Federal Work-Study (FWS)
Students eligible for need-based financial aid programs can participate in Federal Work-Study (FWS). Assistance is federal aid earned through part-time employment on-campus or off-campus.
If you satisfy the eligibility requirements, FWS will be one of the various types of financial assistance for which you will be considered.
Work opportunities are available at many UNO locations. Federal Work-Study is awarded as part of your financial aid package and is not a guarantee for employment. In order to activate your FWS award, you still need to apply and be hired in an FWS job.
Students are paid at least a minimum wage and FWS earnings are paid every two weeks. The Office of Student Employment Services has a complete listing of FWS opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Federal Work Study?
What is a work-study student?
How am I awarded Federal Work Study?
Does my Federal Work Study award on MavLINK pay out to me in advance?
What are some advantages of choosing a work-study position?
How many hours can a student work?
How much will a student earn?
How do I apply for a Federal Work Study job?
What is Federal Work Study?
Federal Work Study is a program that provides job opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay educational expenses. Students who accept Federal Work Study are not guaranteed a job. The program encourages community service work and work related to your course of study.
Hundreds of UNO students take advantage of the work-study program to earn extra money for educational expenses.
What is a work-study student?
A work-study student is a temporary part-time hourly worker, enrolled for at least one credit hour, whose primary purpose for being at the university is the achievement of an education. The individual's employment is temporary and secondary to the pursuit of a degree.
How am I awarded Federal Work Study?
When you complete the FAFSA, if you answered Yes to the question "Are you interested in being considered for work-study?", and if you have demonstrated financial aid need, you will automatically be considered for Federal Work Study. If you did not answer Yes to the work-study question but you are interested in Federal Work Study, please contact the Office of Financial Support & Scholarships.
Does my Federal Work Study award on MavLINK pay out to me in advance?
No, a Federal Work Study award does not guarantee you a Federal Work Study position. It allows you to be considered for Federal Work Study positions on and off-campus, and if hired, you may earn up to your Federal Work Study award. In some cases you may eligible for an increased allocation should you have additional financial aid need. If you are not hired into a Federal Work Study position, nothing will happen with your Federal Work Study award (it will not pay out to you).
What are some advantages to choosing a work-study position?
Students work in nearly every office and department throughout UNO. They perform many different functions that help our university run smoothly. Research has found that student employment plays a role in students staying enrolled and working towards completion of their degrees. A significant influence on career choices after graduation can be part-time experiences that expose students to career-related opportunities. Advantages include:
- Flexible work schedules.
- Employers understand and support the fact that you are a student first and foremost.
- Work opportunities related to your course of study.
- Your earnings are treated as "income exclusion" for future FAFSA application processing purposes.
- Minimal commuting time and convenience.
How many hours can a student work?
Work-study students work an average of 10 to 20 hours per week depending on their class schedule and the needs of the hiring department. They can work up to 40 hours per week during Summer sessions.
How much will a student earn?
Work-study wages will be at least the current federal minimum wage, but could be higher depending on the type of work and skills needed to perform the job. However, the amount you earn cannot exceed your total Federal Work-Study award.
How do I apply for a Federal Work Study job?
Student jobs are more than just a paycheck. They not only help pay bills but also prove to be a valuable part of your education.
UNO's Student Employment Programs advertises current work-study job openings on:
The Student Job Board in the Eppley Administration Building, on the 1st floor across from Cashiering/Student Accounts.
Online Job Listing -
All on-campus student jobs and work study positions are advertised exclusively in Handshake. Handshake is your one-stop-shop for identifying all on-campus and off-campus jobs and internships.
When applying for a UNO on-campus job in Handshake, applicants will re-directed to the UNO Jobs Portal to fill out an application. Advertisements for on-campus student employment positions are no longer be found on the UNO HR site.
- To access on-campus jobs in Handshake, visit unomaha.joinhandshake.com and login with your NetID and password. Once logged in, click on the “Jobs” tab at the top followed by the “On-Campus” button.
If you do not find a position you are interested in at this time, check periodically throughout the academic year for updates.
Computers are available in Eppley Room 205 for student use in on-campus job search.