What is Federal Work Study?

The Federal Work Study program, FWS, is a campus based federally funded program that helps full-time, Undergraduate students earn financial funding through a part-time work program. These funds can be used to assist students with the costs of postsecondary education. The FWS program is called campus based because it is administered directly by the Office of Financial Aid. How much aid you receive in work study depends on your financial need, on the amount of other aid you have been awarded, and on the availability of funds at the College. Unlike other Federal programs, campus based programs provide a certain amount of funds for each participating school to administer each year. When the money for the FWS program is gone, no additional work study awards can be made for that year. FWS encourages community service and work related to your course of study.

How do I know if I qualify for Federal Work Study?

You must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) in order to be awarded Work Study as early as possible. If you fit the criteria stated above, a Work Study award will be on the award letter you receive from the Office of Financial Aid. If you believe you qualify for FWS and it does not appear on your award letter, please contact the Office of Financial Aid to inquire about being placed on the waitlist.

How does the program work?

The College of Saint Rose provides a number of different types of jobs, both in the institution’s administrative offices as well as the academic departments. The Office of Financial Aid does not place students in a position. Students are to apply, and often times interview; with a supervisor before being hired. The total Work Study award depends on the application date, the level of financial need, and how much FWS money the College has available. The amount you earn cannot exceed your total FWS award. Undergraduate students are paid by the hour at the rate of New York State minimum wage. Unlike a loan program, money is not paid before you earn it. Students work and are then paid bi-weekly for their hours worked, on the same pay schedule as College employees. Students who are awarded Work Study are contacted during the summer with details regarding the hiring process. Required tax forms and copies of requested identification should be prepared prior to the start of the semester.

I have received FWS on my Financial Aid Award Letter. What are my next steps?

• If you wish to participate in the Federal Work Study program, please ACCEPT your Federal Work Study award on your Financial Aid Award letter or by logging into the secure site.  
• Please click here to learn about our new FWS process effective for the 2012-2013 school year.  
• NEW Federal Work Study employees: please click here for step-by-step directions to complete your job search successfully.
• RETURNING Federal Work Study employees: please click here for step-by-step directions to complete your job search successfully.
• If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at (518) 458-5464 or finaid@strose.edu