Federal Work-Study Program
The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program provides part-time employment to undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay for education expenses while gaining valuable work experience.
Award Amount
$2,000–$7,000
per year
Deadline
Varies by school
application due
GPA Required
None
minimum
Field of Study
Any
eligible majors
Eligibility Checker
Enter your information below to check if you meet the basic eligibility criteria for the Federal Work-Study Program.
Requirements Checklist
Track your progress — check off requirements as you complete them.
0/4 completeApplication Tips
Apply early — funding is limited
Jobs often relate to your course of study
Earnings are paid directly to you
Community service positions available
Scholarship Value Calculator
Annual Value
$7,000
per year
4-Year Total Value
$28,000
if renewed each year
Loan Interest Saved
$9,800
at 6.5% over 10 years
Pro tip: Every dollar in scholarship funding saves roughly $1.35 compared to borrowing the same amount through student loans at 6.5% interest over a 10-year repayment period.
Eligibility Details
| Eligibility | Students with demonstrated financial need enrolled at participating institutions |
| Demographics | All students |
| Field of Study | Any |
| Type | federal |
| Renewable | Yes — renewable annually |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Federal Work-Study Program worth?
The Federal Work-Study Program provides $2,000 to $7,000 per year. It is renewable, meaning you can receive it for up to 4 years of study, totaling up to $28,000.
What GPA do I need for the Federal Work-Study Program?
The Federal Work-Study Program does not have a strict GPA requirement. However, maintaining good academic standing is generally expected.
When is the Federal Work-Study Program deadline?
The application deadline for the Federal Work-Study Program is Varies by school. We recommend starting your application at least one month before the deadline to ensure all materials are complete and submitted on time.
Who is eligible for the Federal Work-Study Program?
Students with demonstrated financial need enrolled at participating institutions. The scholarship is categorized under Federal and is available to all students.
Is the Federal Work-Study Program renewable?
Yes, the Federal Work-Study Program is renewable. You can receive it each year as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements, including maintaining the required GPA and enrollment status.
How do I apply for the Federal Work-Study Program?
To apply for the Federal Work-Study Program, you will need to meet the eligibility requirements and submit the required application materials, which typically include: Complete FAFSA, Demonstrate financial need, Maintain satisfactory academic progress, Work part-time while enrolled. Visit the official application portal for complete instructions.
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Methodology & Scholarship Data Sources
How we compile Federal Work-Study Program scholarship data: Our scholarship database integrates official data from federal financial aid sources, higher education research, and direct program documentation. Scholarship terms, amounts, and deadlines are verified against official program websites.
- Scholarship award data verified against official program documentation and Federal Student Aid scholarship guidance.
- Eligibility requirements cross-referenced with NCES Digest of Education Statistics for GPA distributions and enrollment data by institution type.
- Financial need assessment methodology aligned with Federal Student Aid aid calculation (SAI under FAFSA Simplification Act 2024).
- Award maximization strategy based on College Scorecard data on average institutional grant aid and net price by family income bracket.
- Tax implications of scholarship awards referenced from IRS Tax Topic 421 — Scholarships, Fellowship Grants and Other Education Grants.
Authoritative scholarship and financial aid sources:
- Federal Student Aid (StudentAid.gov) — official FAFSA, grants, and loan information
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — net price and aid data by institution
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — institutional financial aid statistics
- IRS Topic 421 — Scholarship Tax Rules — taxability of scholarship awards
- Federal Student Aid — Scholarship Resources — avoiding scholarship scams
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — enrollment and aid distribution data
Scholarship Disclaimer: Scholarship terms, amounts, deadlines, and eligibility requirements change annually. Always verify current program details directly with the awarding organization before applying. Award amounts shown reflect typical annual figures; actual awards may vary. This tool is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee scholarship eligibility or award.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · Verified against official program sources and Federal Student Aid data
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