Federal Work-Study
Students who are awarded Federal Work-Study must secure a job in order to earn their award.
Student Employment
Student Employment at Adelphi University offers an excellent opportunity for students to gain valuable work experience while earning money to support their educational and personal expenses. Unlike grants, scholarships, or loans, Student Employment earnings are not applied directly to your tuition bill. Instead, they provide flexible income to help with day-to-day expenses, such as books, supplies, and other costs.
There are two types of Student Employment:
- Federal Work-Study (FWS)
- Campus Employment.
What is Federal Work-Study (FWS)?
Federal Work-Study is a federally funded program administered by Adelphi University that provides part-time employment opportunities to students with demonstrated financial need. FWS allows you to earn money to help cover educational expenses while gaining professional experience. It’s not a grant (since you must work to earn it) or a loan (since you don’t have to repay it).
Eligibility Requirements for FWS
To qualify for FWS, students must:
- Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
For more details, visit the internal Federal Work-Study (FWS) Programs page.
Panthers with a Purpose: A Unique FWS Opportunity
As part of the Federal Work-Study program, Adelphi University offers Panthers with a Purpose, a specialized initiative that connects students with meaningful internship opportunities in nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and community-based projects. This program allows you to gain hands-on experience in your field of interest while making a positive impact in the community.
For assistance, contact the Center for Career and Professional Development.
What If I Don’t Qualify for Federal Work-Study?
Even if you don’t qualify for FWS, you can still work on campus through Campus Employment.
Eligibility Requirements for Campus Employment
- An enrolled student
- An international student
- A student who did not complete their FAFSA
Responsibilities of Working on Campus
As a student employee, your responsibilities include:
- FWS students must ensure they do not exceed the maximum hours allowed (20 hours per week during fall/spring, 27 hours per week during intersession/summer).
- Monitor your FWS award balance to track your allocated award. When you have almost earned the full work award, discuss any adjustments that need to be made with your supervisor.
- Follow confidentiality policies and department procedures.
- Notify your supervisor if you hold multiple on-campus positions.
Submit all necessary paperwork at Human Resource (located in Levermore Hall, Room 203) before starting your position.
For more information on student employment guidelines and responsibilities, please contact Adelphi’s Office of Human Resources.
Pay Rate and Earnings
Federal Work-Study
- Pay rates are based on the job’s requirements and your skills, not your year in school or FWS award amount.
- The amount listed in your financial aid offer is the maximum you can earn for the academic year.
Federal Work-Study and Campus Employment
- Students are paid an hourly rate and receive biweekly paychecks. Earnings are not applied directly to tuition bills.
Types of Positions Available
Adelphi offers a wide variety of on-campus openings and helps promote and off-campus positions through the Center for Career and Professional Development. These roles help you develop skills relevant to their career goals.
All available positions are posted on Handshake. Follow the step-by-step instructions to search and apply for jobs. Students are required to search and apply for their positions of interest, and students will not be automatically placed in FWS positions.
FAFSA and Tax Implications
Earnings from student employment are considered taxable income.
Students must report their earnings on their W-2 form and include them on the FAFSA if applicable.
Determine whether you need to file federal or state tax returns based on your earnings.
For more information, visit the IRS Tax information for students or your state of residency’s tax website. If yu are from New York, read the NYS tax website.