How to Succeed Working Full-Time in College for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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According to Georgetown’s 2018 study, 7 in 10 students work while attending college (Carnevale and Smith, 2018). In 2018, 43% of full-time undergraduate students had jobs, while 10% were employed 35 hours or more a week (NCES, 2020). Referred to as the ‘working learners’ by Georgetown University, these students with full-time jobs still have to take out loans to finish a degree.

The high cost of getting a bachelor’s degree usually leaves students caught between chasing and earning a degree program on time and working full-time. Studies suggest that full-time college students are more likely to graduate, but working students are often affected by the competing demands of school and their full-time jobs. With this in mind, perhaps you may be asking yourself, “Should I work full-time in college?"

If you are about to make a decision on whether to simultaneously study full-time and work full-time, this guide is for you. This will help you sort out the factors that can affect the success or failure of your plan to work full-time while studying full-time. Tips are also provided to help you stay on track should you decide to go ahead with your plan to study and work at the same time.

Working Full-Time In College Table of Contents

1. Should I work full-time in college?
2. How Can Advanced Degrees Enhance Career Prospects While Balancing Work and Studies?
3. Is an Accelerated Bachelor's Degree a Smart Option While Working Full-Time?
4. Can Additional Online Certifications Boost My Career Prospects?
5. How Can Competency-Based Degrees Support a Work-Study Balance?
6. Reasons Why Students Work Full-Time While Attending College
7. Can I have a full-time job and go to school full-time?
8. How Can Online Learning Cater to the Needs of Mature Working Students?
9. How To Work Full-Time and Go To College Full-Time
10. How can I manage financial stress while working full-time and attending college?
11. Can short-term certification programs bolster my career while studying full-time?
12. How can accelerated graduate programs enhance my career without disrupting full-time commitments?

Should I work full-time in college?

Working full-time and attending college full-time can be challenging, but it is possible.

The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) cites the rising cost of college as the primary reason why students have to work while attending college. On average, full-time undergraduates in the lowest family-income quartile had to allot $9,143 for college in 2016 (Perna and Odle, 2020).

According to AAUP data, between 2008-2009 and 2017-2018, the average tuition and fees increased by 36% in public four-year institutions and 34% in public two-year institutions. During the same period, the median family income increased by a mere 8%. Moreover, in 2018-2019, the maximum Pell Grant covered only 60% of tuition at public four-year institutions (Perna and Odle, 2020).

With these factors in mind, the cost of attending college has been increasing faster than overall family incomes. And while federal, institutional, and state grants are increasing, they are insufficient to meet the financial needs of college students. As such, working full-time has become the solution for many college students. This allows them to earn their degree while avoiding the accumulation of student loan debt.

However, doing this can be quite a handful. It will require excellent time management skills, grit, and determination to be able to balance these responsibilities. If you feel you are up for the task, perhaps working full-time while studying is for you.

How Can Advanced Degrees Enhance Career Prospects While Balancing Work and Studies?

Working professionals often explore advanced degree options that complement their current roles and promote long-term career growth. These programs are designed with flexibility in mind, offering formats that accommodate busy schedules without compromising academic rigor. Advanced degrees provide specialized knowledge, strategic insight, and enhanced leadership skills, all of which are critical in today's competitive job market. For instance, professionals interested in refining their expertise in policy and administration may consider online MPP programs, which are tailored to meet the unique demands of working learners while delivering practical, career-focused education.

Is an Accelerated Bachelor's Degree a Smart Option While Working Full-Time?

For working learners seeking to minimize program duration without compromising academic quality, an accelerated pathway can be a strategic alternative. These programs consolidate coursework into shorter periods, thereby reducing overall time-to-degree and aligning more effectively with fluctuating work schedules. Additionally, the condensed format may enable quicker integration of newly acquired skills into the professional sphere, ultimately enhancing career progression. For individuals evaluating flexible education options, exploring an accelerated bachelor's degree could provide a viable avenue to meet both immediate financial obligations and long-term educational aspirations.

Can Additional Online Certifications Boost My Career Prospects?

