Table of Contents
Overview
A growing number of students are juggling academics with part-time or full-time jobs, often at the expense of their mental health and well-being. Explore the data behind student work trends and offers five actionable strategies for campuses to better support working learners.
Student success isn’t one-dimensional. It’s personal. It’s practical. And more often than not, it’s happening on a tight schedule between classes, jobs, and late-night study sessions.
That’s why this takeaway from our recent national college student survey stood out loud and clear:
Nearly nine out of 10 (87%) of incoming students say they plan to work—either part-time or full-time—while enrolled in college.
The students headed to college campuses this fall across the country are driven. They’re determined. And they’re doing a lot more than just showing up to class. But all that drive comes with a cost and a call to action for the colleges and universities focused on supporting the success and well-being of students.
How Many Students Work While in College?
For today’s students, working during college isn’t the exception. It’s the norm. And the reasons run deeper than just covering books and tuition.
Here’s what we know about college students:
- 74% of part-time and 40% of full-time college students are employed while enrolled
- Nearly half of working students clock 30+ hours a week, often while managing a full course load
Financial pressure, family responsibilities, and future job aspirations all intersect in complex ways. This reality is especially pronounced for students from historically marginalized backgrounds. They are more likely to work longer hours and face greater financial and mental health challenges.
When Does Working Help or Hurt Student Success?
Working during college can be beneficial. It builds real-world skills, fosters discipline, and may even support academic success. However, there’s a clear tipping point when students work more than 20 hours per week.
Here’s how this amount of hours can become detrimental to student success:
- Students face higher risks of burnout, disengagement, and mental health concerns
- Some students begin identifying more with their jobs than with their academic identity, leading to disconnection from campus life
- Sleep, social connection, and self-care are often the first things students deprioritize
Students aren’t asking for an easier experience. They’re asking to be seen as whole people navigating more than a syllabus, the dining hall, and campus life. By integrating flexible, around-the-clock support like TimelyCare, campuses can empower students to balance their responsibilities without sacrificing well-being.
Hear how virtual support can better align with student schedules than relying on only on-campus resources.
5 Ways to Support Working Students
Balancing work and school is no small feat, but with the right support, working students can thrive. Consider these five ways college and university leaders can support working students in achieving both academic and professional success.
1. See the Whole Student
Acknowledge that “full-time student” and “full-time employee” can go hand-in-hand. Build flexibility and empathy into policies, programs, and every student-facing interaction.
2. Expand Hours, Remove Barriers
Most working students can’t make a wellness or advising appointment between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. TimelyCare’s 24/7 services, such as TalkNow, scheduled counseling, medical care, success coaching, and self-care tools, let them access care on their terms.
3. Normalize Help-Seeking
Stress at work doesn’t have to mean that a student will struggle academically. Talk openly about burnout, boundaries, and when to seek support. Normalize early mental health engagement before a student hits their breaking point.
4. Equip Faculty and Supervisors
Faculty and campus employers are key touchpoints for students. Give them tools and language to advocate for students’ health and well-being. Sometimes, a flexible deadline on an assignment or a personal check-in can help keep a student engaged, healthy, and enrolled.
5. Rethink Belonging
Students who work may miss traditional campus engagement opportunities. Create community through virtual, asynchronous, or nontraditional formats that meet students where they are. Some examples include virtual study groups, evening or weekend networking events, flexible office hours, and mentorship opportunities available via video calls.
How to Provide Support That Fits Students’ Lives
Today’s students are capable and resourceful, but they shouldn’t be expected to manage everything on their own. At TimelyCare, we believe care should adapt to students’ lives—not force them to choose between success and support.
Contact us to learn how we can help your campus thrive.
Key Takeaways
- 87% of incoming students plan to work while in college
- Nearly half of working students clock over 30 hours a week
- Students who work 20+ hours face higher risks for burnout and disengagement
- 24/7 support option, like TimelyCare, expand access to care and fit student schedules
- Campuses can enhance student success through empathy, flexibility, and access
FAQs
Students often work to manage tuition, support family, or build career experience. Many face financial stress that makes employment a necessity.
Moderate work (under 20 hours/week) can support academic success. However, excessive work often leads to stress, burnout, and reduced engagement.
Campuses can provide flexible policies, 24/7 support services like TimelyCare, and create inclusive spaces that acknowledge students’ competing responsibilities.
Mental health is a major factor. Students balancing work, school, and personal responsibilities are more likely to experience stress, anxiety, and burnout.
