Federal Work Study

Walden is the first online university to participate in this U.S. Department of Education program.

Federal Work-Study (FWS) provides

• Subsidized part-time employment for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need
• An opportunity to earn money to help cover educational expenses, such as tuition, books, and transportation to residencies
• Positions that complement your educational program or career goals, when possible

The Office of Financial Aid selects as many participants for this program as funding allows

Eligibility

To be eligible for work-study employment you must be

• In good academic standing
• Enrolled at least half-time or accepted for enrollment

Priority is given to students with financial need who are enrolled in a degree-granting program.

Applying

Complete the appropriate FAFSA or the Renewal FAFSA by July 1.

• Check the appropriate box on the FAFSA to indicate your interest in Federal Work Study.

Note: Students who were awarded FWS previously will not automatically be awarded the next year. Students must apply each financial aid award year. 

Awards

Based on federal regulations and confidential information about the your financial status, Walden’s Office of Financial Aid determines your eligibility for the FWS program.

If you are awarded FWS, it will appear on your financial aid award letter. The amount listed in your aid package is the allotment of money that you may earn during the academic year. FWS awards are not credited to student accounts.

Because federal regulations prohibit students employed through FWS from receiving more financial aid than the amount allowed by their documented need, the Office of Financial Aid must sometimes revise awards for students who receive additional resources.

You will have 10 days to contact the Office of Financial Aid to accept or decline the work-study award. Because the Office of Financial Aid was not allocated enough funds for all eligible students, FWS funds are disbursed on a first-come, first-serve basis and to those with the lowest expected family contribution. Unclaimed FWS awards are canceled after 10 days and awarded to other students.

Your award letter will explain how to apply for available positions. You should apply for available positions during the first four weeks of each term.

Representatives from departments with work-study positions will contact you to arrange an interview. If hired, you will be notified by the Office of Financial Aid with instructions to provide payroll information (e.g., Form I-9, W-4, Social Security card, and notarized copy of passport).

You may be selected for verification by the U.S. Department of Education. Verification is a review process that verifies the accuracy of information reported on your FAFSA. The verification process applies to all types of Title IV (financial aid) funding. If you are selected for verification, you cannot be employed through the FWS program until the process has been completed. If you are contingently admitted, you will not be offered FWS until you have a cleared your contingent status.

If FWS is not listed on your award letter, then you were not awarded FWS. You may inquire at the Office of Financial Aid to see if additional funds are available. Email finaid@waldenu.edu or call 1-800-444-6795.

Job Descriptions

All Federal Work-Study positions have a job description that includes the following

• The name and address of the student employer (department)
• The purpose of the student job
• The student duties and responsibilities
• Job qualifications
• Pay rate or salary range
• The length of the employment (start and end dates)
• Supervisor’s name

The job description provides the work-study student with the responsibilities of the position under the FWS program. This will help you, the financial aid administrator, and your supervisor manage and monitor the number of hours worked. The job description will provide a written record between you and your employer to avoid miscommunication of job duties and functions.

Work Hours and Pay

It is strongly recommended that you work only 20 hours per week. This may vary depending upon your employer’s requirements; however, working more hours will rapidly deplete your work-study award. The Office of Financial Aid will help you calculate how long the award will last, based on the hours worked per week and wage rate.

You will be paid an hourly wage or a salary. Wages vary depending on the type of work and the skills required. The total FWS award depends on when you apply, your level of need, and the funding level at Walden.

The university offers a limited number of jobs. You can choose your own jobs; however, you must apply and interview directly with the employer. The pay rate ranges from $5.15/hr. to $15/hr.

Tracking Your Award

You should keep a record of the hours worked in Federal Work-Study and monitor your earnings and thus avoid over-awards. When your FWS funds reach their trigger level or $500, you must notify your employer and contact the Office of Financial Aid Office to determine if additional Federal Work-Study funds can be sought. Additional funds are not always available.

You cannot earn more than your total FWS award unless your employer decides to pay the full cost of your wages from his or her budget.

Policies and Procedures for Student Workers

It is your responsibility to follow policies and procedures of the university’s work-study program. You will be expected to perform all duties of your job description and project a positive image of the university.

As a student worker, you must

• Perform job responsibilities in a satisfactory manner
• Report to work on time and as scheduled
• Contact your supervisor and the Office of Financial Aid if you are going to be late or absent
• Maintain a professional attitude at all times
• Exercise courtesy, tact, and good judgment in the performance of job duties
• Respect co-workers, staff, and faculty
• Understand the sensitive nature of confidential information and records of the university
• Comply with all program policies and guidelines as required

As a student worker, you have the right to

• Be informed of your award amount, rate of pay, and number of work hours
• Be evaluated for your job duties and performance
• Request an appraisal of your work
• Communicate any job-related concerns to your supervisor first and then to the Office of Financial Aid
• Request job reassignment if the circumstances are warranted
• Be issued a payroll check for work that was complete and reported according to student employment guidelines
• Receive a job description of expectation and required duties
• Receive adequate training to perform assigned tasks

Coordination of Program Activities

The Office of Financial Aid

• Authorizes student employment
• Sets salary requirements
• Develops and implements record keeping for program participants
• Monitors time sheet reports
• Authorizes payroll payment to students

Resources

• Frequently asked questions about Federal Work-Study
• Confidentiality Agreement (pdf)
• Eligibility for federal aid
• Applying for federal aid
• Federal financial aid FAQ

Financial aid staff are available to help you. Email finaid@waldenu.edu or call 1-800-WALDENU (1-800-925-3368) and follow the prompts for financial services.