Earn and learn with Federal Work-Study

By: The Capella University Editorial Team with Eric Poe, Compliance Program Manager

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Pursuing a college degree is an investment in your future, but for many students, affordability remains a major concern. Tuition, fees and everyday expenses can add up quickly, leaving prospective and current students wondering how to pay for college without relying solely on student loans.

One option worth exploring is the Federal Work-Study Program (FWS), a type of federal financial aid that allows eligible students to earn money while gaining valuable experience during their academic journey.

What is Federal Work-Study?

FWS is a need-based financial aid program that provides part-time employment opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students. Unlike loans, earnings do not need to be repaid. Instead, students earn wages for hours worked, which can be used to help pay for education-related expenses.

How Federal Work-Study helps students

Here are some benefits that extend beyond a paycheck:

• Reduce student loan debt: Earnings can help offset costs you might otherwise cover with loans.
• Gain relevant experience: Many work-study jobs help students build skills related to their field of study.
• Balance work and school: Work-study positions are typically part-time and structured around academic schedules.
• Support your community: Some roles focus on community service, such as tutoring or literacy programs.
• Protect future financial aid: Work-study earnings are treated differently than other income when completing the FAFSA, which may help preserve future aid eligibility.

Eligibility requirements for Federal Work-Study

While eligibility can vary by institution and funding availability, students generally must:

• Be enrolled in an eligible degree program
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and demonstrate financial need, as determined by federal guidelines
• Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Secure an approved work-study position
• Because funds are limited, submitting the FAFSA as early as possible is recommended.

Federal Work-Study at Capella

Capella University employs students to work in both “on-campus” and community service jobs with nonprofit organizations through the work-study program.

“On-campus” jobs at Capella are remote-based support services that students provide online from their home or office. Roles that may be available to Capella students may include:

• Teaching assistant (TA): TAs provide course room support to students as it relates to course material, course expectations and learning strategies.
• Graduate assistant: Graduate assistants provide academic support through one-on-one coaching and consultation.
• Student services: Some students provide assistance in departments like the Career Development Center, library services and peer advising.

Community service jobs may include opportunities in reading and math tutoring, as well as roles with service organizations that improve quality of life or address specific community needs.

Is Federal Work-Study right for you?

FWS can be a smart option for students who want to earn money while staying focused on their education. By combining financial support with professional experience, work-study can help students manage costs and build skills that extend beyond graduation.

Capella work-study jobs can be found on Careers at Capella. Go to Search Current Openings and type in the keyword: work-study.