Federal Work-Study

Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a type of financial aid that allows students to earn money through part-time employment on the CSULB campus. Students must be enrolled in 6 units and offered Federal Work-Study in their financial aid in order to work under this program.

The intent of the program is to assist students with paying for educational expenses. FWS jobs are available during the Fall and Spring semesters to undergraduate, credential and graduate students who meet federal and institutional eligibility requirements.

We encourage students to review the recording and presentation slides, posted below, for details on the FWS process.

Students

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Complete your FAFSA each academic year by March 2nd
  • Indicate on your FAFSA that you are interested in Federal Work-Study
  • Receive FWS award offer in your financial aid award
  • Enroll in minimum of 6 units per semester
  • Maintain good academic standing according to Satisfactory Academic Progress standards
  • Maintain Office of Financial Aid eligibility criteria

Please note: if you do not earn any of your FWS award during the academic year, the award will not be offered to you in the future.

You can search for available FWS jobs on CareerLINK through your Single Sign On. Each FWS job posting will indicate the job duties and hourly rate of pay, as well as how to apply for the position. You should apply directly with the department who posted the position. If you are selected for an interview, the department will reach out to you directly.

No, you may contact campus departments directly for Federal Work-Study job opportunities.

Reflect on activities you participated in at school, as a volunteer, or during community service. You can include any required skills or work responsibilities used acquired during those activities. Contact the Career Development Center for assistance with your resume.

You will be paid monthly with a pay date of the 15th of each month. You can sign up for direct deposit through the CSULB Payroll department or receive a paper check from your FWS supervisor.

 

This is the maximum amount you can earn from a Federal Work-Study job for the academic year.

You can earn up to your FWS award amount listed in your MyCSULB account. The department that you are working for will set your hourly rate of pay, which will be at minimum the California State minimum wage. You and your supervisor will determine your schedule, up to a maximum of 20 hours per week, during the academic year.

Please note: FWS award amounts are subject to change before and during the school year, depending on your eligibility and other financial aid awards. You and your supervisor will be notified if changes are made to your FWS award.  

The amount of Federal Work-Study funding listed on your financial aid is pre-tax dollars. Contact Human Resources, Payroll Department at 562-985-4164 or at payroll@csulb.edu for details.

Hourly wages are determined by the skills and qualifications for the job and department budget limitations. Discuss the hourly pay rate at the time an offer is made.

Yes, you may sign up at any time, but it will take 1-2 months to go into effect. Sign up on the MyBeach app. Contact Payroll Services at payroll@csulb.edu or 562-985-4164 for details.

Federal Work-Study payroll direct deposit is not the same as direct deposit from financial aid/student accounts. Human Resources will provide you the direct deposit form with your new hire documents. Contact Payroll Services at payroll@csulb.edu or 562-985-4164 for details.

Contact your immediate supervisor for changes to your schedule, time sheet, or any other concerns related to your job.

There is a possibility that additional funding, such as scholarships, can affect your FWS amount. Contact Financial Aid and Scholarships for details.

One of the benefits of Federal Work-Study earnings is that the money you earn will not affect your family income on your FAFSA. Schedule an appointment with our Financial Aid and Scholarship counselors for assistance on how to report earnings on your financial aid application.

No, Veterans Work-Study is different from Federal Work-Study. Contact Veterans Services on campus for more details.

Student Resources

 

Supervisors

Students must:

  • Complete their FAFSA each academic year by March 2nd
  • Indicate on their FAFSA that they are interested in Federal Work-Study
  • Receive FWS award offer in their financial aid award
  • Enroll in minimum of 6 units per semester
  • Maintain good academic standing according to Satisfactory Academic Progress standards
  • Maintain Office of Financial Aid eligibility criteria

Verify with your potential candidates that they are offered a FWS award by requesting a copy of their financial aid awards from their MyCSULB account.

Please note: FWS awards may change at any point during the academic year. If a FWS student’s award changes, the student and employer will be notified via email.

  • Once your Position Request Form is approved through the Office of Financial Aid, you can post your open positions on CareerLINK
    • Contact the Career Development Center for questions on posting your position
  • Interview your potential employees
    • FWS is considered part-time employment at CSULB. The Office of Financial Aid highly encourages employers to conduct interviews with potential candidates to ensure the student is a good fit for the department
  • Once you have selected your employee, contact your ASM for what forms and documentation must be submitted