Financial and Working Conditions, Employment Motivations, and Academic Outcomes of Working University Students: The Case of Süleyman Demirel University, Türkiye

Özet

Purpose – Paid work has become a common part of student life in Türkiye, yet its academic and social effects remain poorly researched. This study explores how financial conditions, working environments, and employment motivations relate to academic outcomes among undergraduates at Süleyman Demirel University.
Design/methodology/approach – Using survey data from 410 working students, the study applies descriptive and inferential statistical analyses to examine patterns of student employment and their academic implications.
Results – Most students worked to cover basic living costs, often in low-paid and frequently unregistered service jobs with little connection to their field of study. More than half reported schedules exceeding forty-five hours per week, and these long hours were strongly associated with lower GPAs. Students with limited family support were also more likely to view employment as a necessity. Despite some gains in independence and self-discipline, students described work mainly as a means of survival rather than career development.
Discussion – The results point to a structural problem in higher education. Employment enables access but often negatively affects academic achievement. Higher education policy thus should prioritise financial aid, fair working conditions, and academically relevant on-campus working opportunities.