Working While in College: How to Balance School and Work

June 04, 2025

Posted by STLCC in Paying for College 

Working while going to college is common, especially if you’re paying bills, supporting family or trying to avoid taking on more debt. It can also be stressful. Between class, homework, work shifts, transportation and life outside of school, your schedule can fill up fast.

So, can you still work your way through college?

For many people, yes, but it may look different than it did for previous generations. Working through college today often means making a realistic plan, choosing an affordable college, applying for financial aid and building a schedule that leaves room for studying and rest.

You don’t have to figure it all out at once. Start by looking at your costs, your work hours and the amount of time you realistically have for school.

Start With the Real Cost of College

Before deciding how many hours to work, it helps to understand what college will actually cost. Tuition is only one part of the total cost. You may also need to plan for books, supplies, transportation, food, housing, technology and personal expenses.

Starting at STLCC can help lower the cost of college. The College’s in-district tuition rate is designed to make education more affordable. Many students also save money by living at home, commuting to campus or starting at STLCC before transferring to a four-year college or university.

You can review current tuition rates, fees and cost information on the STLCC tuition page.

Don’t Skip Financial Aid

Even if you plan to work while taking classes, financial aid can still make a major difference. Grants, scholarships and work-study can help reduce what you need to pay out of pocket.

The first step is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for federal financial aid, including grants, loans and work-study. Some scholarships and state aid programs may also use FAFSA information.

You can also review STLCC scholarships and learn more about financial aid through enrollment services.

Choose a Course Load That Fits Your Life

One of the biggest mistakes working students can make is taking on too much at once. A full-time class schedule may not be realistic if you’re also working many hours each week, caring for family or managing a long commute.

Taking fewer classes doesn’t mean you’re falling behind. It means you’re choosing a pace that gives you a better chance to finish successfully.

Before registering, think about:

• How many hours you work each week.
• How much time you need for homework and studying.
• How long it takes to get to work and class.
• How often your job schedule changes.
• What other responsibilities you have outside of school.

A student success advisor can help you choose classes, understand program requirements and build a schedule that supports your goals.

Look for Jobs That Work With School

The best college job isn’t always the one with the highest hourly pay. A job with flexibility, predictable hours or a short commute may be better for your success as a student.

Some students work in retail, food service, child care, offices, warehouses, health care, customer service or remote roles. Others look for on-campus jobs because they can reduce travel time and help students stay connected to campus.

STLCC students can use Handshake to explore jobs, internships and career opportunities.

Talk to Your Employer Early

If possible, talk with your employer before the semester gets busy. Let them know when your classes meet, when you have exams or major projects and what hours you’re available to work.

You don’t need to share every detail of your personal life. A simple, professional conversation can help set boundaries and reduce schedule conflicts.

Build Study Time Into Your Schedule

When you work while taking classes, study time can’t be something you only do when you “find time.” It needs a place in your schedule.

Look at your week and block out time for homework, reading, studying, commuting, meals and sleep. Even short study sessions can help if they happen consistently.

Try not to save all your schoolwork for your day off. That can make college feel like it has taken over your whole life. Smaller blocks of time throughout the week can be easier to manage.

Use Support Before You Feel Overwhelmed

Working students may wait too long to ask for help because they’re busy or embarrassed. Using support early can save time and stress later.

STLCC offers resources that can help you manage school, work and personal responsibilities, including:

• Academic success and tutoring
• Counseling services
• Student Advocacy and Resource Center
• Enrollment services

If work, money, transportation, stress or class difficulty starts to affect your ability to stay enrolled, reach out. You don’t have to wait until there is a crisis.

Know When to Adjust

Balancing work and college isn’t always smooth. Some weeks will be harder than others. If your schedule isn’t working, that doesn’t mean you failed. It means your plan may need to change.

You may need to reduce work hours, take fewer classes next semester, switch to a different section, use tutoring, change your study routine or talk with an advisor about your options.

Pay attention to warning signs such as missing class often, falling behind on assignments, feeling constantly exhausted or having no time to study. Those signs usually mean something needs to shift.

Working Through College Can Still Be Done

Working while attending college isn’t easy, but it can be possible with the right plan. Choosing an affordable college, applying for financial aid, setting a realistic course load and using support services can help make work and school more manageable.

You don’t have to do everything all at once. What matters most is building a path you can keep going with.