Admissions

Financial Aid

Federal Work-Study Program

Funded by the U.S. Department of Education to provide employment for college students to help meet their financial needs, Federal Work-Study (FWS) allows students to work part-time while attending school.

Work-study jobs are available on or near Wake Tech campuses. The pay rate is usually $12 to $15 per hour, and students cannot work more than 20 hours per week. Unlike other financial aid, money earned from FWS employment is paid directly to students, not disbursed to their student accounts. Students receive a paycheck by direct deposit on the 15th of each month.

In addition to the pay, benefits of work study include the following:

  • Flexible work schedules that can be planned around a class schedule
  • A chance to develop a work history and build references for future employment
  • An opportunity to network with professionals within and outside of the Wake Tech community

Studies have shown that employment has a positive impact on a student's academic performance.

For a student to be considered for FWS, he or she must meet the following criteria:

FWS eligibility is determined each academic year. It is possible to be eligible one year and not the next.

In addition to completing a FAFSA®, students interested in FWS employment must complete an interest form and a Wake Tech employment application for available on- and off-campus jobs.

Completing the forms does not guarantee an FWS position, however, as the number of positions is limited and based on available funding. Students who are hired must complete Wake Tech's HR Onboarding process, including a background check and I-9 verification, before they can begin working.

Student interest form
Available positions
Employer interest form

Frequently asked questions

All students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). The applicant must be:

  • Interested students will complete the Work-Study Interest Form.
  • The Financial Aid Office will review student eligibility.
  • If a student is eligible, he or she will receive an email from the Financial Aid Office to complete an application. If a student is not eligible, he or she will be notified.
  • The student submits an application.
  • Supervisors review applications and will interview students.
  • Supervisors will email the Financial Aid Office, notifying them of their choice.
  • The Student will receive an email with further instructions to complete the process.
Available positions

Students are paid on the 15th of each month. All time sheets are submitted via Self-Service by 12 p.m. on the last day of the month, unless otherwise requested by the Work-Study coordinator. All time should be accurate and reviewed by the supervisor.

NOTE: If a time sheet is not received on time, a student's direct deposit will be delayed until the following month.

The financial aid offer lists the maximum amount you are allowed to earn in your FWS position. You cannot earn more than the offer amount during an academic year.

Most students can earn their offer amount by working 10 to 15 hours per week if they begin working in August. The maximum allotted hours generally are 20 hours per week. If there is an additional need and Wake Tech has additional funds, a student may request an increase in his or her Work-Study offer.

If a student receives a new scholarship or grant, the Work-Study offer may have to be reduced or canceled. If a student requests student loans after an offer amount has been determined, Work-Study participation can be reduced or canceled.

Even though this is called "work study," it does not mean you can study on your job. Work-study jobs are not any different from other jobs. It is a real job, and you should treat it that way.

Confidentiality – All students will need to sign an Information Security Agreement. Any breach of confidentiality or attempt to alter documents in any way will result in dismissal from the FWS program. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 is a federal law that institutions enforce and abide by to maintain the confidentiality of student records. Student workers should direct inquiries regarding another student's information to the supervisor.

Changing jobs – Students are encouraged to remain in the same position for the entire academic year. Future employers may not look favorably on short periods of employment. Work-Study is an opportunity to establish a good work record for your resume and obtain future letters of reference. If you are experiencing problems in your work area, you are encouraged to discuss concerns with your supervisor. If conflicts cannot be resolved, contact the Work-Study coordinator. If you decide to quit your job, you should submit a written letter of resignation with your final date to your supervisor at least two weeks in advance.

Terminations/job release – A Termination/Job Release form will be filled out by your supervisor specifying the reason for dismissal, should you be terminated.

Absences – It is your responsibility to plan your personal and study schedules in a manner as not to conflict with your regular working hours. One-day advance notice is required if you must be out for any reason other than illness. Work schedules, once established, will not be modified unless permanent changes are necessary due to circumstances beyond the student's control.

Office etiquette – Some of the jobs on campus will require student employees to answer the telephones; therefore, Work-Study students should be professional and courteous when assisting others. Staff telephones are not available for use by students for personal calls. Cellphone use is not permitted during working hours.

Dress and appearance – Students have the freedom of choice in dress for class; however, students should come to an agreement with their supervisors on appropriate attire during working hours.

Punctuality – All students should arrive on time and be prepared for work.

Work evaluation – All students will receive at least two evaluations during their time as a student employee. All evaluations will be forwarded to the Financial Aid Office and kept in the student's file.