State Work Study

Washington State Work-Study (SWS) Program

State Work Study (SWS) is an employment program funded by the State of Washington.

The state directs funds through Gonzaga to area* employers, creating jobs for for 2L and 3L law-school students, who gain work experience, earn money to help pay for law school, and build their resume/recommendations post-graduation.

* During summer sessions, students may take their SWS positions outside the state, with the approval of GU and the state.

To Obtain SWS Employment

When designing your financial-aid package, the Financial Aid Office will determine your work-study eligibility. Eligibility is based on student financial need as determined by:

• Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) guidelines
• Gonzaga University's financial-aid guidelines
• The availability of SWS funding

Once you have been declared eligible for the coming semester, we encourage you to begin looking for an SWS position*. Local openings are posted at the Career Office on the first floor of the law school.

By the time you are ready to look for work, you will have received an SWS Hire Form, including your award amount and the dates for which it is valid. Once you are hired, you and your employer must complete and return the Hire Form to the Law Financial Aid Office or the Student Employment Office. The Hire Form can also be faxed to (509) 313-6257.

Funding for SWS positions is limited and is secured on a first-come, first-served basis; it is imperative that you return your form as soon as possible.

When we receive your form, we will secure your work-study funding.  

* You are not limited to existing SWS employers; you may recruit a new employer to the SWS program. Contact Jenny Draggoo, SWS Program Specialist, at (509) 313-6218 to learn how to recruit a new company.

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Important SWS Information

• SWS guidelines mandate a maximum 19-hour work week during the academic year. Students may work a 40-hour work week during school-scheduled vacations, as long as they don’t exceed their SWS award amount.
• SWS funds are nontransferable from one aid term to another.
• Rate of pay is determined by the SWS employer and must be a competitive entry-level wage. Washington State must approve pay rates prior to job approval. SWS employers pay students directly.
• The SWS Hire Form must be received before SWS timesheets can be processed for employer reimbursement.
• You and your employer are required to complete Washington State Work-Study timesheets within 15 days of the end of your pay periods. You will find timesheets here.
• You may only work for one SWS employer at a time.
• Earnings from SWS are excluded as income on your next year’s FAFSA.

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