The Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program, also known as Work-Study, is a campus-based program; it is managed by the financial aid office of the school. The Work-Study Program follows the regulations created by Congress and guided by the US Department of Education. Other campus-based programs include the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) and the Federal Perkins Loan Program. Like the other two campus-based programs, the Work-Study Program is based on a student’s financial need and the amount of funds the school can provide. Since there are limited funds available, students interested in Work-Study should apply as soon as possible. According to the Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program, undergraduate and graduate students with financial need can work toward financing their educational expenses by taking part-time jobs. Thus, they make money while working in community service at nonprofit organizations or public agencies or at campus in their chosen field of study. Community service Work-Study jobs include working as reading tutors for young kids, mathematics tutors for teens, and more. Work-Study jobs on campus are common and may include working for a professor or for a department. Sometimes, private, for-profit companies agree to provide Work-Study opportunities for students. These jobs are usually closely related to the student’s field of study. Undergraduate students get paid an hourly wage, and graduate students may be paid an hourly wage or a salary. Commissions are not allowed in the Work-Study Program. The school usually pays the student directly on a monthly basis (at minimum). The student may request that payments be sent to his or her bank account, or that the school use the money to cover tuition, room and board, and other expenses. Through the Federal Work-Study Program, government funding helps reduce employer wage costs. Wages are commensurate on the type of duties fulfilled, but they must be equal to or higher than minimum wage. The amount earned cannot go over the total Work-Study amount that is awarded. Before setting your work hours, the financial aid administrator or employer will tabulate the Work-Study award amount, as well as the student’s academic schedule and progress. In order to receive the Federal Work-Study award, students must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which can be done online. The Federal Work-Study Program is part of a bigger financial aid package. To remain in the Work-Study Program, students must re-apply for financial aid every year. The student chooses how to use the earned wages; they are not automatically applied to cover tuition. Students can use the earned wages to pay for tuition, supplies, fees, transportation, and more. Students usually work 20 hours a week. The students are responsible for making the best use of their Work-Study Program. Students are permitted to hold more than one work-study job. There are strict rules and requirements when it comes to Work-Study Programs; therefore, if you think that Work-Study is a type of financial aid that might be beneficial to your education, do your homework and research all that it involves.