Federal Work-Study (FWS)
The Federal Work-Study Program (FWS) is a federally funded financial aid program offered to students who demonstrate financial need. FWS awards are determined by the Financial Assistance Office. To qualify for FWS, you must apply for Financial Aid by filing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and be offered FWS as part of your Financial Assistance Award.
To find out if you are eligible to participate in the Federal Work-Study Program at Pepperdine, please visit the Office of Financial Assistance in Thornton Administration Center on the second floor or call (310) 506-4301.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do FWS awards work?
Through the Federal Work-study program the student may earn up to the amount of his/her award by working for an on-campus FWS job or an approved off-campus community service partner. Wages are paid in part by the federal government and in part by Pepperdine. Current pay rates vary, starting at minimum wage. Wages are paid bi-weekly following the University's payroll schedule.
IMPORTANT: Students with FWS awards are not guaranteed employment on-campus. Every student is given the same, equal opportunity to apply for jobs they are eligible for, regardless of their financial awards.
What jobs can I get if I have a FWS award?
FWS positions offer the opportunity to work on-campus in various academic, administrative, and recreation-oriented offices, as well as opportunities to work off-campus with our community service partners. The Student Employment Office partners with the following local nonprofits who are our off-campus community service partners:
Please visit the Handshake Job Postings website to see what jobs are available through the FWS Program. Visit the How to Find Jobs On-Campus for more details.
Can a student earn more than the maximum amount that is awarded to them?
Students cannot exceed the maximum FWS that was given to them. However, some departments will retain students with departmental pay based on workload and availability of funds. We encourage students to find other available jobs to earn more money, such as an off-campus job or an on-campus job that pays departmentally. There are also on-campus positions that are not paid by Pepperdine, such as a job with Sodexo Dining Services, eFollett and/or the Pepperdine Book Store.
Can a student work more than one job on-campus?
Yes, students can work more than one position on-campus. IMPORTANT: students cannot work more than 20 hours per week during the school year and no more than 29 hours per week when classes are not in session. For example, during the school year a student can work 5 hours a week in the Payson Library, 10 hours a week with Athletics Office, and 5 hours a week in the Weisman Museum (which is a total of 20 hours a week.)