Work Study

Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a federally funded, campus-based program that allows students to earn money through part-time employment on campus or at an eligible public or nonprofit organization. FWS earnings can help with educational expenses. The program can also support professional development through work experience.

To be considered for FWS, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can access the FAFSA online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.

If you are not awarded FWS and would like to be added to the waitlist (based on the availability of additional funding), please email financialaidoffice@law.cuny.edu with your full name, email address, and EMPL ID. Please note that being added to the waitlist does not guarantee that you will receive an FWS award.

Students may be employed by:

  • The institution itself.
  • A national, state, or local public agency.
  • A private nonprofit organization.
  • A private for-profit organization.

On Campus

On-campus placements may be in an academic department, an administrative office, or with a faculty member. Students who accept their FWS award will receive an email with available job opportunities and instructions for applying.

Some work-study opportunities are off campus through organizations that have an agreement with CUNY to hire FWS students. These organizations are located throughout the five boroughs. Starting pay varies depending on the position.

Off Campus

Students may choose which position to pursue and which offer to accept. Choose the position that best fits your schedule and interests, as that will be your placement site for the full placement period, as long as you continue to meet all FWS Program requirements. Once you are approved for hire, you and your work-study supervisor will receive an approval notification by email from the work-study coordinator. You may begin working after you receive that approval email.

If you have questions about your Federal Work-Study job, contact the Office of Financial Aid at financialaidoffice@law.cuny.edu.

FWS Program Guidelines

  • You must be placed (hired) in an FWS position before you can work and be paid.
  • You must be enrolled, in good academic standing, and not in default on student loans.
  • You must be enrolled in at least six (6) credits during the semester(s) in which you are working.
    This requirement applies to the Fall and Spring semesters. Summer enrollment is optional for students working during the Summer. However, to work during the Summer, students must be registered for six (6) credits in the Fall.
  • You must have a valid Social Security number.
  • To apply for a Federal Work-Study position, email the Office of Financial Aid at financialaidoffice@law.cuny.edu.
  • If you are interested in working off campus, email financialaidoffice@law.cuny.edu for more information.
  • Students and supervisors are responsible for monitoring total hours worked.
  • Scholarships may affect your FWS award. If you receive scholarships during the academic year, inform the Office of Financial Aid of the scholarship amount(s) and the term(s) awarded.
  • Per program guidelines, you must be a United States citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
  • You must have a current FAFSA on file.
  • You must submit additional documents listed in CUNYfirst “To-Do List Items,” if required.
  • By signing the FAFSA, you certify that you will use federal student aid funds only for educational purposes.
  • By signing the FAFSA, you certify that you are not in default on any federal student loan and do not owe a repayment of any federal student aid grant.

Rollovers

If you do not earn the full award amount during the Summer semester, you may be able to work during the same academic year’s Fall semester, intersession (the time between the Fall and Spring semesters), or the Spring semester, as long as you meet the following conditions:

  • You have remaining FWS funds.
  • You are enrolled in at least six (6) credits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Public Service Corps?

Public Service Corps (PSC) is a paid internship that uses your Federal Work-Study award. PSC offers students opportunities to serve their communities, build professional skills, and learn about careers in the public sector.

A PSC internship connects community service experience with academic learning, personal growth, and civic responsibility. Starting pay varies, and PSC has a separate agreement. If you are interested, submit your resume and application to financialaidoffice@law.cuny.edu.

How much money can I earn through the FWS Program?

You can earn up to a fixed maximum amount for the academic year. The average Federal Work-Study offer is $3,000 for the academic year. The amount you earn depends on your financial need, your work hours, and funding availability. You must stop working once you reach your maximum award.

Do I have to stop working if I withdraw from school?

Yes. If you leave school for any reason, you are no longer eligible for FWS and must stop working.

If I participate in the FWS Program this year, is it guaranteed that I will get an FWS offer next year?

No. Participating in the FWS Program does not guarantee an award for the next academic year.

You must apply each year by completing the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for FWS funds.

How do I enroll in Direct Deposit?

Visit https://www.cuny.edu/financial-aid/tuition-and-college-costs/refunds/direct-deposit/ for instructions on how to enroll in Direct Deposit through CUNYfirst.

When will I be paid?

Each payroll period is two weeks.

You must submit all timesheets by the deadline dates listed on the payroll schedule to receive payment on time. Late timesheets are paid in the next payroll cycle.

Note: You may submit your timesheet before the due date once you have completed your hours for the pay period. Supervisors must approve timesheets by the deadline listed on the payroll schedule.

Do I have to complete a Work Study Contract?

Yes. The FWS student/employer contract is a formal agreement between you and your employer that outlines the terms and conditions of your employment. Review this document carefully so you understand your rights and responsibilities.

Your supervisor will sign the contract and other required documents once they agree to hire you. Read the agreement, sign the student section, and return all forms to the Office of Financial Aid. You can begin working after you are approved. A timesheet can only be processed for payment if it is completed correctly.

The contract includes your name, CUNYfirst EMPL ID, address, and telephone number. It also lists the supervisor’s name and the job site location. The award amount, hourly rate of pay, and the total hours needed to earn the award are also included. Review the agreement before collecting signatures to make sure all information is correct.

How do I access my FWS W-2s?

Payroll self-service features to access your FWS W-2s are available in your CUNYfirst account.

For students who participated in the FWS program for the 2025-2026 academic year:

  • Payroll self-service features are available in Campus Solutions and Human Capital Management on CUNYfirst by following the navigation below:
    • Campus Solutions >> Self-Service >> Payroll and Compensation, or
    • Human Capital Management >> Self-Service >> Payroll and Compensation

For students who did not participate in the FWS program for the 2025-2026 academic year, or who participated in a prior year:

  • Payroll self-service features can only be accessed from Campus Solutions using the navigation below:
    • Campus Solutions >> Self-Service >> Payroll and Compensation

Are FWS earnings taxable?

Yes. FWS earnings are considered taxable income by federal and state governments. However, when completing the FAFSA, FWS earnings are not included in calculating your eligibility for federal financial aid.

Why do I have to fill out an I-9?

Under federal law, before you begin an FWS employment assignment, we must verify the identity and work eligibility of all new hires. You must complete an I-9 form and present certain unexpired documents before you start work.

You may only participate in the on-campus FWS Program once you have filed an I-9 form with the Office of Financial Aid. If you work off campus, you will file your I-9 with your employer. You can print a copy of the I-9 form at the link below:
https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-9-paper-version.pdf

Do I have to pay FICA Tax?

Students are required to pay FICA tax (7.65%) on FWS earnings under any of the following conditions:

  • During the Summer, if enrolled for fewer than six (6) credits
  • During the intersession (winter) period
  • If you work at an off-campus job site

If you have questions about your Federal Work-Study job, contact the Office of Financial Aid at financialaidoffice@law.cuny.edu.

Should I retain copies of my FWS placement and payroll documents?

Yes. You may need this information to document your work history and earnings.

Federal Work-Study Forms

Federal Work-Study forms will be made available to students who have been offered FWS and who have accepted and been approved for FWS.