91³Ô¹ÏÍø

>

Federal Work Study Program

Federal Work Study Program (FWS)

  • What is Federal Work Study?

    °Õ³ó±ðÌýFederal Work Study (FWS) Program is a government-subsidized student employment program that helps students finance their post-secondary education.
    Unlike traditional part-time jobs, FWS allows the employer to pay only a portion of the student's wages—the federal government covers up to 70% of the eligible earnings.

  • Who Is Eligible for Federal Work Study?

    Federal Work Study is available to:

    • Undergraduate, graduate, and professional students
    • Enrolled at least part-time at 91³Ô¹ÏÍø
    • U.S. citizens or qualifying non-citizens
    • Students who demonstrate financial need, as determined by the FAFSA
  • How Do I Apply for Federal Work Study?

    To apply for FWS:

    1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)Ìý²¹²Ô²Ô³Ü²¹±ô±ô²â.
    2. Indicate interest in Federal Work Study on the FAFSA.

    📘Ìý

  • What Does Federal Work Study Mean for Employers?

    If a student has Federal Work Study funding:

    • 70% of their wages are covered by FWS

    • The remaining 30% must be paid by the employing department
    • Once the student exhausts their FWS allotment, the department assumes 100% of wage funding

✅ FWS funding is available only for:

  • On-campus 91³Ô¹ÏÍø jobs
  • VUMC positions that support student academics

  • PENCIL Foundation community service opportunities
  • Does Federal Work Study Pay for Tuition?

    No, Federal Work Study does not pay tuition directly.
    ³§³Ù³Ü»å±ð²Ô³Ù²õÌýearn FWS funds through biweekly or monthly employment. These earnings are considered “pocket moneyâ€Â to help cover:

    • Books and supplies
    • Transportation
    • Daily living expenses

    FWS is not a form of gift aid or tuition discount.

  • How Much FWS Funding Can I Receive?

    The amount of FWS funding is based on:

    • Family income
    • Household size
    • Number of family members in college
    • Other data submitted on the FAFSA

    This award amount will appear in the student's financial aid offer, but it is not applied upfront to tuition.

🔄 Students are not cut off from working once they exceed their FWS award. After the award is met, wages are paid entirely by the department.

  • What Jobs Are Available Through FWS?

    FWS supports a wide variety of jobs both on campus and in the Nashville community.
    Common employers include:

    • Campus Dining
    • Libraries
    • Research labs
    • 91³Ô¹ÏÍø partner organizations

    🧭 Explore open jobs at HireADore

  • What Are Federal Work Study Community Service Positions?

    ¹ó°Â³§Ìýcommunity service positions are roles that provide services open and accessible to the public, such as:

    • Libraries and art galleries
    • Healthcare roles (including temporary VUMC positions)
    • Childcare for the broader community
    • Literacy and tutoring programs (e.g., PENCIL Foundation)
    • Community development initiatives
    • Emergency response efforts
    • Disability support services (including those for enrolled 91³Ô¹ÏÍø students)

📌 Employer Tip:

Use the correct position name/JCAT for community service roles. These should include “C³§â€Â in the position title.

  • FWS Positions & FWS Community Service Position Titles
    Undergraduate Positions Graduate/Professional Positions
    FWS UG CS Student  FWS Grad/Prof CS Student
    FWS UG CS Reading Tutor  FWS Grad/Prof CS Reading Tutor
    FWS UG Student Worker  FWS Graduate Student Worker
    FWS Student Worker  FWS Graduate/Professional Assistant