Federal Work-Study (FWS)

Federal Work-Study (FWS) for Cornell undergraduates is a financial aid need-based program administered through the Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment in 203 Day Hall.

FWS Eligibility and Award Process

To receive FWS you must apply for and receive financial aid through Cornell University. FWS eligibility is based on a student's specific financial situation, so not all financial aid recipients are eligible to receive FWS.

• FWS eligibility will be listed on your Financial Aid Award Letter.
• It is also listed on Bear Access under Just the Facts / Financial Aid / Work-Study
• FWS eligibility can be reduced or canceled at any time due to changes in your eligibility for financial aid.

FWS and loans make up the self-help component of your financial aid package. An FWS award indicates the amount of money you are expected to earn in order to help meet the cost of your Cornell education. The award indicates the total gross wages you are eligible to earn through the FWS program for the award period.

FWS is federal funding and cannot be awarded to foreign national students

Employment Terms

FWS is awarded specifically by employment term (academic year and/or summer).

• Academic Year FWS cannot be used for summer employment and is awarded as part of your academic year financial aid package.
• Summer FWS is awarded either as part of a summer financial aid package (for students taking summer classes), or through the Develop Your Own Summer Internship (DYO) program for continuing students who are not taking summer classes.

How FWS Works and Where It Can Be Used

Employers are interested in students with FWS eligibility because the employer receives a reimbursement for a portion of your wages each pay period, which makes you a more attractive job applicant! Be sure to mention your FWS eligibility to potential employers when applying for jobs.

• On and off-campus with most Cornell University hourly student jobs.
• Off-campus for community service jobs in the local area. Pre-approval* is required.
• Off-campus, with non-profit agencies nationwide. Pre-approval* is required.
• Occasionally for career or academically related jobs in small for-profit agencies. Pre-approval* is required.

*To use FWS eligibility with off-campus jobs, both you and the employer must first complete paperwork to receive approval. Contact Student Employment for more information.

Wages, Taxes and Future Eligibility

The only way you receive FWS "money" is by working in a paid hourly job. When you work at Cornell, you are paid bi-weekly. You report hours worked electronically on COLTS or Kronos, and your supervisor approves those hours. The following week your wages are automatically deposited (Direct Deposit) into your bank account, or you receive a paycheck.

The money is yours to spend. It's up to you to determine how best to use your wages to meet your educational expenses.

Wages earned through the FWS program are considered taxable income. State and federal taxes are withheld based on your personal tax withholding information. FICA tax is not withheld when you are registered full-time during the academic year, but it is withheld during the summer when you are not taking classes.

IMPORTANT NOTE: FWS eligibility can be reduced or canceled at any time during the academic year due to changes in your financial aid package. Additionally, changes in your family's financial situation may affect your FWS eligibility from year to year.

Questions?

The staff in the Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment is available to assist you with employment questions and job search issues. Contact us at: