Understanding Federal Work-Study & NAU student wage positions

Working while attending NAU

Students will receive a paycheck every two weeks from their employer. NAU does not regulate how the money is spent, nor are funds automatically applied to students’ NAU charges.

Federal Work-Study (FWS)

FWS is an employment program available to undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate financial need as calculated by the FAFSA. The FWS program, partially funded by the U.S. Department of Education, helps students meet their educational expenses through part-time employment.

Students who are offered FWS funding will see it on their financial aid award letter and LOUIE account. The offer for FWS is not a guarantee of a position.

To be eligible for FWS positions, you must:

• have a FAFSA on file for the current aid year and demonstrate financial need,
• be enrolled at least half-time for each term of employment (six credits for undergraduates; five credits for graduate students), and
• meet Satisfactory Academic Progress standards

If you are offered FWS and plan to apply for part-time employment:

• accept your FWS offer in your LOUIE account,
• create a profile on Handshake, the university’s online employment database, and
• contact  NAU departments where you want to work.

Once you are hired:

• your supervisor will complete the online FWS hiring form,
• you will receive a paycheck every two weeks; be sure to sign up for Direct Deposit via LOUIE, and
• you may work a maximum of 40 hours per week while classes are in session all semester
  • it is recommended to not work more than 20 hours a week