Federal and State Work-Study Employment

Eligible students may pursue employment through the federally-funded and state-funded work-study programs for the academic year and/or summer. Eligibility* is based on financial need and is determined through an application process with Student Financial Services.

After a Federal or State Work-Study (FWS/SWS) award is made, a student is offered priority access to apply for employment through a referral process. We refer each FWS/SWS awarded student who completes a work-study employment application (WEA) to interview for one open job, and continue to support any awarded student who is seeking employment until a job is secured.

*Want to work on campus although you’re not eligible for FWS/SWS? University Work-Study jobs are open to students regardless of financial aid eligibility.

Did you know?

  • Student staff members provide 24% of non-faculty staffing at Puget Sound.
  • Work-study jobs range from administrative, technical, service, and maintenance support to advising, supervising, management, and program coordination positions.
  • Most jobs are for the full academic year and average 9 hours of work per week.
  • Entry level pay starts at Washington State’s minimum wage rate — $16.66 per hour as of 2025. Actual pay rates are determined by the degree of skill, experience, and judgment required for each job.

A student is eligible to earn up to the maximum amount listed on the Financial Aid Award Notice for FWS or SWS. Because these earnings are subject to a student’s desire and ability to work, Puget Sound cannot guarantee employment or 100% earnings.

Find more information about on-campus work eligibility, performance standards, and procedures by reviewing the Student Employment Responsibilities and Procedures.

If you are not interested in participating in the FWS/SWS program, notify Student Financial Services.

Find out more below!

New Students
continuing students
Work off campus

Checklist for Student Employment through FWS/SWS

✔ Complete the WEA or confirmation form no later than July 15 for fall employment.
✔ Bring the necessary original, unexpired documents to campus for completing the I-9 form if you haven’t worked on campus previously. (Questions? Check the FAQs.)
✔ Enroll in direct deposit and update your W-4 withholding online once you begin your on-campus job.
✔ New Students: Attend your required FWS/SWS Employment Session during orientation to receive your job referral.