
Federal Work Study
The Federal Work Study Program (FWS) is maintained by the Office of Student Employment, housed within the Financial Aid Office. FWS is a need-based federal financial aid program that provides part-time employment for students to help with additional educational expenses. Federal Work Study funds are based on limited resources from the Federal Government and are not guaranteed. The program encourages community service work and work related to the recipient's course of study. Students can check their eligibility for FWS on their Financial Aid Portal. If eligible, it will show an allotment on the student's award package.
There are two different kinds of Student Employment: Federal Work Study (FWS) and University Funded (UF) positions. In order to qualify for FWS, you must apply for financial aid by completing the FAFSA and have documented financial need as determined by Seton Hall University. University Funded positions are funded by the department in which you are employed and is not counted as a part of your Financial Aid award package. You do not need to demonstrate financial need in order to work a University Funded (UF) position.
Federal Work Study Eligibility and Requirements
- Demonstrate financial need as determined using your FAFSA SAI
- Remain in good academic standing as defined by the Probation Policy published in the University Catalog, which includes maintaining SAP and meeting all conditions for receiving aid
- Secure a position through the Student Employment program at Seton Hall University. Positions are posted on the University's website at Jobs.shu.edu. Students must apply, interview, and be offered a position for employment. FWS eligibility does not guarantee employment
- Follow the policies of the Student Employment program, including not working during class time and limiting the work schedule 20 hours per week during the academic year
- Complete the hiring process, including accepting the offer and submitting hiring documents. Hiring documents include the I-9 Form to be submitted in person to the Financial Aid Office with the original form of supporting documents (see List A on the I-9 Form)
- Submit Payroll forms, including the W-4 and NJ W-4 Forms. Earnings are paid directly to the student via paper check or Direct Deposit. Student Employment compensation is not applied to the Seton Hall University bill. Timesheets are due BiWeekly following the SHU Payroll Schedule. The hourly pay rate is determined by the Hiring Manager for the position and is at least $15.49 per hour (NJ Minimum Wage eff. 1/1/2025)
- Students may only have one position at a time regardless of funding (FWS or UF)
Related Documents
- (I-9) Employment Eligibility Verification
Seton Hall University must verify employment eligibility of employees. Student employees must complete the I-9 Form with the Financial Aid Office, located in Bayley Hall. - (W4) Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate
Employee's withholding allowance certificate from the IRS government site - Student Direct Deposit Payroll Authorization Form
Authorize Payroll Department to automatically deposit your net pay into your savings and/or checking account. - Student Worker Timesheets - Web Time Entry
- Student Employment Office
Information on the Student Employment program at Seton Hall University