Financial Aid » Types of Financial Aid » Federal Work-Study

Federal Work-Study

What is Federal Work-Study (FWS)?

The Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program is a need-based federally funded program that offers students an opportunity to gain valuable work experience that will enhance their job skills.

In order to participate in the Federal Work Study (FWS) program, students must:

  1. Receive FWS award as part of their financial aid package;
  2. Be enrolled at least half-time (6 units/credits); and
  3. Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

What types of jobs are available?

A variety of positions are available through the Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program, including:

  • On-campus positions: Jobs located throughout the campus.
  • Off-campus positions: The City University of New York (CUNY) partners with several approved agencies located off campus.
  • Public Service Corps (PSC) positions: Off-campus opportunities affiliated with select city agencies. Please note that PSC payment schedules are administered by the Public Service Corps; students should consult their PSC supervisor with any questions regarding payroll or scheduling.
  • PSC Application
  • PSC America Reads Flyer

All approved Federal Work-Study job descriptions are maintained by the Office of Financial Aid. Job Placement assistance is done through the Office of Financial Aid as part of the Orientation.

All interested students must be approved by the Federal Work-study Coordinator to work.

Federal guidelines prohibit students from working during scheduled class hours. Work hours must be arranged in a way that it does not conflict with class hours.

Federal Work Study Award

A Federal Work Study (FWS) award represents the maximum amount of earning that students are allow to receive in an Academic Year.

 Accepting Your Federal Work-Study Award

Students who have been offered a Federal Work-Study (FWS) award must formally accept the award by completing the steps below:

  1. Log in to CUNYfirst at https://cunyfirst.cuny.edu/
  2. Select the Student Center tile
  3. Click on Financial Aid
  4. Choose Aid Year 2026 (Financial Aid Year 2025–2026)
  5. Select Accept/Decline Awards
  6. On the Award Package page, indicate your decision by accepting or declining Federal Work-Study – Fall/Spring
  7. Click Submit
  8. Select Confirm to finalize your selection

FWS funds are never distributed in a lump sum, nor can be paid for hours not actually worked.

FWS awards are made for, and must be earned in, a specific time period within the Academic Year (Summer/Fall/Spring). Any unearned amount is forfeited and cannot be carried over to the subsequent Aid Year.

  • All new FWS students must attend one (1) mandatory FWS Orientation session – During the FWS Orientation, prospective FWS students will receive overall information about the FWS program (e.g., students’ responsibilities).
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident
  • Must work at a FWS approved on-campus or off-campus worksite
  • Work no more than 20 hours per week.

Effective 2025 – 2026, FWS students will be paid for On Campus a pay rate of $17.00 per hour and Off campus positions a pay rate of $19.00 per hour.

Download the -> 2025 – 2026 Federal Work Study Payroll Schedule

The FWS payroll processing takes place in the Office of Financial Aid on a biweekly basis. Timesheets are submitted every two weeks on the Monday following the end date of the pay period, for the prior fourteen days worked. Students can print the FWS Payroll Schedule for the academic year. Payroll is a deadline-driven process. The FWS Payroll Schedule includes important dates such as the Pay Period (begin and end date), Timesheet Deadline, and Pay Date. Amount of earnings may vary depending on the number of hours worked in a pay period. You may not work beyond your FWS award.

Federal Work-Study Payment Options

FWS checks will be mailed to the student’s address on record (Campus Community). However, student employees may opt to receive their “paycheck” via direct deposit by completing the steps below:

  • Log on to CUNYfirst
  • Student Center
  • CUNY Direct Deposit
  • Click on “Enroll in Direct Deposit”

Access to Paystubs, Compensation History and W2 form

Students may have access to their Paystubs, Compensation History and W2 forms via CUNYfirst:

  • Log on to CUNYfirst
  • Campus Solutions
  • Self Service
  • Payroll and Compensation
  • View W-2/W-2c
  • Select your choice from the sub-menu

All new Federal Work-Study students must attend a mandatory FWS Orientation prior to being placed in a Federal Work-study job.

To be Announced

 * You must attend only one (1) session.

If you attend a Fall FWS Orientation, you do not need to attend another session for Spring.

Please arrive 15 mins early. You will not be allowed in any session if you arrive 10 minutes after the start time. 

Each session is expected to last 30mins.

FWS students must print and submit the following documents to the FWS Office:

FWS earnings are considered taxable income and are treated as any other income when filing tax returns; therefore, FWS employees must also complete and sign the following forms:

In order to comply with the Department of Homeland Security, identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States, FWS students must also complete the I-9 form and provide proper documentation.