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Once upon a time, the life of a college student meant going to school and then working full-time after graduating.
With increasing tuition costs and inflation contributing to the rising cost of living, students are now doing both. According to a new College Investor survey, 62% said they work full-time while also taking a full course load. Eighty-eight percent said they do it because they need the income.
This means students might be stretched thin from trying to do it all—it’s a familiar and stressful dance of a 40-hour work week, attending classes, studying, and trying to enjoy some semblance of college social life. But despite the perceived difficulties of balancing work and school, 75% of survey respondents said they would continue to work, even if their school and living expenses were completely paid for.
Here are other income-related findings from our survey:
![CollegeInvestor_1200x1200_3_Infographics_-_Working_In_College students choose to work survey results](https://cdn.thecollegeinvestor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/CollegeInvestor_1200x1200_3_Infographics_-_Working_In_College.jpg)
![CollegeInvestor_1200x1200_1_Infographics_-_Working_In_College college survey students choose to work graphics](https://cdn.thecollegeinvestor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/CollegeInvestor_1200x1200_1_Infographics_-_Working_In_College.jpg)
41% Find Value In Working
Even though 42% of respondents said working full-time takes away from study time, 41% said they actually enjoy working.
Perhaps these students have experienced the benefits of work that extend beyond the classroom. Meaningful work, responsibilities, working on a terrific team, and having goals to fulfill will no doubt prepare students for the post-graduation workforce. Thirty percent said they work to build their resume.
![CollegeInvestor_1200x1200_7_Infographics_-_Working_In_College students choose to work survey results](https://cdn.thecollegeinvestor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/CollegeInvestor_1200x1200_7_Infographics_-_Working_In_College.jpg)
Even if their entire school and living costs were covered, 75% said they would still continue to work. Gaining useful technical and soft skills could be core reasons why students would still choose to work.
35% Believed A Full-time Job Negatively Impacts Their Grades
Which is worse, cramming for a final or knowing your work colleagues are upset at you for messing up on the last project? The impact and strain from work vs. school can be rough.
![CollegeInvestor_1200x1200_6_Infographics_-_Working_In_College students choose to work survey results](https://cdn.thecollegeinvestor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/CollegeInvestor_1200x1200_6_Infographics_-_Working_In_College.jpg)
![CollegeInvestor_1200x1200_5_Infographics_-_Working_In_College students choose to work survey results](https://cdn.thecollegeinvestor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/CollegeInvestor_1200x1200_5_Infographics_-_Working_In_College.jpg)
According to our survey, work time can bleed into school time:
Work schedule negatively impacts grades
Work was more stressful than school
Work schedule takes away from their study time
On the contrary, 65% said work doesn’t negatively impact their grades and 35% never skip classes because of work.
Here are more interesting takeaways:
- 33%: School and work were equally stressful
- 26%: Work never takes away from studying
- 7%: Frequently skip class because of work
![CollegeInvestor_1200x1200_4_Infographics_-_Working_In_College students choose to work survey results](https://cdn.thecollegeinvestor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/CollegeInvestor_1200x1200_4_Infographics_-_Working_In_College.jpg)
College Is Crazy Expensive
In light of the soaring prices for college, some students are ditching college all together while others work full-time to get through it.
From those surveyed, 81% said the income earned from their full-time jobs helps offset student loan debt.
Is working a full-time job while you’re in school an unavoidable part of college life? According to our survey, it’s both a necessity and desire. It helps reduce overall debt while likely the burden of taking on new debt.
In planning for life after college, a smaller student loan balance and gaining work experience that can’t be taught in the classroom are all a part of a successful entry into the real world.
What do you think? Would you still choose to work if you didn’t have to? Let us know in the comments section below.