Is it Beneficial to Work While Attending College Full-Time?

There is a significant overlap between students who drop out of college and those who attempt to work a full-time job while studying full-time. Conversely, students who manage to complete their degrees on time frequently do so by engaging in part-time work of 9–12 hours per week. Understanding the impact of combining work and academic responsibilities is crucial for students aiming to succeed in higher education.

The Impact of Full-Time Work on College Success

Enrolling in a full course load typically requires a commitment of 45 hours per week. This includes 15 hours of classroom time spread over 15 credit hours, along with an additional 30 hours of studying, homework, and reading. Adding another 40 hours of work to this schedule would mean working an exhausting 85-hour week.

Many students who attempt to carry such a load find it unsustainable. They either reduce their course load to part-time status or decide to quit altogether. For those who opt for part-time enrollment—ranging from 6 to 9 credit hours—they often end up juggling another 12 to 18 hours of coursework with 40 hours of part-time work, leading to a lengthy 8-year graduation timeline. Additionally, these students accumulate more debt because they take longer to graduate, losing crucial four-year opportunities to advance in their careers.

Working Part-Time for Students: A Better Strategy

Despite the challenges, students can find a balanced approach by working part-time outside of college. Engaging in 10 to 15 hours of part-time work while maintaining full-time student status can lead to improved time management skills without the extreme pressures associated with a full-time job. However, it is essential to avoid overloading oneself with 40-hour work commitments on top of the already demanding 35 to 50 hours of academic obligations.

Expert Advice and Observations

During nearly three decades of advising students, I have not seen a single advisee who managed to work a full-time job throughout their entire college experience and still graduated in four years or less. Many took five to six years, while those who completed their degrees in three years did so by focusing exclusively on their studies and leading a very modest lifestyle.

Students should consider the potential consequences of full-time work during their college years. Engaging in excessive work can severely impact their ability to retain and apply the knowledge they are paying for. For instance, spending all that tuition money on education but failing to fully benefit from it is counterproductive. Maximize your knowledge gained and avoid the wasted expense by prioritizing your studies.

Alternatively, students can work part-time and attend classes full-time. Studies have shown that students working 10 to 15 hours a week outside of college can improve their time management skills. However, it is crucial to strike a balance and not exceed that threshold to avoid burnout and maintain a viable academic performance.