Work-Study Students
Welcome to Northwestern's Federal Work-Study Program! In addition to program-specific content on the following web pages, general student employment information is available on Northwestern's Student Employment website.
Did you know?
- FWS is NOT a loan and does NOT have to be repaid!
- Unlike regular wages, FWS wages won't impact your financial aid offered in subsequent years.
- You may work as much or as little as you need. There are no consequences if you do not earn the full FWS amount listed in CAESAR.
- Sometimes FWS earnings limits can be increased! See the Earnings Limit Appeals section for additional information.
- Students are not limited in how they spend (or save!) their wages. Income can be used for purposes beyond education expenses.
- You choose how to spend your earned money. Your wages are paid directly to you.
- FICA (Medicare and Social Security) taxes are NOT withheld from your paycheck.
- FWS will not affect any potential financial aid refund on your student account.
- FWS wages are paid for hours worked according to the University's bi-weekly University Payroll schedules.