Hiring & Employing Federal Work-Study Students

This page is to help USU Staff and departments understand the policies and procedures around Federal Work-Study jobs.

Federal Work-Study (FWS) provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses.

Our Student FWS Page outlines the steps students must follow to request Federal Work-Study and apply for work-study jobs on AGGIE Handshake.  Students need to completed a FAFSA for the respective academic year in order to apply.

Hiring Procedures

• To verify students' FWS eligibility, please email a list of names and Aggie Numbers (A#'s) to workstudy@usu.edu.
• FWS Hiring Procedures for Departments
  • FWS Pay Rate Examples
• Trainings
  • FWS Requirements and guidance for supervisors
    • Customer Service Best Practices Suggestions
  • FWS Requirements & Guidance for Business Managers & Financial Officers

Awarding Timelines & Deadlines

• 2025-25 Deadlines for Students
• 2024-25 Timelines for Departments
• 2025-26 Deadlines for Students
• 2025-26 Timelines for Departments

Summer FWS Hiring

• Contact workstudy@usu.edu starting March 1st to verify FWS eligibility for students for Summer Semester.
  • Students must complete both the current year and the upcoming award year for FAFSA.
  • Download & complete the Summer Bridge Agreement for each student.

Aggie Handshake Resources

• AggieHandshake
• Handshake Staff & Faculty Guide
• Handshake Employer Guide
• Handshake Workshops
• USU Career Design Center
  • General Student Employment

FWS Policies

• USU Federal Work-Study Policy
• FSA Handbook: Federal Work-Study Program

Student Employment Policies & ACA Regulations

• University Policy 397 – Non-Benefited and Student Employment
• HR – New Hire Paperwork submission
• Self-Disclosure of Criminal Background
• Affordable Care Act (ACA) Terms & FAQ

For any questions regarding Federal Work-Study, please contact Student Financial Support at (435)797-0173 or workstudy@usu.edu.