Federal Work Study
Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a federally funded program that provides employment opportunities to students with the highest financial need. Work experience is not required to secure a FWS position.
Students receive their FWS award by working part-time up to 20 hours per week during the Fall and Spring semesters. The amount a student may earn will be listed on the student's award viewable on MyCSULB. The average FWS award is $2,500 per academic year. Students must be enrolled at least half-time to receive this award.
Acceptance of a FWS award does not guarantee placement in an actual position. Placement for FWS positions is limited and cannot be guaranteed; students are encouraged to search for FWS jobs as early as possible in the academic year. To search for a FWS position, students use BeachLINK, CSULB’s Career Development Center webpage. Once logged in to BeachLINK, students may filter the search for FWS positions. Many departments on campus look for a variety of positions including clerical assistants, computer lab technicians, groundskeepers and tutors. Students eligible for FWS will receive email communications letting them know when FWS job postings will be made available on BeachLINK.
FWS paychecks are issued monthly, and hourly rates range from $8.00 to $17.26 an hour depending upon a student's knowledge and experience. FWS wages are subject to state and federal taxes, and the Payroll Office can assist in completing the necessary tax documents.
Students may also work in the community with the America Reads/America Counts Program affiliated with the College of Education’s SERVE program and the Center for Minority Language Education and Research.