Financial Aid

Federal Work Study FAQs

How is Federal Work Study awarded?

Federal Work Study (FWS) is awarded based on the federal calculated need of the student and the availability of funds when the student applies. No separate application is required; the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is all that is needed. Federal Work Study is offered on a yearly basis for the fall and following spring terms. Receiving Federal Work Study one year is not a guarantee that you will receive it the following year. The student must complete the FAFSA each year to be considered. Funding for this program is limited, so awards are made on a first-come first-serve basis.

Why wasn't I offered Federal Work Study?

If a student is not awarded FWS on his/her Financial Aid Notification (FAN) letter, it is either because he or she does not meet the Federal Title IV requirements or did not complete the application process before the university allocated all its available FWS funds. Catholic University does offer many positions to student interested in working on-campus that are non-work study. Career Services can provide a listing of non-work study positions as well as assistance in other work related issues.You can contact them by telephone at (202)-319-5623, or visit Office of Career Services for online job listings.

How, when and how much will I be paid?

Undergraduate students receive semi-monthly paychecks as they work. Graduates can be paid hourly or by monthly stipend. Unlike other aid programs that are credit to the student's bill, Federal Work Study does not defer payment of institution charges and should not be used to reduce an outstanding balance.

All jobs available are on campus with the exception of the D.C. Reads Program, which is administered by Campus Ministry, and Community Service performed by the Graduate School of Social Work. Graduate stipend information is available on the Financial Aid "Graduate" web page. The hourly rate ranges from $7.00 to $12.50 per hour, depending on the type of work involved. The majority of on campus jobs start at $7.00 and $9.00 per hour.

Federal Work Study earnings are not exempt from taxation. You must claim Federal Work Study earnings on your federal and state income tax. Federal Work Study earnings are excludable from income on the FAFSA as a Worksheet C adjustment.

How do I find a position?

All questions relating to job offerings, positions availability, wages and hours should be directed to the Office of Career Services. You can contact them by telephone at (202)-319-5623, or visit Office of Career Services for online job listings.

How do I accept a work study offer?

If you want to accept the Federal Work Study (FWS) offer on your Financial Aid Notification letter, just circle the "yes" next to the award and return the school's copy to the Financial Aid Office. You will then be required to complete a Work Study Authorization Form. This form requires the completion and signatures from the hiring department, Human Resources and Career Services. This form will be available beginning with new student orientation for the upcoming academic year. Career Services will be informing all work-study students of the date and time of work study orientation. At the orientation, the Offices of Financial Aid, Human Resources, Payroll, as well as the hiring departments will be available to complete all sections of the Work Study Authorization Form. If the student is not able to attend the orientation session, the Work Study Authorization Forms will be available the next day in the Office of Career Services, which is located in the Pryzbyla University Center.