Federal Work-Study

Students who qualify for need-based financial aid at WashU and are offered Federal Work-Study as part of their financial aid are eligible to participate in the Federal Work-Study program. Eligible students are given the opportunity to work part-time jobs on campus during the academic year.

The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program is an important part of our need-based financial aid offers. Through FWS, eligible students are given the opportunity to work part-time jobs on campus during the academic year.

Students who are not eligible for FWS may still work on campus. See Part-Time Employment for more information.

International students should consult with the Office for International Students & Scholars before applying for employment.

Student employment information

Whether you are a research assistant or a peer tutor, you’ll grow both personally and professionally from student employment opportunities. You’ll have experiences and connections needed to be successful when you are looking for a career after graduation. 

Students typically work about 6-10 hours per week for many of the campus employers who participate in the FWS program. Students will only be paid for the hours they work.

To be able to start working and receive a paycheck, federal law requires every employee to complete a Form I-9: Employment Eligibility Verification. When you meet with your employer for the first time, you must show documentation to verify your identity and authorization to work. Photocopies are not acceptable. Find out what Form I-9 acceptable documents to bring with you. 

Payroll and compensation

You and your employer will agree on the number of hours you’ll work each week. Compensation for FWS positions is at least the minimum wage. Your employer will inform you of the hourly pay for your position before you begin.

FWS positions are classified as temporary employees and don’t receive fringe benefits such as vacation, sick pay, or holiday pay.

Taxable earnings

FWS earnings are taxable. Depending on your filing status, a standard earnings threshold is in place up to which no taxes are withheld. For earnings above this threshold, federal and state income taxes are withheld. However, as long as you’re enrolled as a student and working on-campus, you’ll be exempt from paying the Social Security (FICA and Medicare) taxes.

Part-time employment and Handshake

Part-time employment not funded by the FWS program is also available. Any student may apply for part-time employment on campus.

Sample jobs

Eligible WashU students enjoy a wide variety of part-time employment opportunities both on and off campus through the university’s Federal Work-Study program.

Opportunities vary from year to year. Examples of past student employment include:

• Laboratory assistant in the Biomedical Engineering department
• Office assistant in University Advancement
• Reading tutor for America Reads
• Assistant web developer in Arts & Sciences Computing
• Sales associate in Bear Necessities
• Library desk assistant in the Law Library
• Greenhouse assistant in the Biology department
• Student graphic designer for the Harvey Media Center
• Prison education project intern for CAPS
• A/V assistant for The Teaching Center
• Digital content intern in University Marketing & Communications
• Research and data analyst assistant in Olin Library
• River protection organizer intern in the Environment Studies department
• Museum assistant in the Kemper Art Museum
• Marketing and communications assistant in the Department of Civic & Community Engagement
• as well as numerous opportunities in the WashU School of Medicine

Employer information

Hiring students

Hiring qualified students for work-study jobs is more affordable than ever. The U.S. Department of Education has historically covered 60 – 70 percent of a student’s pay—the university department pays the rest.

If you are looking for a part-time student employee, visit the Workday Student Workers page to start the process. A WashU Key is required.

• The time period a student may earn from the FWS grant fund is 08/26/2025 – 05/07/2026
• FWS Award Amounts will be loaded into Workday on or before 08/25/2025 for 2025–2026 Academic Year
• Federal Work-Study Fund Number for FY25 is: AW00013007 / GR0034286
• It is a 70/30 split this year 70% to the FWS grant and 30% Department
• Students can have more than one position in Workday and can have both non-FWS and FWS positions at the same time

Contact workstudy@wustl.edu for more information about the Federal Work-Study program.