Federal Work-Study (FWS)

Federal Work-Study (Work-Study): What’s Changing for 2026–27

Starting with the 2026–27 aid year, Federal Work-Study will be handled a little differently in your financial aid offer.

You may see Work-Study listed as $0 and be asked to accept or decline the offer. This doesn’t mean you’re ineligible—it’s just a change in process. Work-Study is not guaranteed earnings or a fixed amount up front.

Here’s how it works:

1. Accept the Work-Study offer if you’re interested in pursuing a Work-Study job.
2. After you accept, your student dashboard will prompt you to submit a job offer letter or email from your prospective employer. This must include:
   • Your hourly wage
   • Estimated hours per week
   • Expected start and end dates
3. We’ll use this information to set your Work-Study allocation, up to $6,000, based on federal guidelines and your financial eligibility.

💡 Note: Your final Work-Study amount may change depending on your:

• Student Aid Index (SAI)
• Enrollment level
• Cost of attendance
• FAFSA updates
• Other financial aid you receive

We’re no longer maintaining a Work-Study waitlist with the 2026-27 year. However, funds are still limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis once:

• You submit your job offer
• Your eligibility is confirmed

Federal Work-Study is one of two federal campus-based aid programs. It provides students with the opportunity to earn money through a part-time job, either on campus or at approved off-campus locations.

When you work in a FWS job, you receive a regular paycheck based on the hours you work. These wages are funded by the federal government, not by Eastern Oregon University, although many positions are located on campus.

Most Work-Study students find jobs on campus, but EOU also offers several off-campus opportunities through existing contracts. If you find another position you’d like to pursue, we are happy to explore setting up a new contract. Contact us at careers@eou.edu to get started.

Working During Breaks or When Not Enrolled

If you work in a Federal Work-Study position during a time when you are not enrolled in classes, such as summer or winter term, your earnings may affect your financial aid for the next term. There is no federal limit on how many hours you can work during these periods, but EOU is required to apply those earnings to your cost of attendance for your next period of enrollment. This may impact your eligibility for Work-Study or other types of financial aid.

FWS Interest Form

Learn more about work study from Federal Student Aid’s website.

Additional Federal Work Study Allocation

To be considered for additional Work-Study funds, students must be actively employed in a Work-Study position, have a current Federal Work-Study award, and demonstrate unmet financial need within their cost of attendance.

EOU Student Employee Policy

29 Hour Rule

Eastern Oregon University policy limits student employees to no more than 29 hours per week during academic terms. Students may exceed this limit during summer months and breaks between terms, unless otherwise restricted.

International students should be especially careful. Working more than 20 hours per week during academic terms may jeopardize your visa status.

Work-Study students who exceed their hourly limits may risk losing their Work-Study eligibility.

For full details, please refer to the Student Employee Policy (2.15.05) available on the EOU Policy website (you may need to use the search function in your browser to locate the policy by number).

Learn more about starting an EOU FWS position