In today’s competitive job market, supplementing your degree with targeted credentials can markedly enhance your employability and professional development. Online certification programs offer skill-specific training that aligns with rapidly evolving industry standards and can be completed alongside full-time work and studies. By enrolling in accredited certification programs online, you gain practical expertise that not only complements your academic learning but also demonstrates a proactive commitment to continuous improvement. These credentials can lead to increased job opportunities, higher salary potential, and a versatile skill set that meets the demands of modern employers.

How Can Competency-Based Degrees Support a Work-Study Balance?

Competency-based degree programs offer a flexible structure that allows working students to progress at their own pace while demonstrating mastery of relevant skills. This format minimizes scheduling conflicts and streamlines academic progress by recognizing prior work experience and learning achievements. Such programs empower students to tailor their education according to professional demands, thereby enhancing both career readiness and academic success. For more details on these flexible education models, consider exploring competency-based online colleges.

Reasons Why Students Work Full-Time While Attending College

To finance the net price of attending college

The net price of college is defined by the federal government as the total cost of attendance minus any student scholarships. The total out-of-pocket expenses for one year of college is the net price. If the total cost of tuition, food, rent, books, transportation, supplies, and other expenses for one academic year is $20,000, and your financial aid amounts to $7,000, your net price or out-of-pocket expense will be $13,000. Students who do not have access to other financial resources opt to get a full-time job to finance their studies.

To avoid accumulating huge college debt

According to research by Georgetown University (2015), working learners have less student debt than students who do not work. From 1998-1999 to 2018-2019 the annual total borrowing among undergraduate and graduate students from federal and non-federal sources increased 101%, which is equivalent to $53 billion (Perna and Odle, 2020). The extra money that you will earn can be used to pay off your loans, instead of waiting for the time that you finally graduate to start making payments.

To boost future earnings

In a survey of more than 160,000 students who held part-time or full-time jobs while studying, Rutgers University and the City University of New York (CUNY) found that post-college earnings are at least $20,000 higher than students who did not work in college (Douglas and Attewell, 2019). One factor here is that working students are able to avoid taking out loans for their studies. Plus, if they did apply for loans, they are able to start paying for them even while they are still earning their degree.

To gain experience and develop transferable skills

Working through college delivers at least three benefits—skill acquisition, signaling, and social networks (Douglas and Attewell, 2019). Working while studying develops soft skills and also cognitive skills, which are valued by employers. Managing to work and study at the same time signals to your recruiter your potential value as an employee.

While working full-time and attending college on a full academic load may seem difficult, Wendy Patrick, a lecturer at San Diego University shares that based on a number of studies, working while still in school enhances the students’ ability to meet deadlines and to work under pressure. Working learners develop a sense of discipline, responsibility, and structure, which are important traits that contribute to a successful life (Waller, 2016).

Can I have a full-time job and go to school full-time?

Keeping a full-time job and having a full load of coursework in school is doable. The Georgetown University report “Learning While Working" (2015) states that over the last 25 years, more than 75% of college students have been working while enrolled, and 25% of working learners are simultaneously employed full-time while enrolled in college full-time.

Huntington-Klein and Hill (2020) conducted a study on the relationship between semester course load and student performance. Among the variables mentioned that affect student performance is employment while studying. The authors were able to establish that there is limited evidence that work and other time demands harm the student’s academic performance. In most cases, multiple responsibilities even lead to improved school performance.

Another study by Beattie et al. (2019) examined the behavior and study habits of college students. Their work “What sets college thrivers and divers apart? A contrast in study habits, attitudes, and mental health" found that time management plays a huge factor in academic performance. Published in the Economics Letters, the study identified that “the sharpest difference between Thrivers and Divers is in terms of how they spend their time. Most Divers report studying for only five hours per week when not facing immediate deadlines, and show a large tendency to cram. In contrast, Thrivers study on average more than half a standard deviation more than Divers and are much more confident about their time management."

One option to be able to work full-time while in college is to enroll in an online degree program, which, in general, has more lenient college application deadlines. With the pandemic shifting the education landscape, more students are choosing online learning due to its significant advantages. This does not mean, however, that online learning will be easier. But it will give you extra time for your studies because commute time will be eliminated, and you will have the flexibility to access your lessons anytime.

You can also choose to take the accelerated degree programs or the competency-based curriculum offered by institutions, both on-campus and online. Look for schools that grant credits for life and work experience, and also for schools that identify your competencies through test-out methods. There may be no easy way but you can definitely find the right programs and course formats that will fit your requirements.

