Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a federally funded financial aid employment program. To be eligible, you must be an undergraduate, full-time (at least 12 hours), degree seeking student. Eligibility is based on need as determine by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the availability of funds at the time of awarding. FWS funds are limited and are awarded to the extent that funding permits.
Students are awarded FWS funds, which must be earned through part-time employment, as part of their financial aid award and are notified of their allocation through their OnePort account. Student employees can hold one or more jobs on campus. Per the Student Employment Policy, student employees are capped at a maximum of 20 work hours (inclusive of all jobs secured on-campus) per week during the academic semesters.
A FWS Award does not guarantee job placement. It is the student’s responsibility to apply and secure federal work-study employment.
A wide variety of jobs are available through the FWS program, and an effort is made to place students in positions that will utilize their skills and interests. The university also offers a limited number of off-campus positions with local nonprofit agencies as part of our Community Service Learning Program. These positions are designed to give the FWS student a broader work experience while improving the quality of life for community residents.
Federal Work-Study Application Requirements
- Required Forms: FAFSA
- Priority Deadline: March 1
- Who Awards the Funds: UNC Asheville Office of Financial Aid
- Annual Maximum Amount: $2,700
- Need-based and Requires FAFSA: Yes
- Additional Award Criteria: Maintain Satisfactory progress
- Minimum Credit Hours For Disbursement per Term: 12
- Renewal Criteria: Complete the FAFSA each year