into checking or savings account).
- Student will receive a bi-weekly pay stub with the details of the amount received and any taxes withheld. Student will also receive a 1098T each year from the University Of Nebraska Board Of Regents which details all scholarship and federal work study earnings. Student is exempt from benefits.
Is there a difference between a Federal Work Study student and a student worker?
- Federal Work Study positions are funded by the U.S. Department of Education (75%) and the hiring department (25%)
- Student Worker positions are funded 100% by the hiring department (this is not determined through the UNMC Financial Aid Office)
Is it possible to become ineligible while I'm working?
Since Federal Work Study is based on your calculated financial need, the Financial Aid Office will monitor your eligibility to ensure you do not exceed your maximum award. Circumstances such as late scholarship awards, changes to your cost of attendance due to reduced enrollment, and/or falling below half-time status can change your Federal Work Study eligibility. The Financial Aid Office will contact the student if eligibility for Federal Work Study earnings are at risk.