From financial strain and the pressures of work, external challenges often weigh heavily on college students, threatening their ability to perform academically. College life is often pictured as a time of freedom and opportunity, but according to a recent National College Attainment Network (NCAN) study, 71% of students had experienced financial difficulties while in school, making the reality clearly different. 

Rising tuition costs and financial instability often force college students to take on multiple jobs to be able to stay afloat and keep attending school. In addition to that, the exhaustion of balancing work shifts with late-night study sessions can become a heavy burden that can lead to lower grades. 

NCAN’s survey honed in on how financial instability affects college students’ success academically. It showed that 34 percent of students took out student loans and 55 percent of those students have great debt.

Based on this survey we can see that the majority of college students experience financial stress. Rising tuition, housing costs, and even textbook fees often push students into part-time or even full-time jobs. The stress financial instability causes eats away at students’ time and energy which is needed for classes or even studying, limiting their academic potential.

NCAN’s study also focused on how work can disrupt academic success. The survey concluded that 25 percent of students who had jobs missed class due to job conflicts. 

While working when attending college can help build valuable skills needed in life, it can become very overwhelming when the demands of employment affect the student’s academic responsibilities. Late-night shifts, unpredictable schedules and even pulling long hours can result in missed classes, or unfinished assignments. Over time, balancing full-time work and college may leave students struggling to keep up with their academics.

The academic success of college students is not just about putting in effort and intelligence alone. Financial instability and job demands are powerful external forces that often dictate whether students thrive or fall behind in today’s time. Recognizing these challenges can be the first step toward change, whether that includes stronger campus support systems, financial aid, or flexible academic policies.

If you are experiencing economic stress, or having a hard time balancing the external pressures of life as a college student, help is always available by seeking campus resources. At Highline College, we have a counseling center that is always willing to assist students with any personal issue you may encounter. Counselors can be available to meet by making an appointment with them Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m – 3 p.m.