With college tuition and the cost of living rising, many students find themselves in the position of having to be employed while trying to attend classes. This study examines the effects that employment has on college students' academic achievement and other possible factors that might have contributed.
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of college student employment on academic achievement. Presently, 55% to 80% of students are employed while attending college (Miller, 1997; King, 1998). These high percentages have led some to believe that students who work suffer from decreased academic performance (Steinberg, Fegley, & Dornbusch, 1993). However, others feel that employment can have a positive effect if in the proper proportions (Dallam & Hoyt, 1981). Research regarding this topic is mixed. Consequently, the current study will attempt to provide further empirical evidence with which to better understand the effects of employment on academic achievement.