Federal Work-Study

If you were awarded Federal Work-Study (FWS) in your financial aid package, you may apply for a FWS job on campus.


Federal work study

  • Federal Work Study (FWS) jobs are only available to you if you have been awarded and accepted FWS aid in your financial aid award package.
  • The FWS program enables students with financial need to work a part-time job on campus, earning money that helps pay for education and living expenses while enrolled at UNC Charlotte.
  • The hourly rate earned will be at least $9/hour; however, you may earn more, depending on the type of work and skills required for the position.
  • Students are awarded up to $4,000 for the academic year. Total federal work-study earnings for the academic year cannot exceed the annual award amount.
  • Money is earned as you work throughout the semester, so you will not have the money “up front” in the beginning of the semester to pay your student account bill.
Benefits of FWS
  • Flexible job–one that fits around your class schedule – because your studies come first.
  • Maximum of 29 hours per week (during regular class sessions). This maximum includes other student worker jobs on campus.
  • You may have the opportunity to work in a field related to your major, with a manager who may serve as a future job reference.

How to accept or decline your FWS offer
  1. Log in to MyCharlotte.
  2. Under Quick Links, click the Banner Self Service icon.
  3. Click on the Financial Aid tab.
  4. Click on “My Financial Aid Award Information”.
  5. Click on “Award By Aid Year.”
  6. Select your aid year from the drop down box. (For Fall 2022 awards, the aid year will be 2022-2023.) Click Submit.
  7. Click on the “Accept Award Offer” tab.
  8. Review your award and select “Accept” or “Decline” for each offer. Click “Submit Decision.”
  9. Review the information under the “Terms and Conditions” tab.

New Students – How to apply for FWS jobs
  1. Watch for an email prior to the start of the fall semester. The email will provide many details about how to apply for jobs, documents needed prior to working, and FWS orientation.
  2. Apply for jobs in Hire-a-Niner. You will need an approved resume in order to apply. (Please allow 2-3 days processing time after you accept your FWS for the aid before you apply for a job.)
  3. Interview and accept a job. This process will give you valuable experience for when you interview for future career positions. Accept the job that best fits you and your skills, or experience you wish to gain.
  4. View your next steps after accepting a job.

Returning Students – How to apply for FWS jobs

If you have made arrangements to keep the same position, in the same department, follow these steps for reappointment:

  1. Ask your hiring manager to complete an FWS EPAF.
  2. During peak time, it may take 10 business days for your paperwork to be reviewed and for you to be set up for payroll.

If you want to keep your work-study aid, but want to find a different job on campus, follow these steps:

  • Apply for a new job in Hire-a-Niner. You will need an approved resume in order to apply.
  • Interview and accept a job. If you are selected to be interviewed, the hiring department will contact you directly.
  • Orientation is only required once. If you have previously completed the online orientation, you do not have to do it again.

If you complete the steps above, you may start working on the first day of classes.

Pay rates / Maximum hours / Time sheets
  • The hourly rate earned will be at least $9/hour; however, you may earn more, depending on the type of work and skills required for the position.
  • The exact amount of work-study earned depends upon the hours actually worked and the pay rate per hour. The rate of pay varies depending on the department and the student’s experience level.
  • Students are awarded an average of $4,000 for the academic year. Total federal work-study earnings for the academic year cannot exceed the annual award amount.
  • Money is earned as you work throughout the semester, so you will not have the money “up front” in the beginning of the semester to pay your student account bill.
  • Maximum of 29 hours per week (during regular class sessions). This maximum includes other student worker jobs on campus. Most students work 7-10 hours per week total.
  • You will complete weekly time sheets to keep track of your hours worked, and you will be paid biweekly, either by direct deposit or by check.

Documentation needed for working on campus
  • View this complete list of acceptable I-9 documents.
  • You must bring the original document(s) for identification and/or employment authorization. The university cannot accept copied, faxed or e-mailed copies of documents.
  • Examples:
    • If you have an unexpired US Passport or a Permanent Resident Card, you only need this document.
    • If you do not have either of these documents, you will need to bring both: an unexpired government issued photo ID (i.e. Student ID, Drivers License, or Military ID) and an employment authorization document (i.e. Social Security Card or Birth Certificate)

FAQs

How do I apply for Federal Work-Study Aid?

How do I know if I am eligible for Federal Work-Study aid?

  • You must demonstrate financial need, which is based on the results of the FAFSA. Once UNC Charlotte receives your FAFSA information, you will be notified if you are offered Federal Work-Study aid. You must be enrolled at least-half time.

How do I find a FWS job?

  • Only students who are offered and have accepted FWS aid can apply for FWS positions.
  • To find a job, follow these steps:
    • Watch for an email prior to the start of the fall semester. The email will provide many details about how to apply for jobs, documents needed prior to working, and FWS orientation.
    • Apply for jobs in Hire-a-Niner. You will need an approved resume in order to apply. (Please allow 2-3 days processing time after you accept your FWS for the aid before you apply for a job.)

How do I know if I got a job?

  • After you interview with a department, ask their hiring manager when and how they will contact you if you are selected. Each department will have a different process and timeline for hiring students.

How do I get paid?

  • You will complete weekly time sheets to keep track of your hours worked, and you will be paid biweekly. Money earned is paid to the student, either by direct deposit, or by check.

Can I work for the summer?

  • Yes, but only after your first year. You will have to have completed a FAFSA for the current academic year and the upcoming academic year, and show demonstrated need. You must also complete the Summer Financial Aid Application which is available on April 15th prior to the upcoming summer.