Federal Work Study (FWS)
This program is offered to undergraduate students who complete the financial aid process by filing a “Free Application for Federal Student Aid” (FAFSA) and demonstrate financial need. It gives these students the opportunity to work on-campus and earn money. Students are encouraged to work in an area of interest. Paychecks are issued in the student's name on a biweekly basis. For this reason, this award cannot be used as a credit on the student's college bill, also called the “Statement of Student Fees.” For 2008-2009, the average Work-Study award is $1,000 per year. Eligible students are awarded funds based on financial need, the timeliness of their FAFSA application and the availability of funds. Check your Financial Aid Award Letter to determine if you’ve been awarded work-study.
The Financial Aid Office has a job placement process that makes it easy to find jobs on-campus. All work-study jobs are posted on the Purchase JobScore system, which is managed by the Career Development Center. If you haven’t been awarded work-study, JobScore is still a good source to find jobs and internships on and off campus. Click here to view step-by-step instructions to get to the Purchase College JobScore.
Student job placement begins when the eligible student visits the Financial Aid Office during the first week of classes. Students cannot begin working until they have been officially placed in a work-study job, are registered for at least six (6) credits for the Fall 2008 semester and have cleared (paid) their Fall 2008 semester bill. At the Financial Aid office, students will be asked to complete two documents, a 2008 W-4 and an I-9 form. The W-4 is required for IRS tax purposes and the I-9 form verifies the student’s eligibility to work in the United States. All students must bring one photo ID, such as a drivers’ license or a Purchase College ID (called the MORE Card) and their social security card or a certified and original copy of their U.S. birth certificate. As an alternative, an unexpired U.S. passport will satisfy both requirements for documentation. We are required to make copies of these documents before you begin your work-study employment.
If you have any questions, please contact Jay Estiva at (914) 251-6352 or finaidhelp@purchase.edu.