Federal Work Study

Federal Work Study Awards and Eligibility

Type Amount Who is Eligible How to Apply
Federal Work Study (FWS) Average for new first-year students $2,500,
Continuing students $3,000
Based on FAFSA results Search for student job with Career Exploration and Development
Graduate Assistantships Varies Based on FAFSA results Contact college department

Federal Work Study (FWS) is a type of self-help aid that must be earned. The FWS award will not be deducted from the student's bill. A student will receive a bi-weekly paycheck based on hours worked.

A student not awarded FWS may search for a university funded student job. To search and apply for a university funded or FWS student job, go to the Career Exploration and Development website.

A student MUST be enrolled at least half-time during fall and/or spring semesters to use FWS.  Undergraduates considered half-time are enrolled 6 or more credit hours.  Graduates considered half-time are enrolled 4 or more credit hours.

A student that has been awarded FWS may view this in the Financial Aid section of their FlashLine account.  After logging into FlashLine:

  1. Choose the Student tab on the left column
  2. Under Finances, click on Financial Aid
  3. Select "Financial Aid Awards"
  4. Choose the appropriate Award Year from the drop-down and click Submit
  5. Click on the Award Overview tab

If you do not see a FWS award listed on FlashLine, that means that you have not been awarded FWS.  If you would like to have your eligibility for FWS reviewed, please complete a Federal Work Study Request Form found on the Forms and Applications page (Kent Campus students).

A student attending a Kent State University regional campus should contact the financial aid office at that campus regarding eligibility for a FWS award.

If a Kent Campus student with a FWS award does not find an on-campus student job within the first six weeks after Fall semester classes begin, the FWS award for that school year may be canceled.