Institute for Research on Labor and Employment

More than half of college students today must work, often in low-wage jobs, to cover the rising costs of tuition and living expenses. As inflation climbs and institutional financial support remains limited, students continue to shoulder the compounded effects of economic precarity, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the pressures of balancing work, academics, and personal well-being. These overlapping challenges have placed a significant strain on the mental health and stability of worekrs and learners. This study builds on previous research examining the experiences of workers and learners, or students navigating employment and education in a post-pandemic context. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study draws on 151 survey responses and 30 in-depth interviews conducted in July and August 2022 with students attending public colleges and universities in Los Angeles. Findings highlight the economic, emotional, and academic tradeoffs faced by working learners and underscore the need for stronger institutional and policy interventions to support student workers’ success and well-being.