Federal Work-Study, or FWS, is a form of financial aid for students who demonstrate financial need based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. Therefore, a work-study job is employment you get through your school, usually on-campus, that helps you pay for education expenses. Work-study jobs are often community service-based or relate to your major.
Work-study jobs cater specifically to your class schedule, so work won't interfere with your classes. The number of hours you work depends on your total financial aid award. The amount of money you earn cannot exceed your total FWS award, so your work hours allocate accordingly.
Undergraduates with work-study jobs receive an hourly wage. The pay must be at least equal to the federal minimum wage, but is often higher. Money earned from a FWS job counts as taxable income, but it is not applicable in determining your financial need when you fill out your next FAFSA.
A Non-Federal Work-Study is a work-study job not based on financial need. Like a FWS job, this type of job includes a variety of positions in different fields, flexible hours based on your class schedule and taxable income. Unlike FWS jobs, income from a non-FWS job doesn't adhere to a specific award amount, but uses information from your FAFSA when determining your financial need.