Navigating College: Essential Resources for Working and Non-Working Students
By: Morgan Lewis
Baltimore, MD - Balancing school with a part-time job is a reality for many college students. With tuition, housing, and other expenses rising, more students are turning to part-time work to support themselves. In fact, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), undergraduate students ages 16 to 64 are employed at the same time they are enrolled in school. In 2020, the percentage of undergraduate students who were employed was higher among part-time students (74 percent) than among full-time students (40 percent).
The costs of going to college are rising at a faster rate than family incomes, and the increase in federal, state, and institutional grants has not fully met students' documented financial needs. According to data from the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), from 2008-09 to 2017-18, the average college tuition and fees at public four-year institutions increased by 36% in constant dollars, while median family income only increased by 8%, showing that college expenses are increasing much more rapidly than family incomes; moreover, the growth in federal, state, and institutional grants has not been enough to meet all students' demonstrated financial requirements.
Juggling work and school presents numerous challenges, including managing time, dealing with stress, and the potential for a decline in academic performance. When students are working while in school they can focus less on academics based on the time they have for work. And when students don’t have the financial resources they need to succeed in college they’re more likely to fail to fulfill their educational goals.
Whitney Johnson, a Senior Multimedia Journalism major at Morgan State University
Whitney Johnson, a Senior Multimedia Journalism major at Morgan State University (MSU), works part-time while navigating a full course load. When asked how she manages to balance the two, she chuckled, “There’s no time. I’m really tired, and I don’t have time to balance anything.”
According to a report from the NCES, students who work 20 hours or more per week generally have lower GPAs compared to those who work fewer hours or not at all. However, the same report suggests that working moderate hours (10-15 per week) may actually improve academic performance by teaching valuable skills like time management and discipline. In these cases, employment can be a valuable addition to their studies rather than a setback.
These students typically achieve better academically, as working fewer hours imparts valuable life skills such as time management, discipline, and responsibility. In such cases, employment can complement their studies productively rather than hinder them.
Working part-time as a student opens up doors that go beyond just covering your daily expenses. It can set you up for success even after graduation. Juggling work and school can actually lead to higher future earnings, thanks to the valuable experience, skills, and connections you gain. So, the benefits extend far beyond just making ends meet during your studies.
Joseph Mosely, a Junior Multiplatform Production major at Morgan State University.
Joseph Mosely, a Junior Multiplatform Production major at MSU, takes a different approach. He chooses not to work while attending school. “With a job, you get consistent income, and that’s great, but I can make connections here on campus by getting involved,” he said. “There’s always something to do on Morgan’s campus.”
Both paths—working part-time or focusing solely on academics—have their own merits pros and cons. Let’s take a look:
Pros:
Financial Support: This will help you cover tuition, housing, and daily living expenses, reducing your reliance on loans
Time Management Skills: Balancing work and school can encourage you to have better planning and prioritization when comes to schedules and due dates
Work Experience: Builds a résumé and provides valuable skills that employers look for after graduation.
Networking Opportunities: You can create professional connections that could even lead to internships or job offers.
Reduced Financial Stress: Earning money while studying can relieve some financial burdens, making it easier to focus on your studies.
Cons:
Time Constraints: Less time dedicated to studying, social activities, or personal well-being
Increased Stress: Trying to balance both work and school can be stressful and lead to burnout.
Potential Academic Decline: Students working more than 20 hours a week are more likely to have their GPA drop.
Limited Free Time: Fewer opportunities for extracurricular activities or leisure, which are important for a well-rounded college experience.
Risk of Overworking: Students might take on too many work hours, jeopardizing their mental and physical health.
At the end of the day, If you’re considering working while in school, it’s so important to balance your priorities. Seek a part-time job with flexible hours that allow you to prioritize your academics while still being able to experience college life. Jobs on campus or in remote positions often offer more flexibility and understanding of student life.
On the other hand, if you’re able to focus solely on your studies, make sure to maximize opportunities on campus like internships, student organizations, and networking events to build experience for your future career. Finding scholarships or grants can also help reduce the financial pressure.
Both working in college and focusing entirely on your studies come with their own advantages and challenges. Whether you choose to work or focus on school depends on your personal circumstances, financial needs, and career goals. Which path would you choose?
By: Morgan Lewis
Contributions:
National Center for Education Statistics. (2023). College Student Employment. Retrieved from [https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator/ssa/college-student-employment]
University of Florida Career Connections Center. (2023). How Does Having a Part-Time Job Help Your College Experience? Retrieved from [https://career.ufl.edu/how-does-having-a-part-time-job-help-your-college-experience]
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Weighing the Pros and Cons of Working While in College. Retrieved from [https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/paying-for-college/articles/weighing-the-pros-and-cons-of-working-while-in-college]
American Association of University Professors. (2018). Recognizing the Reality of Working College Students. Retrieved from [https://www.aaup.org/article/recognizing-reality-working-college-students]
Resources For Students Who Work While in School:
Trello: Project management tools help organize tasks, set deadlines, and prioritize school and work assignments.
Google Calendar: Use it to block out study and work hours, set reminders, and keep track of deadlines.
On-Campus Career Centers: Many schools offer career counseling, resume workshops, and networking opportunities for students who are balancing work and school
Federal Work-Study: If eligible, students can find campus-based jobs that provide income without overburdening their schedules.
Resources For Students Who Don’t Work While in School:
Clubs and Organizations: Joining campus clubs and student organizations can help build leadership skills and networks.
Internships: For students not working, internships offer hands-on experience in their field.
Merit-Based Scholarships: For students excelling academically, many universities offer scholarships that help cover tuition, reducing the need to work.
Study Groups: Non-working students can join or form study groups to reinforce learning and make friends in their major.
Photo By: Morgan Lewis
Video Production By: Morgan Lewis
Blog #2 - COMM 240
