FAQs Regarding Federal Work Study 1. What is Federal Work Study (FWS)? FWS is a form of financial aid awarded to students who demonstrate financial need and meet certain eligibility requirements. The federal government allocates the funds to the university to pay a portion of the student’s salary. 2. How is eligibility for FWS determined? You must apply for FWS by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) . The Office of Financial Aid determines eligibility based on federal regulations. Your FWS award is valid for one academic year. Each year you must reapply. The maximum FWS award is $3,000. Depending on the type and amount of the other financial assistance you receive, your FWS award may be less than $3,000. 3. What types of FWS jobs are available? There are more than enough jobs for students who desire to work. Positions are available on campus and encompass a wide variety of skills and interests. Jobs include teacher’s assistance, office assistance, research, and many more! 4. How do I find a job? There are several job postings in every building throughout the year by potential employer. Jobs for the academic year will be posted in late August. 5. Is FWS credited toward my tuition and other university charges? FWS does not credit toward your tuition or other university charges. FWS is paid to you in the form of a weekly paycheck based on the number of hours worked and the rate of pay. Most students use their FWS earnings for personal expenses and travel. 6. What is the rate of pay and how many hours may I work? Students who are paid under the Federal Work-Study program may earn from $10.30 per hour and up. The rate of pay is set by the employer and is based on the job and the skill level required. Per university policy, students may work no more than 20 hours per week during periods of enrollment. 7. How often do I get paid and how do I receive my paycheck? For students paid weekly, hours worked must be recorded on a student time sheet and turned in to the Business Office. 8. Do I need to complete any other forms prior to receiving my paycheck? New student employees must complete multiple forms in the Business Office. This must be completed prior to the first day of employment. You may also find these forms online. Questions and Answers | Graduate Students What type of financial aid can a graduate student receive at Hopkins?
Graduate students may apply to the Office of Financial Aid for federal loans from the Direct Student Loan and Perkins Loan Programs, and Federal Work-Study. When should I turn in my financial aid application?
The SAIS Application is due on Feburary 15th 2008 in order to be considered for fellowship aid. You should complete your FAFSA application at least 2 months before you need the funds. You must submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA or renewal FAFSA), the Johns Hopkins Graduate Student Application for Financial Aid. If you didn’t file a tax return in the preceding year you should complete the Non-Filing Statement. What if I missed the deadline?
You must complete the Institutional Application in order to be considered for Institutional Aid by 2/15/08. There are no hard and fast deadlines for federal loans, but you must allow a minimum of 2 months from the time you submit your aid application until your loan is disbursed to your account. In the meantime you are responsible to pay any tuition charges that are not covered by other sources yourself. If your charges have been paid, you can receive a refund when the loan is actually credited to your account. How do I get money for living expenses?
The Office of Financial Aid will determine your eligibility for federal loans. Allow 2 months for loans to be processed and credited to your account. The loan proceeds will first be applied to any tuition charges on your bill. If you have a credit balance remaining after tuition is covered, you can request a refund and use the money for your other expenses. Refunds can be requested from the Student Accounts Office. My department is supposed to cover my tuition. Why do I have a tuition charge on my bill?
Your department administrator is responsible for notifying the Financial Aid Office. Check with that person to see why the credit has not yet been applied. If I am a BA/MA student, when am I considered a graduate student and what campus handles my financial aid?
Upon acceptance to the SAIS BA/MA program, you are considered a graduate student if you have either completed your BA degree requirements or you have completed 8 semesters of full-time undergraduate study (whichever comes first). During your first year of attendance at SAIS, your financial aid will be handled by the Homewood finacial Aid Office. What if I have more questions, who do I call? Financial aid applications and loan eligibility contact:
Office of Financial Aid
(202) 663-5706
fin_aid@sais-jhu.edu
For billing questions contact:
Student Accounts Office at (202) 663-5661 | 
