Working to make ends meet
To afford college and have spending money, students have a variety of tools at their disposal. In addition to the government and institutional grants students receive and the loans they take out — many students also work. Two options exist: work-study involving jobs on campus and jobs off campus.
College students work for a variety of reasons. To earn spending money, pay educational expenses, contribute to living expenses and reduce debt are some of the most common reasons given.
The average number of hours worked by students is identical at public and private nonprofit institutions in Minnesota. On average, students who work put in about 20 hours a week — a number that has been stable since 2000. This includes both work-study and outside jobs. This data comes from the Minnesota Private College Research Foundation’s analysis of the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study for 2007-08. It tracks students who are enrolled full-time, are Minnesota residents and attend a four-year college or university.
There is a growing body of research that suggests working can affect students’ grades, engagement on campus and critical thinking skills. The consensus is that the effect begins to be negative when students work more than 20 hours per week. Although it has also been suggested that students who work more develop better time management skills, leadership qualities and psychological well-being; students who work 20 hours or less may improve their prospects for academic success.