Federal Work-Study

Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a federal financial aid program for students with demonstrated financial need. The program provides part-time employment opportunities that are designed to accommodate your academic schedule.

Program Overview

The Federal Work-Study program offers students the opportunity to work:

  • On campus
  • Off campus
  • With community service organizations

Job placement assistance is available online through Brightspace under the “My Organization” section.

Students may be placed in positions that align with their academic and professional goals while earning income to help offset educational expenses.

Important: If you were not originally awarded Federal Work-Study, discretionary awards may be reviewed and offered to eligible students beginning in October, as funding allows.

Review Question on Work-Study for more information.

FWS Eligibility Requirements

To participate in Federal Work-Study, students must:

  1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  2. Be enrolled in at least 6 credits
  3. Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
  4. Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, refugee, or asylee
  5. Work at an approved FWS on-campus or off-campus site
  6. Work no more than 20 hours per week

TAX Return Document: W-2, Wage and Tax Statement

Your Federal Work-Study (FWS) Form W-2, Wage, and Tax Statement is available on CUNYfirst Self-Service at the beginning of the fiscal year. You must grant consent to start receiving an electronic Form W-2. To review, download, and print your Form W-2, log in to CUNYfirst (Campus Solution). Navigate to (Self-Service > Payroll and Compensation > View W-2/W-2c) and click the link to download your file.

Pay Rate

Pay rates are determined at the beginning of each academic year or upon contract renewal.

Grade-Level Hourly Rates:

  • Freshman: $19.00/hour

  • Sophomore: $19.00/hour

  • Junior: $19.50/hour

  • Senior & Second-Degree Students: $19.50/hour

  • Off-campus rates may vary.

FWS Orientation

All students must complete the FWS Orientation each academic year.

Orientation is available in Brightspace under “My Organization.”

Students must:

  • Complete the orientation

  • Pass the quiz (score of 10 required)

  • Submit all required forms

Students have three attempts to pass the quiz. If unsuccessful, they must wait two weeks before retaking it. Bring proof of quiz completion to interviews.

All I-9 documentation must be submitted in person to the Financial Aid Office upon hire.

For technical assistance:

  • Email: Lmshelp@york.cuny.edu

  • Visit the IT Helpdesk at the Welcome Center

  • Call: 718-262-5300 or 718-262-5311

The quiz may also be taken in Room CL201.

Supervisors have their own forms for hiring students. Students should email or call supervisors to request an interview. After both the supervisor and student forms are submitted, the student will be notified to begin work if eligible.

Important Award Year Dates (2025–2026)

  • July 1, 2025: Summer start date

  • August 23, 2025: Last day for Summer work

  • August 26, 2025: Fall start date (all documents must be submitted via Brightspace)

  • December 26, 2025: Last day for Fall work

  • Winter Session: December 29, 2025 – January 23, 2026 (work permitted with department approval)

  • January 26, 2026: Spring start date (students must have remaining hours)

  • Spring Recess: April 1 – April 9, 2026

  • May 26, 2026: End of award year and last day for Spring work

Working During Breaks: Students may work during breaks if enrolled in at least 6 credits for the upcoming semester and approved by their supervisor.

Job Placement Process

  1. Accept your FWS award in CUNYfirst
  2. Complete orientation, quiz, and required forms in Brightspace
  3. Upload all required documents to the Financial Aid secure portal
  4. View job postings in Brightspace
  5. Contact supervisors and arrange interviews
  6. Supervisor submits hiring forms
  7. Wait for the official clearance email before starting work

Students must not begin working until they receive official clearance.

All FWS student documents and forms must be uploaded to the Financial Aid secure document portal. Click here to sign in and upload your documents.

Off-Campus Opportunities

Off-campus FWS positions are posted and updated regularly in Brightspace. Students are encouraged to check frequently.

Public Service Corps

Students may also explore:

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YorkGPT

Revised: February 27, 2026