Federal Work-Study

Work on campus or in the community. Federal Work-Study provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to the student’s course of study.

The Financial Aid Office determines earnings limits (e.g. FWS award) and the student will be notified of this limit via their award offer.

You may earn your award in a student employment position with the University of Hawaiʻi and non-profit community services agencies. Opportunities also exist through the FWS America Reads Program, a literacy tutoring initiative administered by UH West Oʻahu Career Services.

Before you decline Federal Work Study funds in your Financial Aid package, contact Career Services about your options.

Eligibility: 

  • Offered and accepted an FWS award for the current academic year/semester by UH West Oʻahu Financial Aid
  • Meet eligibility for part-time student employment

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Federal Work-Study (FWS) is the amount of money you are able to earn up to for the academic year while working on UH West Oʻahu campus
  • Jobs are limited and being awarded work-study does not guarantee a job on campus
  • FWS is not a loan, but simply an amount of money you can earn from working
  • If you do not find a work-study job, the funds will not be paid to you. Not accepting FWS, does not impact your ability to receive aid in the future.
  • Recipients of this award must be enrolled at least half-time (minimum 6-credits) and meet the satisfactory academic progress requirements for financial aid
  • The Financial Aid Office determines earnings limits (e.g. FWS award) and the student will be notified of this limit via their award offer.

Learn more about FWS through the UHWO Financial Aid Office and at studentaid.ed.gov.