Student Employment through the Federal Work Study Program (FWS):
Eligible Ocean County College students work on-campus through the Federal Work Study Program. The Federal Work Study program (FWS) is a federally funded financial aid program. The purpose of the program is to place financially eligible students on campus in part-time employment so that students can earn funds while attending college. To be considered for FWS funds, a student must file a FAFSA form, and must be financially eligible according to federal and college policies. Students must also fill out a Federal Work Study Application and submit it for consideration. Students must file a FAFSA each year and must continue to be financially eligible to participate.
The FWS program provides an opportunity for students to obtain references, meet college staff and administration, and gain work experience in Higher Education.
Wages and Workload
- A student must work to earn work study funds. A work study award is not a guarantee of employment or earnings totaling the work study award. A student may only earn up to the amount of the work study award.
- The pay rate for FWS student employees is currently $16.50 as of 2026-2027.
- A work study award may be made for Fall and/or Spring term(s).
- The number of hours of work per week varies from job to job; however, the maximum hours a student may work is 20 hours per week within a term. The minimum is 10 hours.
- A student’s work schedule and the number of hours worked may vary from term to term because of their course load, class schedule, and extracurricular activities. The student must make work schedule arrangements with their supervisor each term.
How to Apply for FWS
The Financial Aid Office coordinates the College Work Study Program. Students are notified of their eligibility to participate in the work study program through their college email accounts; included in this email is a link to the Federal Work Study Application Form (you can also find the form link below while the FWS hiring period remains open). Notification of eligibility begins in early July via students college email accounts
Application form: