The Federal Work-Study program provides jobs for students with financial need as determined by the FAFSA results. Work-study allows students to earn money to help pay for educational expenses.

The Work-Study program encourages community service work and work related to the student's course of study. Students participating in the program will receive a paycheck for hours worked and are responsible for using the funds to cover their expenses. The average Federal Work-Study award at Western is between $1000 and $1800 per semester.

The priority deadline for Federal Work-Study is March 1st each year.  To be considered, your FAFSA must be complete in the Financial Aid Office no later than this date.

If you are awarded Federal Work-Study, you will receive an Award Notification from the Financial Aid Office with instructions to contact Student Employment to apply for positions.  Students who receive Federal Work-Study awards are not guaranteed positions. The final decision regarding the hiring of a student rests with the prospective supervisor or employer.  During the hiring process, students are afforded equal opportunity without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, or age.

Students may be employed in the Work-Study Program only by approval of the Financial Aid Office, and only if the student continues to have financial need as defined by Federal regulation.

Once hired, work study students must complete, and turn in, the following documents to the Student Employment Office:

Students who are awarded Federal Work-Study are eligible to be employed as reading tutors of elementary-age children through the America Reads Program.

Eligibility for Federal Aid / Return of Title IV Funds / Satisfactory Academic Progress