So, can you work full-time and go to college full-time? Yes, you can. The more appropriate question, however, should start with the word “how."

How Can Online Learning Cater to the Needs of Mature Working Students?

For many mature professionals balancing full-time work with academic pursuits, online education offers a uniquely adaptable approach that complements extensive professional experience and evolving life responsibilities. Flexible scheduling, asynchronous coursework, and tailored support systems help mitigate conflicts between career advancement and educational development. Additionally, these programs frequently integrate real-world applications that immediately benefit the learner's current job role. For mature students seeking a curriculum designed for their life stage, consider exploring the best online degrees for 60 year olds to identify programs that recognize the value of extensive work history and prioritize practical career outcomes.

How To Work Full-time and Go To College Full-Time

Life hacks are good to know, but in working full-time while in college you will need more than that. As a student and as an employee, you will have to solve problems that differ in intensity. Moreover, you will face situations that will require you to carefully examine your priorities and make trade-offs along the way.

One thing is certain — devising ways on how to work full-time and go to college full-time requires a strategy. It pays to have clarity, and hopefully, the following tips will help you as you work full-time while earning a college degree.

Have a Plan

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail" is a well-known quote from Benjamin Franklin. Just as you have an awareness of your key performance indicators (KPIs) in the workplace, in the same manner, check your syllabus before the semester starts. Check the tasks and other coursework requirements in school. Plan ahead. Identify which tasks in your syllabus would require the most amount of time and start working on them.

Develop Effective Study Habits

What kind of learner are you? How is your reading speed? Take time to identify the most effective way for you to engage with your coursework and all the reading materials. This will not only save you time, but in doing so you will also develop new strategies that will deliver the most value to your study time. In his book The Power of Habit, Duhigg (2012) explained that MIT researchers identified three core elements that contribute to the formation of every habit — cue, routine, and reward. You may use Duhigg’s model to establish habits that will contribute to your self-improvement.

Stay Organized

To avoid being overwhelmed, list down your tasks and make a schedule every day. Creating a to-do list keeps information instantly available and keeps you less overwhelmed. Familiar with the phrase “Eat the frog"? This means that you have to do your most important task, which is often the one you dread the most, first thing in the morning. Getting a major task off your back will help you calmly run the rest of the day.

Focus on One Task at a Time

By now, you probably know that multitasking is problematic and inefficient (Ricard, 2020). Research by Stanford University and the University of Michigan both established that multitasking reduces performance and productivity. Your brain is only wired to perform a single task at a time. So practice being in the zone. Just flow. Shut off your notifications while working or studying. If possible, stay offline until you finish that reading material.

Keep Your Manager Informed

It is important that your manager knows your school schedule. Keep your manager informed of your school-related activities as you do not want to disrupt your everyday operations in the workplace. Most employers give working learners benefits in the form of flexible work schedules, while others allow work from home arrangements so long as assigned tasks are turned in on time.

Explore Work-Study Programs

In the event that your manager seems uncooperative, explore your options. You may look for work-study programs offered by colleges and universities, or you may also look for another job that can accommodate your current situation. Employers differ but it is good to know that there are organizations that find value in employees that persevere to study while at the same time keeping their full-time jobs. Keep exploring and you will find the right organization that will fit your needs.

Use Productivity Tools

Now is the best time to use the productivity methods you have learned in previous seminars and training. From Covey’s Four Quadrants of Time Management to the Eisenhower Matrix, there is a wealth of free productivity apps for students that you can try. Mobile productivity apps are also available to keep you on track. Check which one fits your requirements.

Take Care of Yourself

We only function optimally if there is alignment between mind, body, and spirit. Performing multiple roles can take the best of you, but do not let that happen. Take care of your body by getting enough rest and staying healthy. Take care of your mind by practicing mindfulness. Mindfulness promotes academic resilience (Baumgartner and Schneider, 2021). Remember, your productivity is compromised once you neglect yourself.

Recharge Often

In exercise and in any taxing activity, rest and recovery are important. Your breaks need not be a vacation to the Bahamas, but it will not hurt if you can afford one. The point is to allow yourself to unwind and recharge. Work smart. Do not try to accomplish everything at once. If possible, ask for help. You will be surprised how people around you would be more than willing to help you out.

