Federal work-study (FWS) is a need-based program that allows a student to work in an approved position and funding is limited. FWS eligibility is determined by the FAFSA and the AUWCL Financial Aid Office. FWS awards are only processed after employment is secured by matriculated students. Only U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens are eligible to apply for FWS.

Per federal regulations, FWS awards are included in the cost of attendance and reduce the amount that may be borrowed for living expenses in the semester/term. 

FWS awards are earned during the semester/term and received via paycheck beginning approximately two weeks after the employment start date. The hourly rate is determined by the D.C. minimum wage.

Please see more information on the AUWCL student employment policy.

FWS during the summer term provides a limited number of stipends to qualifying continuing students (JD only) working for an eligible off-campus public interest employer. Continuing JD students are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online, as well as a separate AUWCL Summer FWS Application (online here). Only U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens are eligible to apply for FWS.

The Summer FWS Application is completed in the spring semester and announced when available. Award determinations are made by the AUWCL Financial Aid Office based on available funding and the number of qualifying applicants. Additional paperwork is required for off-campus employers and all deadlines must be met to maintain eligibility. 

Per federal regulations, FWS awards are included in the summer cost of attendance and reduce the amount that may be borrowed for summer living expenses. Students must enroll in degree-applicable summer courses (3 or more credits) for the full length of the summer term. Students may appeal with the AUWCL Financial Aid Office to waive the three credit enrollment requirement; however, if approved, the summer FWS earnings must be applied to the fall semester financial aid and reduces federal loan and living expense refund eligibility. 

FWS awards are earned during the term and received via paycheck beginning approximately two weeks after the employment start date. The hourly rate is determined by the D.C. minimum wage. Students are expected to work 40 hours per week for a pre-determined (by the AUWCL Financial Aid Office) 10 week period. 

The Summer 2024 FWS application is now available online. 

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required of all federal work-study applicants. The FAFSA is filed online. Only U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens are eligible to apply for FWS.

During the fall and spring semesters, full-time 1L JD students are permitted to work in a limited capacity (maximum 10 hours per week) with approval from the AUWCL Associate Dean of Student Affairs or a doctrinal professor. Full-time 2L and 3L JD students are limited to 20 hours of work per week. Part-time JD and LL.M. students are limited to 27 hours of work per week.

AUWCL offers many earn while you learn opportunities. Employment positions are posted to CareerLink, and logging in with AU credentials is required for access. Some positions are specifically earmarked for FWS while others may be FWS eligible. The AUWCL Financial Aid Office works with other campus partners to determine if a specific position may be considered for FWS. Only on-campus positions are eligible for FWS consideration.