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.

On this page you will find:

Program Overview

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

  • On campus
  • Off campus
  • With community service organizations

Job postings will be available online via Brightspace with 2026-2027 Federal Work Study Student Orientation module.

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

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 and Grade-Level Hourly Rates: Pay rates are determined at the beginning of each academic year or upon contract renewal.

  • 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, pass the quiz, and submit all required documents in each academic year. Orientation is available in Brightspace under “My Organization.” 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. The quiz may also be taken in Room CL201.

All I-9 documentation must be submitted in person to the Office of Student Financial Services 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

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.

Award Year Dates

    • July 6, 2026 - Summer Start Date
    • August 22, 2026 – Last Day for Summer Work Study
    • August 28, 2026 – First Day of Fall 26 classes (All Documents must be submitted to FWS coordinator) (First day of Fall 26 FWS)
    • December 26, 2026 - Last Day of Fall 26 Work
    • Winter Session: January 4, 2027 – January 22, 2027 (FWS students can work permitted with department approval)
    • January 28, 2026 First Day of Spring 27 classes (Students must have remaining hours to continue working)
    • Spring Recess: April 21, 2027 – April 29, 2027
    • May 27, 2027 – End of award year last day for Spring FWS 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 student documents and forms must be uploaded to the Financial Aid secure document portal. 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.

Students may also explore:

Revised: July 4, 2026