Focus On Your Ultimate Objective

Identify the endgame and picture it. Whenever you get distracted and discouraged, remind yourself of why you are subjecting yourself to all the studying, reading, and working. You have a goal, and you have identified your win. Keep going.

How can I manage financial stress while working full-time and attending college?

Managing financial stress is essential for students juggling work and studies. Here are strategies to alleviate financial burdens and maintain stability:

• Create a Detailed Budget: Track all expenses, including tuition, rent, utilities, and personal costs. Identify areas where you can cut back, such as dining out or entertainment, and allocate funds toward essential expenses. Budgeting apps like Mint or YNAB can simplify this process.
• Maximize Financial Aid and Scholarships: Explore all available financial aid options. Many scholarships cater to non-traditional or working students, including grants, work-study programs, and employer-sponsored scholarships. Check for any potential tuition reimbursement programs at your workplace as well.
• Reduce Housing Costs: Consider alternatives like shared housing, living with family, or applying for on-campus jobs that offer free or discounted accommodation. Reducing housing costs can significantly decrease financial stress.
• Utilize Student Discounts and Campus Resources: Many colleges offer free services, such as counseling, career support, and health resources. Take advantage of student discounts for software, transportation, and entertainment to lower daily expenses.
• Build an Emergency Fund: Even small contributions can provide a safety net for unexpected expenses. This fund can prevent the need to take on high-interest debt for emergencies.
• Prioritize Debt Repayment: For those managing student loans or credit card debt, focus on minimizing interest payments. Try to make at least minimum payments on time and allocate extra income toward high-interest debt to reduce long-term costs.
• Use Flexible Payment Plans: If your school offers tuition installment plans, consider enrolling to spread tuition payments throughout the semester instead of paying upfront. This can alleviate financial strain by aligning tuition payments with your income flow.

Can short-term certification programs bolster my career while studying full-time?

In today’s competitive landscape, pursuing targeted credentials can provide an edge without extending your academic journey. Short-term programs not only sharpen industry-specific skills but also demonstrate to employers a commitment to ongoing professional development. For instance, enrolling in 3-month certificate programs that pay well can rapidly enhance your expertise, making it easier to transition theoretical knowledge into practical workplace solutions. By integrating these compact courses with your college curriculum, you can diversify your skill set and streamline your path toward career advancement.

How can accelerated graduate programs enhance my career without disrupting full-time commitments?

Accelerated graduate programs are structured to deliver advanced expertise within a condensed timeframe, enabling professionals to elevate their careers without extending academic deadlines. These programs offer flexible scheduling, immersive coursework, and immediate applicability to current job roles, ensuring that the learning process meshes seamlessly with demanding work responsibilities. By choosing fast-track options, you can gain critical leadership and technical skills quickly, positioning yourself for greater career opportunities while maintaining full-time professional and academic commitments. For further insights into concise and effective graduate education, explore 1 year master's programs online free.

Take the First Step to Working Full-Time in College

There is a complex set of factors that determine one’s performance, most especially those who manage to earn a college degree while at the same time working full-time. While psychological capital, intelligence, and personality play an important role in managing to simultaneously work and study in college, the basic tenets of hard work, self-discipline, and excellent time management remain.

Students have different reasons and different motivations as to why they need to work and study at the same time. It can be a real challenge to manage multiple priorities, but nothing beats hard work and perseverance. With the right approach, and perhaps the right school organization apps, you can definitely succeed in working full-time while studying full-time in college.

Key Insights

• Prevalence of Working Students: A significant portion of college students work while attending school, with 7 in 10 students working according to Georgetown's 2018 study.
• Financial Necessity: The rising cost of college education often necessitates that students work full-time jobs to finance their studies and avoid accumulating significant student loan debt.
• Impact on Academic Performance: Studies indicate that while working full-time and studying full-time can be challenging, it is possible with good time management and organizational skills. In some cases, working can even lead to improved school performance.
• Skill Development: Working while studying helps students acquire valuable skills such as time management, discipline, and responsibility, which are highly valued by employers.
• Flexible Learning Options: Online degree programs and competency-based curriculums offer flexible learning options that can help students balance work and study.
• Employer Support: Some employers provide benefits to working learners, such as flexible schedules and remote work options, to accommodate their academic commitments.

