Federal Work Study (FWS) Program

Federal Work Study provides employment and community service opportunities for students who demonstrate financial need. Eligibility is based on the availability of funding and the student’s financial need, as determined using the results of the FAFSA.

Work Study is not considered part of the student’s financial aid package. Work Study student employees submit timecards, are paid directly through biweekly payroll, and can elect to apply all or part of their earnings to their student account.

Advantages of Work Study student employment:

• Work Study earnings are excluded from the family’s annual income when the student is filing for the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is done to protect a student’s eligibility for financial aid in future years.
• Work Study earnings, while taxable, are exempt from Federal FICA and California SDI tax withholdings (if the student is taking six or more units).
• Work Study student employees can earn over $8,000 per academic year, based on job availability and the student’s level of commitment.

TMU partners with local employers through our Off-Campus Federal Work Study Program. Students who are eligible for the Federal Work Study Program and already working off-campus in the local community are encouraged to reach out to the Office of Student Employment to inquire about contracting your employer as one of the University’s off-site FWS partners.