A majority of undergraduate students work while enrolled, and many face significant challenges related to financial instability, long work hours, and limited access to support services. Drawing on findings from the Fall 2024 Student Financial Wellness Survey, this brief explores how employment intersects with students’ academic, financial, and personal lives. Among respondents, 67% reported working for pay, contributing to time poverty, lower academic engagement, and elevated rates of food and housing insecurity. Many students still feel their institutions were insufficient in recognizing or responding to their financial struggles. The brief highlights the need for flexible academic structures, targeted financial aid, and expanded student services to better support working learners and promote their long-term success.
