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Federal Work Study

Federal Work-Study Program

Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a need-based program that allows eligible students to earn money by working part-time while in school. Students are offered FWS based on their unmet needs as determined by their annual FAFSA. The maximum award is $5,000 per academic year ($2,500 per semester) and students who participate in the program receive bi-weekly paychecks.

Earnings are based on the hourly wage that is negotiated between the employer and the student. Wages are considered taxable income, but earnings are not used to determine your financial need when filing the annual FAFSA.

Eligibility

FWS funds are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Apply early!

  • You must file a FAFSA. Be sure to include OU's Federal School Code - 003184
  • Students must accept their FWS offer before they can apply for a FWS position*. 
  • All student positions require current enrollment. 

 Apply For Jobs Online   


*Not offered FWS? Please contact us at (405) 325-9000 to see if you may qualify. 

OU Work Programs

Student Worker Assistance Team (SWAT)

The SWAT program arranges temporary, on-campus Federal Work Study employment based on student availability. SWAT is administered by Financial Aid Services at no cost to departments scheduling workers, however, the SWAT program will not be operating for the 2023-2024 academic year. Please check back for updates.

Community Service Learning Program (CSL)

CSL combines community service with gainful employment by giving students experiential opportunities. Students learn and develop skills of community engagement while affording community partners opportunities to address significant needs.

OU partners with 30 local non-profit agencies such as Meals on Wheels, The Salvation Army, Community After School Program, WildCare Foundation, and Griffin Memorial just to name a few. Join the team by applying for a FWS-CSL position at jobs.ou.edu

Job openings will be available in late July.

For more information, please email workstudyprograms@ou.edu.