>

Federal Work Study Program

Quick Links

Federal Work Study Program (FWS)

  • What is Federal Work Study?

    The Federal Work Study (FWS) Program is a government-subsidized student employment program that helps students finance their post-secondary education.
    Unlike traditional part-time jobs, FWS allows the employer to pay only a portion of the student's wages—the federal government covers up to 70% of the eligible earnings.

  • Who Is Eligible for Federal Work Study?

    Federal Work Study is available to:

    • Undergraduate, graduate, and professional students
    • Enrolled at least part-time at Vanderbilt University
    • U.S. citizens or qualifying non-citizens
    • Students who demonstrate financial need, as determined by the FAFSA
  • How Do I Apply for Federal Work Study?

    To apply for FWS:

    1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually.
    2. Indicate interest in Federal Work Study on the FAFSA.

    📘 Start Your FAFSA Application

  • What Does Federal Work Study Mean for Employers?

    If a student has Federal Work Study funding:

    • 70% of their wages are covered by FWS

    • The remaining 30% must be paid by the employing department
    • Once the student exhausts their FWS allotment, the department assumes 100% of wage funding

✅ FWS funding is available only for:

  • On-campus Vanderbilt jobs
  • VUMC positions that support student academics

  • PENCIL Foundation community service opportunities
  • Does Federal Work Study Pay for Tuition?

    No, Federal Work Study does not pay tuition directly.
    Students earn FWS funds through biweekly or monthly employment. These earnings are considered “pocket money” to help cover:

    • Books and supplies
    • Transportation
    • Daily living expenses

    FWS is not a form of gift aid or tuition discount.

  • How Much FWS Funding Can I Receive?

    The amount of FWS funding is based on:

    • Family income
    • Household size
    • Number of family members in college
    • Other data submitted on the FAFSA

    This award amount will appear in the student's financial aid offer, but it is not applied upfront to tuition.

🔄 Students are not cut off from working once they exceed their FWS award. After the award is met, wages are paid entirely by the department.

  • What Jobs Are Available Through FWS?

    FWS supports a wide variety of jobs both on campus and in the Nashville community.
    Common employers include:

    • Campus Dining
    • Libraries
    • Research labs
    • Vanderbilt partner organizations

    🧭 Explore open jobs at HireADore

  • What Are Federal Work Study Community Service Positions?

    FWS community service positions are roles that provide services open and accessible to the public, such as:

    • Libraries and art galleries
    • Healthcare roles (including temporary VUMC positions)
    • Childcare for the broader community
    • Literacy and tutoring programs (e.g., PENCIL Foundation)
    • Community development initiatives
    • Emergency response efforts
    • Disability support services (including those for enrolled Vanderbilt students)

📌 Employer Tip:

Use the correct position name/JCAT for community service roles. These should include “CS” in the position title.

  • FWS Positions & FWS Community Service Position Titles
    Undergraduate Positions Graduate/Professional Positions
    FWS UG CS Student  FWS Grad/Prof CS Student
    FWS UG CS Reading Tutor  FWS Grad/Prof CS Reading Tutor
    FWS UG Student Worker  FWS Graduate Student Worker
    FWS Student Worker  FWS Graduate/Professional Assistant