The Federal Work Study Program (FWS) allows students who demonstrate financial need to obtain an on-campus job to help cover their education expenses. The amount of the award will depend on when you apply, your level of financial need, and availability of funds. The Office of Student Financial Aid will notify you of your eligibility for the academic school year (Fall through Spring semesters).
To apply for Federal Work Study, a student first must meet the following general eligibility requirements:
- U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Have received a high school diploma, GED or pass the Ability to Benefit Test
- Not be in default on a Federal student loan
Students who are interested in applying for Federal Work Study must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, FAFSA. Be sure to indicate “YES” when asked, “Are you interested in work-study?”
The benefits of applying for Federal Work Study:
Convenience- Applying for FWS allows you the opportunity to work on campus as a student aide.
Flexibility-Student aides may only work up to 20 hours per week, thereby allowing
for students to adjust their work schedule around their class schedule.
Financial Aid Benefit-When applying for financial aid in the upcoming year, FAFSA does not
include your FWS earnings in determining your financial aid
eligibility. This could possibly increase your financial aid
eligibility. NOTE: Your FWS earnings are still reported as income when
filing your Federal and State Tax returns.
If you filed the FAFSA online the Office of Student Financial Aid should receive your results within 7 to 10 days. If you mailed in the FAFSA, it may take three weeks for the Office of Student Financial Aid to receive your results.
After our office receives your results electronically, an e-mail will be sent to your COD e-mail address to request additional information based on your results, which may include, but is not limited to: College of DuPage Data Confirmation Sheet and copies of tax and W-2 Information. Our office will send out three requests for additional information, after which you will no longer receive notices for missing information. It is your responsibility to check your COD e-mail account regularly!
Your financial aid specialist may take 6 to 8 weeks to process your file after all required documents are submitted. Processing time may vary depending on volume of application and/or corrections. It is strongly suggested that students apply at least 10 weeks before the start of the semester.
Notification of your award:
ou will receive notification that your financial aid award has been determined via your COD e-mail address. Your complete Financial Aid Award Letter will be accessible in your myACCESS.
Applying for an FWS position:
After receiving your award letter you may then contact the Human Resources Office for current student aide job postings. Be sure to notify the Human Resources Office that you are a FWS student. Please note: as a FWS student you are required to enroll for at least 6 credit hours each semester and be in compliance with the Minimum Academic Requirements for Financial Aid Policy.