The Federal Work Study (FWS) program provides meaningful employment opportunities for students with financial need, helping them gain valuable work experience, build professional skills and earn money to support their education. FWS positions offer flexible schedules that fit within academic commitments, making them an ideal option for students balancing work and coursework.
FWS also benefits campus departments by sharing wage costs. Departments pay only 25% of the student’s hourly wage, while federal funds cover the remaining 75%. This cost‑sharing model allows departments to bring on motivated student employees who can support a wide range of tasks and contribute to departmental goals.
Departments interested in the Federal Work Study program, should contact the following offices for:
- Work study budget: Work with your department budget officer to determine your student employment funding. Contact the Budget Office for assistance with your departmental allocation.
- Post your open position on WuHire: Your department will need to have access to WuHire and ePAF. The Office of Human Resources offers trainings for WuHire and ePAF systems. Visit the Non-Benefit Eligible (NBE) Hiring webpage or email hr.servicecenter@wichita.edu for assistance.
- Hiring a FWS student: The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships offers a step‑by‑step Federal Work Study hiring process guide to help onboarding.
- FWS student eligibility questions: Contact the Federal Work Study Specialists at finaidworkstudy@wichita.edu. Please be sure to include your student’s myWSU ID in the email.
As preparations begin for the 2026-27 academic year, Human Resources encourages departments to consider offering competitive student wages — at least $10 per hour — to help ensure FWS roles remain attractive and accessible to students seeking financial support through on-campus employment.