If you have any questions or concerns about FWS, please feel free to contact the FWS Office at FWS@uky.edu.
Federal Work Study
Federal Work-Study (FWS)
Federal Work-Study (FWS) provides students with part-time employment to help meet college costs and, if possible, provide work experience related to their field of study. FWS is federally funded and need-based. Eligibility is determined from information provided on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A variety of FWS positions are available. Virtually every college and department use FWS in some capacity. Positions are available in libraries, laboratories (from anthropology to zoology), student services and academic departments, the Singletary Center, Gatton Student Center and the Johnson Center. Off-campus jobs with local non-profit agencies provide opportunities to work directly with the community.
FWS Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident.
- Show need based on the analysis of the information you submitted on your completed FAFSA.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress (click here for SAP standards).
- Be enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student.
- Not have defaulted on or owe a refund to any aid program.
FAQs for Students
FAQs for Off-Campus Supervisors
FAQs for Supervisors
Resources
How to Apply for FWS
Complete the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and all requested documents as communicated through UK's myUK portal. If eligible, your FWS award will be included in your financial aid package. If you have already accepted Federal Work Study as part of your financial aid package, you can search for jobs here.
Earnings
Earnings through FWS vary with the amount of your FWS award, the pay rate, and the hours you can work. Salaries start at $12.00/hour and range upward according to the position classification, and/or whether the job is on campus or off campus. Most students work ten to twenty hours a week. Employers usually prefer students to work three or more consecutive hours depending on their class schedules. You will receive FWS pay via direct deposit every two weeks according to the number of hours worked, time approved by FWS Supervisor, and submitted to the FWS Office. FWS earnings do not directly credit a student's billing statement for university charges.
Effective Beginning Fall 2023 Hourly Pay Rate Range:
| WORK-STUDY CLASSIFICATION | MIN | MAX |
|---|---|---|
| Student Assistant/Work-Study | 12.00 | 20.00 |
| Library Assistant/Work-Study | 12.00 | 20.00 |
| Research Assistant/Work-Study | 12.00 | 20.00 |
| Tutor/Work-Study | 12.00 | 20.00 |
| Lab Assistant/Work-Study | 12.00 | 20.00 |
| Residence Hall Night Clerk/Work-Study | 12.00 | 20.00 |
| Fabrication Tech/Work-Study | 12.00 | 20.00 |
| Peer Coach/Work-Study | 12.00 | 20.00 |
| America Reads/Work-Study | 15.00 | 20.00 |
| Other/Work-Study | 12.00 | 20.00 |
Student Forms & Guidelines
Community Service Jobs
In addition to on-campus employment, the FWS program also provides community service job opportunities such as "America Reads." "America Reads" is a tutoring program to help elementary school students improve their reading skills. FWS students interested in "America Reads" should contact the College of Education Program Coordinator, 859-257-1961, 107A Taylor Education Building.