*The opinions expressed within the content are solely the author’s and do not reflect the website’s or its affiliates’ opinions and beliefs.
Many students in the United States are struggling to afford basic necessities. Roughly 14 million college students are enrolled in college and employed, which can disrupt student academic performance as financial responsibilities take priority. On average, students have to balance 17 hours of homework and studying with attending classes and working shifts. Higher student wages would reduce long working hours and give students more flexibility to focus on their academic work.
Across the United States, the wages of part-time student employees range from $14.66 to $18.51 for college students. These wages are inadequate in comparison to the high average living costs of $2,932 per month and increased tuition rates of $29,150 per year. Sixty-five percent of college students are working to cover living expenses, and 29 percent are paying for tuition. Additionally, 80 percent of college students are interested in earning and spending money. With student wages ranging from $14 to $19, it would take working many shifts to cover the living expenses of $2,932 per month. This would lead students to prioritize work more so that they can achieve financial stability, resulting in a lack of focus on their academics. Additionally, students who work several shifts a week may miss out on opportunities at school, such as sports, clubs and activities.
With current student wages, despite working several hours a week, only 18 percent of students are able to cover the cost of school on their own while enrolled. Most students rely on student aid and loans even while generating an income. If student wages were increased, student reliance on loans and aid could decrease as students are better able to cover the cost of their education. One Temple University student said that she would be able to earn nine hours of wages in her typical six-hour shift with a wage increase, which would ultimately reduce the number of hours she had to work and increase her ability to focus on school. Another student mentioned that raising wages would allow her to work one job instead of two while still meeting her financial needs.
Critics of higher wages are concerned that a rise in the minimum wage will lead to job losses. According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, an estimated 18,000 fast-food jobs have been lost in California since the minimum wage for fast-food workers was increased to $20 an hour in April 2024. However, economists say that this is a short-term problem. California previously increased its fast food minimum wage from $9 to $15.50 between 2015 and 2023, and in the long term, the job market ultimately grew by 142,000 jobs. While the job market may suffer in the short term, as it has in California since its April 2024 minimum wage increase, history has shown that such an increase will ultimately benefit workers and increase the availability of jobs.
Higher student wages can improve the daily lives of students by alleviating financial and job-related stress. This provides more flexibility to students who need to balance both academic and work life, offering additional opportunities to those who have been struggling financially and allowing them to prioritize academic work, rather than stressing over long working hours.
