The federal government funds Federal Work-Study Employment. It gives eligible students the opportunity to work on or off campus and earn funds on a bi-weekly basis to assist with educational expenses. Federal Work Study earnings can be an alternative to taking on loan debt. 

Students can work up to 20 hours per week and are paid biweekly based on reported and approved hours. Federal Work-Study funds do not need to be repaid.

To be eligible for Federal Work Study students must: 

• Have a valid FAFSA on file for the current academic year. 
• Demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA and cost of attendance. 
• Be authorized to to work in the U.S. 
• Be enrolled in an in-person program of study.
• Be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits*
  • Students requesting FWS for the summer term are not required to be enrolled in summer credits, but must be enrolled for the subsequent fall term. 

To be reviewed for Federal Work Study eligibility, students must complete the following steps: 

1. Complete the FAFSA (UMB School Code: 002104)
2. Submit the Federal Work Study Request Form. *FWS Request Forms are no longer being accepted for the Fall 2024 Term. The form will become available again in early January for the Spring 2025 Term. 
   • Students enrolled in Dental Post-Grad programs are automatically awarded FWS funds as part of their initial aid offer and are not required to complete the request form. 
3. If the student is determined eligible for Federal Work Study, the award will be added to their aid offer. Students must accept the FWS award on their SURFS account. 
4. Be hired by an approved FWS job site. 
5. Submit all required FWS documents. 
6. Receive an approval email from the UMB Office of Student Employment, which will include your start date and pay rate. 

If you think you will not work or earn your full Federal Work Study award, you can request a reduction to the FWS award. Students who reduce their FWS award may then be eligible for an increase to their federal loans, if needed. Students can request a change to their Federal Work Study award by emailing FWS@umaryland.edu.