Slow Economy Affects College Students

This year college students are not only struggling with the high cost of college; but are also experiencing the adverse effects of a slow economy. The state of the economy is affecting college students and how they spend their money. In the past several weeks I’ve read a few articles on various ways college students are looking to make and/or save money. For example, more and more college students are looking to stay on campus rather than finding off-campus housing; some students are maintaining one or more jobs while still in college; and many students are not buying as much as they have in the past while many are choosing necessities over things they would like to have, but find they can do without.

An article in today’s Long Island Newsday, More Students Enter Workplace While Still in College, discusses how college students are being forced into making money by working while still in college. The article goes on to say that according to the National Survey of Student Engagement, 66 percent of college seniors reported working for pay off-campus.

Although a large number of students have always worked to help pay their way through college; the rising number of college students entering the job-market while still in college, could become a major issue in a small college community with a tight job market. In addition to part-time jobs, paid internships and college work study programs are other alternatives to help students make money to be able to use toward college expenses. For a list of paid internships/part-time jobs, check with the Career Services Office at your college.

• Campus Housing Options Scarce
• Weak Economy puts strain on college students’ wallets