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In the age of multitasking and hybrid learning, working while going to college is quite common:

• Roughly 40% of undergraduate students work at least 30 hours per week while attending school—according to a Georgetown University report.
• One third of working learners are 30 or older.
• One in four working learners is simultaneously attending full-time college while holding down a full-time job.
• And on top of that, about 19% of all working students have children.

Interestingly, working during college has been shown to lead to higher earnings later. In a study of more than 160,000 public university students, those who held a part-time or full-time job while going to school averaged post-college earnings up to $20,000 higher than classmates who did not work in college. 

Raritan Valley Community College attracts many students who juggle work with school. Some work full-time while also pursuing full-time college. Others take college classes at night while working and/or parenting during the day. Everyone’s situation is unique, and RVCC is dedicated to offering support through flexible scheduling, convenient online classes, and many student services to help you along the way.

How to Balance Work and School

When working full time and going to school, it can be challenging to fit in everyday errands and tasks. This can be especially true if you’re balancing work, school, and parenthood. Try these lifestyle hacks and practical tips for shaving some hours off your day-to-day routine

• Use your commute wisely. Read or study while on the train or listen to an audiobook while driving to knock out assigned reading. Writing a paper? Find a podcast that pertains to the subject matter and do your research while walking your dog or running on the treadmill.
• Order your groceries online and schedule them for delivery or curbside pickup. Most grocery apps save your favorite items so you can easily reorder them.
• Skip a trip to the drugstore. Use an online pharmacy and have your prescriptions delivered by mail.
• Put all your bills on autopay to minimize time spent on administrative tasks. Also be sure to take advantage of banking apps for quick deposits and transfers.
• Consider meal prepping at the beginning of the week or cook a large batch of food at once so you’ll have plenty of leftovers. This should help with making healthier food choices as well.
• Many doctors and mental health professionals now offer telehealth visits. This is a great option for quick appointments during your lunch break at work or in between classes.
• Speaking of lunch breaks, if you’re lucky enough to have ample time, try to cross off errands you would typically do on the weekend—like manicures or a carwash.

How to Optimize Your College Journey

As an adult learner or working professional, you may be looking for ways to streamline your college experience so you can graduate sooner. One way to do so is by taking courses during RVCC’s Winter Session. By earning credits in the “off season,” you’ll be a few steps closer to your degree or certificate.

Some students take Winter classes for a different reason. They prefer to spread out their workload throughout the year, so they’re not overburdened during the Fall and Spring semesters. Either way, Winter classes are a smart choice.

Attend an Upcoming Information Session

Take steps to enroll for the Spring Semester. You will have the opportunity to speak with an enrollment coach; explore financial aid options; submit admissions documentation; meet with an academic advisor; and more!

Information Sessions events will be held at RVCC, 118 Lamington Road, Branchburg, NJ.
Register here.

About RVCC

When searching for a “college near me,” you’ll come up with plenty of options. RVCC is one of the best alternatives to private universities and state schools. Conveniently located for students in the Somerset County and Hunterdon County area, it is ranked #1 among community colleges in New Jersey by WalletHub.com and Niche.com. The College offers more than 90 degree and certificate programs, from academics to professional training programs. Visit www.raritanval.edu for more information.