Federal Work-Study Calculator
The Federal Work-Study (FWS) Calculator is a tool that allows students and families to calculate the number of weekly hours they can work to benefit from eligible work-study funds during a specific period.
The FWS Calculator is only an estimate of the hours a student is available to work. Any changes throughout the year to the student’s award, hourly or overtime rate, or other changes will impact the student’s overall available hours.
Please note that the FWS Calculator was built as an aid for student employees who hold only one work-study position; students who hold multiple positions should calculate their hours using the formulas given below.
After determining the number of allowable hours per week, a work schedule can be established between the student and their supervisor. The supervisor/department and the student share the responsibility in monitoring wages and hours.
Federal Work-Study Calculator
*There are 30 weeks in an academic year.
Average hours per week available:
Total hours available to work:
The work-study calculator utilizes the following formulas to determine the average number of hours per week the student can work by the following formula:
Work-Study Award $ ÷ Hourly Pay Rate = Total hours available to work.
Total hours available to work ÷ the # of weeks from the bi-weekly pay schedule = Average hours per week.
Students will be notified when they are within $500 of the maximum of their award limit. Students can then work directly with their supervisor to adjust their work schedule so as not to exceed their maximum award amount—or consider transitioning to a direct hire position if departmental funding is available.
If you have further questions about your Federal Work-Study award, please contact Diane Roche in the office of financial aid at droche@loyola.edu. For questions about work-study positions, schedules, and hourly pay, please contact the office of human resources at studentjobs@loyola.edu.