Federal Work Study Information for Employers

What is Federal Work Study (FWS)?

Federal Work Study is a form of financial aid that provides funding for certain on and off-campus jobs, both in-person and remote. It allows students to earn money to help pay education expenses, potentially reducing their need for loans. The FWS program is designed so that the FWS funds and the student's qualified employer share in paying the student's wages.

How much money can be paid per student for Federal Work Study?

Students can be awarded up to $3500 in Federal Work Study funds per academic year (August through May) based off available need. The hourly wages are split 75% (Federal Work Study)/25% (Employer) or 100% (Federal Work Study)/0% (Employer) for reading/math tutors. This amount is per student. Purdue directly pays students, and the employer gets billed 25% of the wages in addition to any overage costs at the end of the academic year.

Who is eligible to hire Federal Work Study students?

Nonprofits, public schools, federal/state/local agencies, and Purdue University are eligible to hire Federal Work Study students. For on campus opportunities, contact workstudy@purdue.edu for more information. For off campus opportunities, contact askcco@purdue.edu for more information. Additionally, see next steps below for anyone interested in hiring Purdue Federal Work Study students. 

How can I hire Federal Work Study students?

  1. The first step is to contact Purdue's bursar's office at workstudy@purdue.edu or (765) 494-5373 to check eligibility and complete an employer contract (off-campus employers only). Contracts will be available in July 2024 and will need to be renewed annually.
  2. Next, you will post all available jobs.
  3. Interview and hire eligible students. You must complete a payroll authorization form (PAF) for each student hired. For more information about the PAF, contact Purdue's bursar's office at workstudy@purdue.edu

What are the benefits for employers participating in the Federal Work Study program?

  • Cost-Effective Labor: FWS allows employers to hire students at a subsidized rate, with the federal government covering a portion of the student's wages. This can make it more affordable for employers to hire additional staff or to provide job opportunities they might not otherwise offer.
  • Access to Talent Pool: Many FWS participants are college students who are motivated, eager to learn, and looking to gain work experience in their field of study. Employers can tap into this pool of talent to find potential future employees who are already familiar with their organization and its operations.
  • Flexible Scheduling: FWS regulations often allow for flexible scheduling, which can be advantageous for employers, especially in industries with fluctuating workloads or seasonal demands. This flexibility can help ensure that staffing needs are met without incurring excessive overtime costs.
  • Diverse Perspectives: FWS participants come from diverse backgrounds and bring unique perspectives to the workplace. Employers can benefit from this diversity by gaining fresh insights and innovative ideas that may not have been considered otherwise.
  • Community Engagement: Participating in the FWS program allows employers to contribute to the community by providing valuable work opportunities to students who might not otherwise be able to afford college or gain relevant work experience.