On top of academic stress, college students worry about paying bills
Do you find yourself balancing your checkbook instead of studying for a math test? Are you holding a part-time job just to pay for rent while you work toward your degree? You're not the only one. According to a recent survey by Inceptia, a nonprofit advocate for education financing, nearly three-quarters of students enrolled in college are worried more about paying for school than finishing their homework on time.
"The study concluded that there is a clear link between financial stressors and academic progress and performance," said Kate Trombitas, author of the study. "The media consistently reports about mounting student debt, increased college costs and high unemployment rates. Our study reveals how those stressors, in some cases, are hurting students' performance and progress."
The main contributor to students' stress wasn't making friends, getting good grades or avoiding the infamous Freshman 15 - it was student loan debt. Given 11 different stressors, students identified the cost of education, borrowing money and the current unemployment rate as the most worrisome.
Numerous colleges and universities are trying to alleviate financial burdens by providing online education options. Catered to students who are trying to keep full-time jobs in order to make ends meet, these web-based programs are both flexible and more affordable. Of course, you should look into your current financial situation to determine whether or not going to school right now is a smart choice. Whether you're relying on your parents to pay for school or plan to be in charge of your own college budget, try to reduce the risk of going further into debt as much as possible.
