Federal Work-Study

What is Federal Work Study?
The Federal Work-Study program is a form of self-help financial aid available to college students.  This federal program funds employment opportunities for part-time jobs on and off-campus. Federal Work Study is offered to you at St. John’s to give you the ability to earn money to offset some of your college expenses.

Who is eligible?
Eligibility for the federal Work-Study program is determined by the Office of Student Financial Services and is based upon financial need.  To be considered for federal Work Study, you must be a full time undergraduate student and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

What is the Pay?
The current rate of pay for FWS students is $7.60/hr.  All workers are paid bi-weekly.  While school is in session you are permitted to work a maximum of twenty hours a week.  During school breaks you may work full-time, based upon availability of FWS funds and departmental need. Your work study earnings limit for this school year is included in your 2013-14 financial aid award package.

Where Can You Work?

On-Campus
If you decide to apply for the on-campus work-study program you may be placed in a job in an office on-campus and take advantage of the convenience and flexibility of working on campus.  Open positions and on-line applications are available online via St. John’s Central.

Off-Campus
If you are interested in the off-campus work-study program you may choose to apply to one of the following programs:

America Reads Program
This program involves tutoring for children grades 1-3 or working in a community service program.  If interested, contact the America Reads Office at (718) 990-5557.

Jumpstart Programs
This program involves tutoring preschool children, if interested contact the Jumpstart Office at (718) 990-2662.

After School All-Stars-NY
This program involves teaching our inner city youth (various positions), if interested, contact the ASASNY Office at (718) 990-6416.

When can I start working?
Once you complete the on line application, submit all necessary documentation, obtain a job placement and submit the Federal Work-Study Agreement, you may begin to work. You may begin working as early as July 1, 2013.

New Freshmen and New Transfer Students: (must have paid enrollment deposit):

  • Log onto St. John's Central
  • On St. John’s Central select the Career Center Tab to access the on line application and available job postings.  You must also submit an FWS Agreement form (see below).

Continuing Students: (must be pre-registered for fall 2012)
Must obtain the FWS Agreement form by following the steps listed below:

  • Log onto St. John's UIS (University Information System) by providing your St. John’s User ID and six-digit PIN NUMBER
  • Click on Financial Aid option
  • Click on My Eligibility option
  • Click on Student Requirements option
  • Click on Select Aid year and select 2013-14
  • Click on Obtain Federal FWS Agreement on-line under the Outstanding Requirements column. If other requirements for FAFSA Verification documents are listed, please comply immediately.
  • Print out agreement form. Complete and sign agreement as instructed.
  • Return the agreement form to the processing center:     

St. John's University
P.O. Box 548
Randolph, MA 02368-0548

How do I monitor my Work-Study Earnings Limit?
Follow the steps listed below to monitor amount of work-study on our University Web site.

  • Log onto St. John's UIS (University Information System) by providing your St. John’s User ID and six-digit PIN NUMBER
  • Click on the Financial Aid option
  • Click on My Award Information
  • Click on Award History
  • Select the Current Academic Year
  • Under the funds column locate Federal Work-Study; subtract “paid to date” from “amount” to calculate your amount remaining

Please Note:

  • Awarding of Federal work-study does not guarantee you will get a job.  There are a limited number of jobs available so the earlier you submit your application the greater your chances are for getting a job.
  • Federal Work-Study earnings are considered taxable income, and you may be required to file a tax return.  Your Work-Study is a Federal grant, and you may not earn more than what you have been determined to be eligible for.
  • A student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better and complete 12 credits per semester to participate in the work-study program.  If your cumulative GPA falls below a 2.0 or you do not maintain 12 credits while working you can be terminated from employment.
  • Due to limited availability, all students are required to respond by 30 days after the start of classes or their grant offer will automatically be canceled.
  • If you have any questions regarding this Federal Work-Study program, please call the Office of Student Financial Services at (718) 990-2000.