The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program is an integral part of the federal financial aid plan in the United State since 1964 providing employment opportunities, financial assistance, and opportunities to improve career readiness to over 675,000 students annually. However, little investigation has been completed into the effects of participating in FWS in terms of either program effectiveness or effectiveness as a career development program. Previous research lacks consistent findings and focuses on academic outcomes, ignoring development aspects as well as the potential reframing of the program as a high-impact practice. This study assesses the career readiness of FWS eligible students, utilizing a pre-/post-test control group design with a longitudinal t-test assessment of measured outcomes at two time points as well as an analysis of longitudinal growth. Descriptive analysis found statistically significant differences in career readiness growth for FWS participants across all demographic groups. [Note: The publication date (Oct 2021) shown on the PDF is incorrect. The correct publication date for v52 n1 is Mar 2023.]