Here’s the bottom lines:
- Having an on-campus job is associated with positive long term post-graduate earnings. A campus job is also one of the best things for retention as well.
- Working off-campus is associated with with lower long term post-graduate earnings.
This data looks at the 2013 ISU graduating class and follows their incomes for 10 years after graduation. Holding an on-campus job is associated with about $600/month in additional earnings compared to students who did not hold an on-campus job. That’s about $7200 a year.
Why is on-campus employment associated with higher post-graduate earnings? And off-campus jobs are associated with lower earnings?
One obvious answer is that students who hold off-campus jobs work because they have to. Students who don’t have to work can leverage social networks for higher paying jobs.
Another answer is that students who hold off-campus jobs only have so much time. They miss out on learning opportunities inside and outside the classroom. Regardless, there’s a lot universities can do to engage and retain these students.
There are a lot of benefits to working on campus. Students with on campus jobs are connected and develop affinity for the campus. On campus jobs are closer and more convenient. There are more opportunities for mentoring and practical learning experiences. Students develop career skills more aligned with their long-term life and career goals. Some on-campus jobs are work study.
Here’s the data
Data source: 2023 NSSE. Survey data matched with state of Illinois income records.