FAQ

1. Can I work full-time and attend college full-time? Yes, it is possible to work full-time and attend college full-time, but it requires careful planning, excellent time management, and organizational skills. Many students successfully balance both by utilizing flexible learning options and seeking supportive work environments.
2. What are the main reasons students work full-time while attending college? Students work full-time to finance their education, avoid accumulating debt, gain work experience, and develop skills that are valued by employers. Additionally, working can provide a sense of discipline and structure that benefits academic performance.
3. How does working full-time impact academic performance? While working full-time can be demanding, research indicates that it does not necessarily harm academic performance. Effective time management and organizational skills are key to balancing work and study. Some studies even suggest that working students may perform better academically.
4. What strategies can help students succeed while working full-time and attending college full-time? Strategies for success include having a clear plan, developing effective study habits, staying organized, focusing on one task at a time, keeping your manager informed of your school schedule, exploring work-study programs, using productivity tools, taking care of yourself, recharging often, and focusing on your ultimate objective.
5. What are some alternative learning options for students who work full-time? Online degree programs, accelerated degree programs, and competency-based curriculums offer flexible learning options that can help students balance work and study. These programs often provide the flexibility to access coursework at any time and reduce the need for commuting.
6. How can I manage my time effectively while working and studying? Effective time management involves creating a daily schedule, prioritizing tasks, breaking down larger tasks into manageable parts, avoiding multitasking, and using productivity tools and apps to stay organized. It’s also important to set realistic goals and allow time for rest and recovery.
7. What should I do if my employer is not supportive of my academic commitments? If your employer is not supportive, explore other job opportunities or work-study programs that can accommodate your academic schedule. Some employers value employees who are pursuing higher education and may offer flexible work arrangements or other benefits.
8. How can working while studying benefit my future career? Working while studying helps develop transferable skills such as time management, discipline, and responsibility. It also provides work experience, which can enhance your resume and make you more attractive to future employers. Additionally, working students often have higher post-college earnings and less student debt.
9. What are some challenges of working full-time while attending college full-time? Challenges include managing multiple responsibilities, dealing with time constraints, maintaining a work-life balance, and avoiding burnout. It’s important to stay organized, set priorities, and seek support from employers, family, and friends.
10. How can I stay motivated while balancing work and study?

Staying motivated involves setting clear goals, visualizing your endgame, celebrating small achievements, seeking support from peers and mentors, and maintaining a positive mindset. Remind yourself of the benefits of earning your degree and the opportunities it will provide in the future.

References:

• Baumgartner, J.N. and Schneider, T.R. (2021), A randomized controlled trial of mindfulness-based stress reduction on academic resilience and performance in college students, Journal of American College Health, https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2021.1950728
• Beattie, G., Laliberte, J.P., Michaud-Leclerc, C. and Oreopoulus, P.(2019), What sets college thrivers and divers apart? A contrast in study habits, attitudes, and mental health https://doi.org/10.1016/j.econlet.2018.12.026
• Carnevale, A.P. and Smith, N. (2018), Balancing Work and Learning, https://cew.georgetown.edu/cew-reports/learnandearn/#resources
• Carnevale, A.P., Smith, N. Melton, M. and Price, E.W. (2015), Learning While Earning: The New Normal, https://cew.georgetown.edu/cew-reports/workinglearners/
• Douglas, D. and Attewell, P. (2019), The Relationship Between Work During College and Post College Earnings, https://doi.org/10.3389/fsoc.2019.00078
• Duhigg, C. (2012), The Power of Habit, New York: Random House, https://www.amazon.com/Power-Habit-What-Life-Business-ebook/dp/B0055PGUYU
• Huntingtom-Klein, N. and Gill, A. (2020), Semester Course Load and Student Performance, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11162-020-09614-8
• Perna, L.W. and Odle, T.K. (2020), Recognizing the Reality of Working College Students, https://www.aaup.org/article/recognizing-reality-working-college-students#.YVqUDtpBzIV
• Ricard, S. (2020), The Fallacy Of Multitasking, https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2020/01/31/the-fallacy-of-multitasking/?sh=1d4846066ba4
• Waller, N. (2016), Full-time students double workload with full-time jobs, https://websterjournal.com/2016/02/17/full-time-students-double-work-load-with-full-time-jobs/