The Benefits of Working During College: Experience, Mentorship, and Community

I often speak with anxious parents willing to explore any means possible to pay for their student’s college education. “How many more scholarships can we apply for? Should we refinance our house? Perhaps sell a vital organ?” It surprises me how many parents are resistant to one finance option: student employment. Their concerns are legitimate: Working students may have added stress and less time to study, but there are many benefits, financial and otherwise, that should be considered.

Earn money. Though skyrocketing tuition has made it nearly impossible for students to work their way through school, they can still contribute to their education. A job can still pay for books, the occasional pizza, and cell phone bills (you do want them to call home, right?). With most parents’ budgets stretched to the limit, a couple thousand dollars a year can make a real difference. At most colleges, students can earn up to $11,510 annually without any negative effect on their financial aid. At most colleges that require financial aid applicants to file the CSS Profile, they expect the student to contribute $2,000 to $3,000 regardless of income reported.

Organize time. Parents worry that a job will distract from a student’s studies, but some research shows that students who work up to 15 hours a week have slightly higher GPAs than their non-working classmates. These working students, by necessity, organize their time carefully. Lucky students can even study on the job; between customers at the library circulation desk, for example, there may be nothing to do BUT read!

Gain experience. Even if a job isn’t directly connected to a future career, it can help a student figure out what they do and don’t want in a future profession (e.g., they like working with people, they hate working with numbers). And, though career-related work is ideal (tutoring for future teachers, lab work for future scientists), any job can build a student’s resume and demonstrate responsibility, teamwork, and other transferable job skills.

Get supervision. College staff who manage students may get to know them better than their professors, and they are more likely than others on campus to notice if a student is struggling. If you are concerned your student will have a tough adjustment to college, a campus job may put them in contact with adults who can keep an eye on them and get them help if needed.

Make friends. Finally, a job can help a student develop a sense of community, providing an avenue to making friends far from home (responsible, hard-working friends, no less!). The feeling of belonging engendered by an on-campus job is thought to be one reason part-time student workers are less likely to drop out of school than non-workers.

Though not every student should work during college, families should at least consider the option and evaluate the student’s academic needs, stress level, and extracurricular commitments. Student employment has benefits, both tangible and intangible, that can help a student through college and beyond. College Coach Finance Experts can help you navigate all the ways a family can finance a college education.